Arizona Small Claims Court Hearing — What to Expect

The Format

Arizona small claims hearings are informal compared to regular civil court. There's no jury, no formal rules of evidence (A.R.S. § 22-515 suspends the Arizona Rules of Evidence in small claims), and attorneys are barred unless both sides agree in writing. Most hearings wrap up in 30–45 minutes.

A Justice of the Peace or appointed Hearing Officer runs the proceedings. Hearing officers are trained judicial officers under A.R.S. § 22-506, and their rulings carry the same legal force as a Justice of the Peace.

What Happens in Order

1. Call to order and oath. The judge verifies both parties are present and administers the oath. Everything you say from this point is under oath.

2. Plaintiff's presentation. You explain your case — why you're owed money, what happened, and how much you're claiming. Keep your opening summary tight: state the core facts in 60–90 seconds, then walk through your evidence document by document. The judge has read nothing before this moment.

3. Cross-examination. The defendant and the judge can ask you questions about your testimony and evidence. Answer directly — don't volunteer information beyond what's asked.

4. Defendant's response. The defendant presents their side, including any counterclaim (up to $5,000). They submit their own documents and testimony.

5. Plaintiff responds to the defense. You can question the defendant about their testimony and address any counterclaim evidence.

6. Closing statements. Each side gets a brief final word. Summarize the key facts — don't repeat everything. The judge either rules immediately or takes the case under advisement and mails a written decision within 10 calendar days.

What to Bring

Prepare three identical sets of all your evidence: one for the judge, one for the defendant, and one for yourself. Organize each set in a binder or folder with tabs, in chronological order:

• Contracts or written agreements
• Payment records (bank statements, checks, Venmo screenshots)
• Communication logs (printed texts, emails, letter copies)
• Photographs (timestamped, printed, labeled)
• Repair estimates or invoices
• Your demand letter and the signed certified mail return receipt
• A one-page chronological timeline of the dispute

Under Supreme Court Rule 123, redact Social Security numbers, full bank account numbers, and driver's license numbers from anything you submit to the court.

Local courts generally require you to share exhibits with the opposing party 7–10 days before the hearing. Check your court's specific rule — some require uploading to an online portal, others accept hand delivery.

Remote Hearings

Many Arizona Justice Courts now offer hearings via Microsoft Teams or Zoom. If you receive a remote hearing notice, test your camera, microphone, and internet connection the day before. Have your evidence scanned and ready to screen-share, and keep physical copies in front of you for reference.

If you lack internet access, courts typically have self-service computer kiosks available at the courthouse.

If Someone Doesn't Show Up

If the plaintiff doesn't appear, the case is dismissed without prejudice — you can refile, but you pay a new filing fee. If the defendant doesn't appear, the court considers the plaintiff's evidence and may enter judgment if it supports the claim and the amount requested.

The Ruling Is Final

Under A.R.S. § 22-519, there is no right of appeal in small claims. The judge's decision is binding and final. The only post-judgment remedy is a Motion to Vacate under ARSCP Rule 16, available within six months for limited grounds like fraud, defective service, or newly discovered evidence.

The Arizona Small Claims Filing Guide includes an evidence binder checklist and opening statement worksheet to help you organize your presentation before hearing day.

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