The small claims limit in Madison is $10,000. Filing fees are $22 to $95. 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 Madison.
Small claims court in Madison handles disputes up to $10,000. Attorneys ARE permitted in Wisconsin small claims court, and the process is designed to be accessible without one. The same $10,000 limit applies to individuals and businesses, though eviction and some other claims follow different rules. Cases are filed at the Dane County Circuit Court, Small Claims Division.
| Detail | Madison Small Claims |
|---|---|
| Maximum Claim | $10,000 |
| Filing Fee Range | $22 to $95 |
| Attorneys Allowed? | Yes - permitted but optional |
| Where to File | Dane County Circuit Court, Small Claims Division |
| Typical Hearing Time | 30 to 90 days after filing |
| Business Claim Limit | $10,000 |
Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and home to the University of Wisconsin, with an economy anchored by state government, higher education and research, healthcare and biotechnology, insurance, and a fast-growing technology sector.
| Local Metric | Madison (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 270,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Dane County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 102 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $21.00/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $42.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,500/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,800/month |
| Median home price | $380,000 |
| Median household income | $72,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 5.5% |
| Effective property tax rate | 1.85% 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 Madison is $10,000, set by Wisconsin law. The same $10,000 limit applies to individuals and businesses, though eviction and some other claims follow different rules. Larger disputes must be filed in a higher court.
Attorneys ARE permitted in Wisconsin small claims court, and the process is designed to be accessible without one.
File at the Dane County Circuit Court, Small Claims Division, generally in the county where the defendant lives or does business or where the dispute happened. Filing fees are typically $22 to $95 depending on the claim amount.
Filing fees in Madison run about $22 to $95, 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 Madison are scheduled within roughly 30 to 90 days of filing. Bring all contracts, receipts, photos, and any witnesses to the hearing.