Small Claims Court in Faulkner County

In Faulkner County, AR small claims cases are filed in the Circuit Court. Faulkner County has one District Court that handles small claims, serving different jurisdictions.

Squabble is here to assist you in navigating the small claims court system and filing a claim with ease. We recognize that not everyone is a legal expert, and our goal is to simplify the process for you. This guide will answer your questions about filing claims in the Faulkner Court System.

Small Claims Court

In every district court across Arkansas, there's a special division called Small Claims Court. It's designed to help everyday people resolve disputes involving $5,000 or less, quickly and without the need for a lawyer.

The process is straightforward and less formal than other court proceedings. It gives both sides a fair chance to present their case and reach a resolution under the law, making it ideal for minor legal matters.

If you're 18 or older, you can file a case in Small Claims Court. If you're under 18, you’ll need an adult, like a parent, guardian, or another trusted adult, to help you file and represent you at the hearing.

It’s also important to know that Small Claims Court isn’t open to everyone. Collection agencies, their agents, or businesses that lend money with interest aren’t allowed to file cases here. This court is meant for individuals, not companies in the business of collecting debts.

Whether it’s a disagreement over a repair job, unpaid rent, or a personal loan, Small Claims Court can be a helpful way to settle things without a lot of legal complexity.

Small Claims Court in Arkansas

If you're dealing with a legal issue involving a small amount of money—say, $5,000 or less—Small Claims Court can be a practical way to resolve the matter without needing a lawyer. Here's what you need to know about how it works in Arkansas.

What Types of Cases Can Go to Small Claims Court?

Small Claims Court handles a variety of disputes, such as:

• Damage to personal property
• Money someone owes you
• Disputes over contracts or agreements
• Problems with security deposits
• Warranties or undelivered personal property worth $5,000 or less

Filing Deadlines Matter

How long you have to file a case depends on the type of claim:

• Written contracts: File within 5 years
• Oral agreements: File within 3 years
• Other types of claims may have different deadlines, so it’s good to check beforehand.

Cases You Can't File in Small Claims Court:

You can’t use Small Claims Court for things like:

• Divorce or child custody
• Guardianship
• Name changes
• Bankruptcy
• Disputes over who owns or possesses real estate

Where You File Your Case

You must file your case in one of two places:

• The county where the defendant (the person you’re suing) lives, or
• The county where the event or obligation occurred (like where work was supposed to be done or money exchanged)

How Do You File a Case?

1. Fill out a Complaint Form
   • You’ll need to complete a legal form called a complaint. Most district court clerks have this form available.
2. Pay a Filing Fee
   • This usually costs between $30 and $65, depending on the court.
3. Information You’ll Need:
   • Your name and address (the plaintiff)
   • The defendant’s exact legal name and address
   • The amount of money you're claiming OR a description of the property
   • A short but clear explanation of why the defendant owes you

What Happens After You File?

Once you file your complaint, the court clerk will give you papers to notify the defendant. The court might serve them through:

• Certified mail
• A sheriff’s deputy
• Another authorized process server

You’re responsible for these service costs, but if you win, the court may order the defendant to reimburse you.

How Should the Defendant Respond?

The defendant should file a written answer explaining their side of the story. If they believe you owe them money, they can also file a counterclaim.

• They usually have 30 days after being served to respond.
• The defendant must also send a copy of the response to you and the court.
• Even if a written answer is filed, the defendant must appear in court on the hearing date.

How to Prepare for the Hearing

To give yourself the best chance of winning, bring everything you need to support your case:

• Evidence: Photos, receipts, contracts, text messages, canceled checks, anything that helps
• Witnesses: If they won’t come voluntarily, ask the clerk about a subpoena
• Organize: Prepare a simple timeline of events to clearly explain what happened

In Court:

• Speak respectfully
• Dress appropriately
• Direct your comments to the judge, not the other party
• Don’t interrupt or argue

What Happens During the Hearing?

• Both sides get a chance to tell their story and show evidence.
• The judge makes a decision based on the facts and law.

If the Defendant Doesn’t Show Up

The judge may issue a default judgment in your favor, but you still have to prove your case.

If You Don’t Show Up

Your case may be dismissed, and the judge might rule on any counterclaim the defendant filed.

How Can You Collect Your Money If You Win?

Winning your case is only the first step, collecting your judgment is your responsibility. You can use two legal tools to collect what you're owed:

1. Writ of Garnishment This lets you take money from the defendant’s:

• Wages (up to 25% of their net income)
• Bank account

You’ll need:

• Their employer’s name and address
• Their bank’s name and address
• To pay a small filing and service fee (added to what they owe you)

The employer or bank has 10 days to respond. Stay in touch with the clerk’s office to know when your money is available, you won’t be called.

2. Writ of Execution If garnishment doesn’t work, this allows the sheriff to:

• Seize property (like a TV, car, or furniture)
• Sell it at public auction to pay your judgment

It's a complicated and costly process:

• You must file the proper form and pay fees
• Post a bond in case the property doesn't belong to the defendant
• Pay for storage, advertising, and possibly towing—but these can be reimbursed

Can You Appeal a Judge’s Decision?

Yes, but act fast:

• You have 30 days from the date of judgment to appeal.
• Appeals go to circuit court in the same county.
• You’ll have to pay a new filing fee.
• If money was awarded, you might also need to post a bond for that amount.

Courthouse Location:

Faulkner County District Court

810 Parkway St.
Conway, AR 72034
(501) 450-6112
https://conwayarkansas.gov/district-court/

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

• Conway
• Greenbrier
• Vilonia
• Gibson
• Mayflower
• Wooster
• Guy
• Holland
• Enola
• Twin Groves
• Mount Vernon

Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Faulkner County

Don't allow the intricacies of the legal system to discourage you from pursuing justice and compensation for your claim. With Squabble, you have a dedicated partner to streamline the process and guide you toward resolution. Whether you're contemplating filing a claim at Faulkner County small claims court, Squabble is here to support you at every stage. Reach out to us today to commence your journey toward justice and compensation. Get started today and become one of the 95% of our customers who won or settled their case.