How to file a small claims case in Alaska, step by step

Ask for payment in writing

Alaska doesn't require a demand letter before filing, but asking in writing first can help.

Use the free demand letter generator, give them 10–14 days, and keep a copy with proof of the date you sent it.

Check the limit and your deadline

In Alaska you can sue for up to $10,000 in the District Court (Small Claims).

Run the 60-second case check to see the last day you can file.

Collect the details the form asks for

• Your full name, address, phone and e-mail
• The defendant's exact legal name and a street address where they can be served
• The amount you're asking for (up to $10,000) and how you got that number
• The date and place the problem happened
• A short plain description of what happened
• Whether you agree to receive court papers by e-mail

Find the defendant's exact legal name

Use the company's exact legal name and serve its registered agent.

Search: Alaska Division of Corporations Entity Search.

Gather your evidence

• The contract, lease, invoice or receipt
• Photos of the damage, dated if possible
• Texts, emails and letters with the other side
• Two written repair estimates or proof of what you paid
• Your demand letter and proof it was sent
• Names and contact details of any witnesses

Get the right form

SC-1: Small Claims Complaint. Get the form.

Describe your claim clearly

• Who: you and the defendant, with full legal names and addresses
• What: the agreement or event, in 2–4 plain sentences
• When: the date it happened
• How much: the exact amount (no more than $10,000) and how you calculated it
• What you did: when you asked for payment and their response

Sign it the right way

Sign the complaint; no notary is needed.

Make copies

Keep a copy of everything you file, plus one copy of the complaint and summons for each defendant.

File your claim

Choose how you'll file:

File at the District Court nearest where the defendant lives or works, where the injury or damage happened, or where a business does business.

Pay the filing fee

$50 for claims of $2,500 or less and $100 for larger claims. Serving the papers (certified mail or a process server) costs extra. Can't afford it? Ask for a fee waiver: Exemption from the Payment of Fees (form TF-920).

Keep what the clerk gives you

The clerk issues the summons with a case number. You then have the defendant served by certified mail or a process server within 120 days.

Have the papers served

You arrange service: send it by certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt, or hire a process server (a state trooper serves where no server is available). Then file an Affidavit of Service (form SC-4).

Serve within 120 days of filing. The defendant then has 20 days to answer (40 days if served outside the U.S.).

File proof of service

SC-4 Affidavit of Service

File it with the court after service; for certified mail, attach the signed green return receipt.

If service fails

Don't wait until the hearing. Ask the clerk right away for a new hearing date and try another method, such as personal delivery instead of mail, or a different address.

Watch for the defendant's response

The defendant has 20 days after service to file an Answer (SC-3). They can admit, deny, counterclaim, ask to move the case, or ask for formal court rules.

Settling before the hearing

If you settle, file a Dismissal (SC-9), or an Agreement that Judgment be Entered (SC-25) if they will pay over time.

Get any settlement in writing, signed by both sides, with the amount and payment date.

Line up your witnesses

A witness who saw what happened is stronger than a written statement; some judges won't accept letters.

Ask the clerk to issue a subpoena for a witness, then have it served.

Prepare your file

• Three copies of every document: for you, the judge and the defendant
• A one-page timeline of what happened, with dates
• A short sheet showing how you calculated the amount
• Photos printed or ready on your phone (ask the clerk if screens are allowed)

On the day

• You'll get at least 15 days' notice of the trial date
• Ask to appear by phone with form SC-31 if you can't come in person
• Bring copies of every document and your evidence in date order
• Bring your witnesses, or ask the clerk for a subpoena
• There's no jury; the judge or magistrate may ask questions directly

Tell your story

Speak to the judge, not the other side. Stay calm, answer the question asked, and don't interrupt.

If someone doesn't show up

If the defendant doesn't answer, file a Default Affidavit and Request for Judgment (SC-8); check the defendant's military status first. If you miss the trial, your case can be dismissed.

Know the appeal rules

Either side can appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days of the date the judgment is given or mailed, using form AP-100. The Superior Court reviews the record; it doesn't hold a new trial. An appeal doesn't stop collection.

Collect your money

The court doesn't collect for you. If they don't pay, ask for a Writ of Execution to take money from wages, a bank account, or the debtor's Permanent Fund Dividend.

Close the case once you're paid

Keep proof of every payment. When you're paid in full, tell the court; some courts require a satisfaction-of-judgment form.