Law lets small-claims defendants seek up to $5,000

The law allows a court to decide compulsory counterclaims up to $5,000. This applies to defendants' compulsory counterclaims in small claims and consumer claims cases. If the court finds more than $5,000 is due on a counterclaim exceeding that amount, it enters a decision against the plaintiff and awards the defendant costs only; the defendant may still sue separately. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

The law states a $75 fee for starting a case under this chapter, with $20 set aside for mediation and related costs. The fee applies to a plaintiff filing a small claims or consumer claims case. The $20 amount is collected with the then-current postal rate for mailing case notices. A technology surcharge also applies under the referenced law. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

The law states a $75 filing fee for a defendant's appeal and for a plaintiff appealing a decision on a counterclaim. These fees apply to appeals in cases under the small claims and consumer claims chapter. A defendant who fails to answer and defend a consumer-product buyer's claim for damages against a seller or manufacturer loses the right to appeal or seek a new trial in superior court. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.