The justice courts in Arizona have exclusive jurisdiction, or authority, to hear all civil actions, when the amount involved is $10,000.00 or less.  This amount does not include interest, costs, and awarded attorney fees when authorized by law.

In a regular civil case either party may be represented by an attorney. If you elect to represent yourself you have the responsibility to yourself and to the Court to acquire sufficient knowledge to complete the forms properly and to follow your action through to conclusion.

The Court provides the necessary forms with detailed information and instructions.

Click on the link below to view the forms:
CVRC1 - Civil Complaint and Summons Packet

Filings may be subject to a fee according to the Civil Fee Schedule. If you cannot afford the fees you may apply for a Deferral or Waiver.

Other Services:

AZTurboCourt is an online service provided by the Arizona Supreme Court that will walk you through the process of completing the civil complaint form. There is a $15.00 fee for using this service. Once you have printed the forms you must file them with the Court. To begin using AZTurboCourt, click the link below.

AZTurboCourt

Complaint - A formal allegation that initiates a lawsuit.

Creditor - One to whom a debt is owed.

Debtor - One who owes an obligation to another.

Defendant - A person being sued in a civil proceeding.

Garnishee - A third party who is served a notice by a court to surrender money for the settlement of a debt or claim.

Garnishment - A process that involves a court order to direct that money from a third party (employer or bank) be seized to satisfy a debt owed by a debtor to a plaintiff creditor.

Judgment - A formal decision made by a court.

Plaintiff - A party who brings a civil suit in a court of law.

Service - The formal delivery of a legal notice.

Summons - Provides legal notice to a party about a lawsuit and may involve an order to appear and or response to the complaint.

• Is there a fee to file a civil suit?
  • Yes, per the Civil Fee Schedule. A fee is required to file the complaint with the court.


• I was served with a Civil Summons and Complaint. Now what do I do?
  • Per the Rules of Civil Procedure an answer must be filed within 20 days from the complaint being served. If a party was served out of state, then an answer must be filed within 30 days from the complaint being served. If an answer isn't filed in the time frame specified, then a default judgment can be requested.


• What is a motion? What do I write on a motion?
  • A motion is a formal written request to a judge for purposes of obtaining an order in favor of the individual(s) making the request. You can download a motion form (CVRC7) available on our website at www.jp.pima.gov. Once you have downloaded the form and specified your request you will need to mail the motion to the Court or bring it in person to 240 N. Stone Avenue Tucson, AZ 85701. A ruling will be mailed to you once the judge has reviewed the motion and made a decision.


• Is there a fee to file a motion?
  • Yes, per the Civil Fee Schedule. There is a required fee to file a motion.


• Do I need an attorney in a civil case?
  • No, there is not a requirement to be represented by an attorney in a civil case.

A party may appeal a final order or a final judgment entered in any civil case. The appeal procedure is set forth in Superior Court Rules of Appellate Procedure, and in the Arizona Revised Statutes.

To start an appeal, a Notice of Appeal must be filed with the trial court within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the judgment. If a Notice of Appeal is not filed within 14 calendar days, the judgment can no longer be appealed.

There are two stages to the appeal process. The first stage begins in the Justice Court; the second stage takes place in the Superior Court. All steps must be completed at both stages to avoid possible dismissal of the appeal. The person who files the appeal is the Appellant. The opposing party is the Appellee. The Justice Court is the trial court.

***For a complete appeal packet and instructions please view form JP410 Appeal a Civil Judgment Packet***

Pima County Consolidated Justice Court also has the authority to hear the following less frequently filed cases:

• Provisional Remedy:
  A provisional remedy is a civil request to hold property before judgment is entered. A provisional remedy is sought by the plaintiff to gain physical control of property because the property is believed to have been or may be concealed, devalued, destroyed, removed from the state, or otherwise made unrecoverable by an outside party (defendant). Due to the complexity of these actions the court does not provide the forms or instructions.
• Writ of Replevin:
  A Writ of Replevin is governed by A.R.S. § 12-1302. If a provisional remedy is granted and the defendant refuses to return the property claimed by the plaintiff, then the court may issue a Writ of Replevin or Order for Taking Property, authorizing the Constable to seize the property from the defendant. Due to the complexity of these actions the Court does not provide the forms or instructions.
• Livestock Liens:
  When a person having possession of livestock is owed for feed, pasture, or other services, he or she can file a Livestock Lien Summons and Complaint. Forms and instructions are provided by the Court.
  JP252 - Livestock Liens Instructions - Plaintiff
  JP239 - Livestock Lien Summons and Complaint
• AZCourtHelp.org:
  AZCourtHelp.org offers free assistance to all people who have legal information questions or need assistance in resolving disputes.
  
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