The small claims limit in Hattiesburg is $3,500. Filing fees are $30 to $60. Enter your claim amount below to check eligibility and see how to file.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Enter your claim amount to see if it qualifies for small claims court in Hattiesburg.
Small claims court in Hattiesburg handles disputes up to $3,500. Attorneys ARE permitted in Mississippi justice court (small claims), though many parties represent themselves. The same $3,500 limit applies to individuals and businesses in justice court. Cases are filed at the Forrest County Justice Court (Small Claims).
| Detail | Hattiesburg Small Claims |
|---|---|
| Maximum Claim | $3,500 |
| Filing Fee Range | $30 to $60 |
| Attorneys Allowed? | Yes - permitted but optional |
| Where to File | Forrest County Justice Court (Small Claims) |
| Typical Hearing Time | 30 to 90 days after filing |
| Business Claim Limit | $3,500 |
Hattiesburg is a regional hub of southern Mississippi known as the Hub City, home to the University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University, with an economy built on higher education, healthcare, and proximity to Camp Shelby.
| Local Metric | Hattiesburg (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 48,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Forrest County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 78 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $17.75/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $37.00/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $900/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,100/month |
| Median home price | $180,000 |
| Median household income | $42,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 7% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.8% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the C2ER Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
The maximum claim in Hattiesburg is $3,500, set by Mississippi law. The same $3,500 limit applies to individuals and businesses in justice court. Larger disputes must be filed in a higher court.
Attorneys ARE permitted in Mississippi justice court (small claims), though many parties represent themselves.
File at the Forrest County Justice Court (Small Claims), generally in the county where the defendant lives or does business or where the dispute happened. Filing fees are typically $30 to $60 depending on the claim amount.
Filing fees in Hattiesburg run about $30 to $60, and fee waivers are available for low-income filers. You may also have small costs to serve the defendant by certified mail or through the constable or sheriff.
Most small claims hearings in Hattiesburg are scheduled within roughly 30 to 90 days of filing. Bring all contracts, receipts, photos, and any witnesses to the hearing.