Is it worth suing?
Winning feels good; getting paid is what matters. This calculator estimates your realistic net recovery once fees, your time and collection odds are factored in.
About half of all small claims judgments are never fully collected. A clear-eyed estimate before you file saves many people months of effort chasing money they were never going to see.
Net recovery estimate
How to read the result
The estimate multiplies your claim by the probability of collecting, then subtracts fees and the value of your time. A positive number means the case is likely worth pursuing on pure economics. A negative number does not always mean "do not sue", sometimes principle, deterrence, or a long-lived judgment justifies it, but it tells you what you are really trading.
Non-financial reasons people still sue
Filing a claim often triggers a settlement on its own; many defendants pay once served because they do not want a judgment on record. A judgment can also be enforced for years, so a debtor who is broke today may be garnishable tomorrow. Weigh those upsides against the hours involved.
Frequently asked questions
Is small claims court worth it for small amounts?
Below roughly $500 the time, fees and stress often outweigh the recovery, especially if the defendant may not pay. Above $1,500 to $2,000 most people find it worthwhile, particularly when the defendant clearly has the means to pay.
What costs come out of my award?
Filing fees, service costs, and sometimes a percentage you never collect. Courts can order the loser to repay your filing and service fees, but they rarely compensate you for your time off work.
What are my odds of actually collecting?
Winning is not the same as being paid. Roughly half of small claims judgments go partly or fully uncollected. Collection is easiest against employed individuals and solvent businesses, hardest against people with no assets or income.
Should I sue if the defendant has no money?
Often not. A judgment against someone with no income or assets is sometimes called 'a piece of paper.' Judgments are usually valid for many years, so some plaintiffs file anyway and enforce later when the debtor's situation improves.
Does the time commitment really matter?
Yes. Budget 10 to 25 hours for a contested case, including preparation, filing, serving, and the hearing. Multiply that by what your time is worth before deciding.