The Superior Court is a court of general jurisdiction over cases relating to criminal felonies, juveniles, families, probate/mental health, tax, and civil. The Judicial Branch, headed by a Presiding Judge, includes the Superior Court, and the departments of Adult and Juvenile Probation.
Arizona employs a three-tier judicial system: Trial Courts of Limited and General Jurisdiction (Municipal Courts, Justice of the Peace Courts, and Superior Courts) Intermediate Appellate Courts (Divisions One and Two of the Arizona Court of Appeals) High Court (Arizona Supreme Court)
The Maricopa County Justice Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over all small claims filings within Maricopa County. In the justice court you may file a Small Claims lawsuit claiming an amount UP TO AND INCLUDING, $3,500.00.
A brief description of the parties (e.g., their name and address). Allegations demonstrating that the court has subject matter jurisdiction, personal jurisdiction, and venue to adjudicate the claims in the complaint. A concise yet thorough statement of the factual allegations that form the basis of your complaint.
In the Rule 11 process, the Court orders two Mental Health Experts to meet with the defendant, conduct competency evaluations, review records, and render opinions on the legal competency status of the defendant in reports submitted to the Court.
Superior courts serve as both court of first instance for felonies and other cases, as well as an appellate court for matters appealed from municipal and justice courts. The superior court is the state's only general jurisdiction court and it hears the widest variety of cases.
Matters of probate (wills, estates); dissolution or annulment of marriages (divorces); naturalization and the issuance of appropriate documents for these events; and, special cases and proceedings not otherwise provided for, and such other jurisdiction as may be provided by law.
The plaintiff files a document (complaint) with the clerk of the court stating the reasons why the plaintiff is suing the defendant, and what action the plaintiff wants the court to take. A copy of the complaint and a summons are delivered to (served on) the defendant.
Most civil cases involve disputes related to breach of contract, the collection of a debt, monetary compensation for personal injuries, or property damage. The party that initiates a civil case is the plaintiff and the party that responds to the case is the defendant.
A plaintiff representing herself may obtain and fill out a prepared Complaint form from the Clerk of the Court at the courthouse or online at each county court website or by visiting . The Complaint must be filed with the Clerk of the appropriate court.