Small Claims Court in Hot Springs, Arkansas: Garland County Filing Guide

Garland County District Court

Hot Springs is the county seat of Garland County, part of the 18th Judicial District. The district court handles small claims for Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, Mountain Pine, Lonsdale, and the rest of the county.

The Small Claims Division hears money disputes up to $5,000 under A.C.A. § 16-17-704. Both parties represent themselves — attorneys are barred from the courtroom. If the defendant's attorney enters an appearance or files a responsive pleading, the case moves to the Civil Division and formal rules kick in.

You file in Garland County if the defendant lives there or the dispute arose there — a contractor who did work on your Hot Springs property, a landlord who withheld your deposit on a Garland County rental, or someone who damaged your car in the county.

What It Costs

The reported range for small claims filing fees at rural district courts in Garland County is $30–$50. Call the Garland County District Court clerk to confirm the exact amount.

Other costs to plan for:

• Sheriff service: around $50 per defendant
• Certified mail: postage plus restricted delivery fees
• Writs (garnishment or execution): confirm the current fee with the clerk
• Certified copies: confirm the current fee with the clerk

If you qualify as indigent, you can petition for a fee waiver under ARCP Rule 72. The judge reviews your finances and the merits of your claim before deciding.

Filing Your Complaint

Visit the clerk's office to pick up the local complaint form. Arkansas does not have a single statewide small claims form — Garland County uses its own.

Fill in the defendant's full legal name and address, describe the dispute in plain language, and state the amount you are claiming. Bring three complete copies of everything — the complaint and all supporting documents. If you are suing a business, verify the legal name through the Secretary of State Business Entity Search.

Pro se filers are not required to use the eFlex electronic filing system. You file on paper at the clerk's window or by mail.

Service and Deadlines

Serve the defendant within 120 days of filing (ARCP Rule 4(i)). Options:

• Certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt — defendant must sign the green card personally
• Garland County Sheriff — personal delivery with a filed Return of Service
• Court-appointed process server — requires a court order

The defendant needs at least 10 days' notice before the hearing date. If service fails, get an alias summons and try another method before the 120-day deadline.

The Hearing

Garland County's small claims hearings follow the informal format used statewide. You present your case to the judge, show your evidence (three printed sets), and answer questions.

If the other party does not appear after valid service, you can request a default judgment. The judge may rule from the bench or take the matter under advisement and issue a written ruling later.

The losing party has 30 calendar days from the docket entry of judgment to appeal to Circuit Court under District Court Rule 9, paying $165 for a de novo trial.

Complete Filing Guide

For the full step-by-step process — from demand letter to post-judgment enforcement — the Arkansas Small Claims Filing Guide covers every stage with printable checklists and deadline calendars.

See more Arkansas guides →