Small Claims Court in Pulaski County, Arkansas: Little Rock Filing Guide

Filing in the Little Rock District Court

For cases handled by Little Rock District Court in Pulaski County, the court operates a dedicated Small Claims Division. It handles claims up to $5,000 under A.C.A. § 16-17-704, and attorneys are not allowed to appear — you represent yourself. Confirm the correct district court department for your location with the clerk.

The court publishes a "Notice to Plaintiff" form and a standardized complaint template, though the PDF links on the municipal server have a history of going down. If you cannot find the forms online, call the clerk's office or visit in person to get the current packet.

Fees at the Little Rock District Court

The base small claims filing fee in Pulaski County is $65. Beyond that, budget for:

• Sheriff service: Varies by county; request a quote from the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office when you file
• Certified mail service: Postage cost for USPS Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, Restricted Delivery (typically $10–$15)
• Writ issuance (garnishment or execution after a judgment): $10 per writ
• Certified copies: $5 per copy
• Plain copies: Standard municipal rate per page

If filing fees are a barrier, you can file a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis under ARCP Rule 72. The judge must find your claim has a colorable basis before waiving the fee.

Venue Rules — When to File in Pulaski County

You may file in the district court department serving where the defendant resides, where the contract was executed, negotiated, or is to be performed, or where the property damage occurred. If the defendant lives in another county, confirm the proper venue with the clerk.

Pulaski County is one of the state's larger counties with multiple court departments serving different geographic zones. Make sure you are filing in the correct department — the clerk will accept a filing even if venue is wrong, but the judge can dismiss it later.

How to Serve the Defendant

After filing, serve the defendant within 120 days under ARCP Rule 4(i). If you cannot complete service by then, file a motion for extension before the deadline; otherwise, the court dismisses the action without prejudice. You cannot hand the papers to the defendant yourself. Three options:

Certified mail — Unless you request sheriff or other authorized service, the clerk mails the claim form with its notice by USPS Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, with Restricted Delivery. The return receipt is from the addressee only and must show the defendant's or authorized agent's signature. No separate summons is required under District Court Rule 10.

Sheriff service — The clerk can direct service through the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. A deputy personally delivers the papers and files a Return of Service.

Court-appointed process server — A private process server can serve the papers, but only after being formally appointed by court order under ARCP Rule 4(c).

The defendant must be served at least 10 full calendar days before the hearing date. If you miss the 120-day deadline without an extension, the court dismisses the action without prejudice.

The Hearing

Little Rock's Small Claims Division conducts hearings before a district judge. Proceedings are informal — no formal discovery, no technical evidence rules — but you still need to come prepared. Bring three copies of every document: one for the judge, one for the defendant, and one for yourself. Organize everything chronologically.

If the defendant does not show up and you have proof of valid service, tell the judge. A default judgment may be requested if the defendant failed to file a written answer within 30 days of service (60 days if incarcerated); you still need evidence establishing the amount owed. If you do not show up, the judge dismisses your case.

Either party can appeal within 30 days from the docket entry awarding judgment to Circuit Court (de novo review, $165 filing fee).

For the complete Pulaski County filing process — demand letter template through post-hearing deadlines — our Arkansas small claims filing guide covers every step with printable checklists and a deadline calendar.

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