The small claims limit in Spokane is $10,000. Filing fees are $35 to $50. 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 Spokane.
Small claims court in Spokane handles disputes up to $10,000. Attorneys are generally NOT allowed in Washington small claims court unless the judge grants permission, which keeps the process simple and low-cost. Businesses other than sole proprietors are limited to $5,000 per claim, while individuals may claim up to $10,000. Cases are filed at the Spokane County District Court, Small Claims Division.
| Detail | Spokane Small Claims |
|---|---|
| Maximum Claim | $10,000 |
| Filing Fee Range | $35 to $50 |
| Attorneys Allowed? | No - unless the judge permits |
| Where to File | Spokane County District Court, Small Claims Division |
| Typical Hearing Time | 30 to 90 days after filing |
| Business Claim Limit | $5,000 (businesses) |
Spokane is the largest city in eastern Washington and the hub of the Inland Northwest, with an economy spanning healthcare and higher education, aerospace and advanced manufacturing, logistics, and a revitalized downtown along the Spokane River.
| Local Metric | Spokane (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 230,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Spokane County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 95 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $20.00/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $40.50/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $16.66/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,150/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,450/month |
| Median home price | $380,000 |
| Median household income | $62,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 8.9% |
| Effective property tax rate | 0.95% 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 Spokane is $10,000, set by Washington law. Businesses other than sole proprietors are limited to $5,000 per claim, while individuals may claim up to $10,000. Larger disputes must be filed in a higher court.
Attorneys are generally NOT allowed in Washington small claims court unless the judge grants permission, which keeps the process simple and low-cost.
File at the Spokane County District Court, Small Claims Division, generally in the county where the defendant lives or does business or where the dispute happened. Filing fees are typically $35 to $50 depending on the claim amount.
Filing fees in Spokane run about $35 to $50, 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 Spokane are scheduled within roughly 30 to 90 days of filing. Bring all contracts, receipts, photos, and any witnesses to the hearing.