You can ask the other side if they'll agree to a payment plan.
The other side may agree to let you pay them over time. If they do, put your agreement in writing. Make sure your agreement talks about what happens with interest. Both sign the agreement.
Fill out two forms:
This asks the judge to order that you can make payments. The second page of the form has more information about the process for you.
This lets the judge and other side know about your financial situation so the judge can decide if you can make payments.
Make two copies of the forms. If there's more than 1 person or business on the other side, make a copy for each of them.
Take the original and copies of the forms to the small claims clerk. The clerk will stamp the forms filed. The clerk will keep the original and mail a copy to the other side. The other copy is for you.
The other side then has 10 days to file a response. If they don't respond, the judge will assume that they agree you can make payments. If they disagree, the court will set a court date so a judge can hear from both of you.
The court will mail you either the judge's decision to let you make payments or a notice with a court date.
Small claims collection
If you can't make the payments or the judge decided that you can't pay over time, the other side may take legal steps to collect the money from you.
Get information about what happens if you can't pay or stop making payments
