General Family Law

If for any reason you cannot at appear at a hearing scheduled by the court, you may request a continuance to postpone the proceedings. Some states make the continuance as easy while others require...

If you find yourself being sued in small claims court, you may want to transfer your case to a different court. If you feel the plaintiff filed in the wrong court or you live too far away, you can...

Attending court can be a harrowing experience even if you have a strong case. It may seem to be a better choice to avoid a hearing. If you admit to owing the money, then you may also want to...

While a small claims case is less expensive than filing a suit in a higher court, you should still estimate the cost and budget appropriately. With fees required for almost every form you file,...

In most states, filing a small-claims suit means giving up the right to a trial by jury. Usually the defendant can request the suit be moved to a higher court in front of a jury.

There are time limits, called statutes of limitation, during which you must file your small-claims suit in order for it to be valid. There is no federal time limit set for small-claims court. Each...

While the judge will listen to your side of the story in a small claims suit, you should gather as much evidence as possible to substantiate your claim. Depending on your case, evidence could mean...

Attending court, even small claims court, can be intimidating and time-consuming. Depending on your case, you may wish to avoid a hearing and speak with a mediator who will work with both parties...

In small claims cases, it is possible and even advisable to subpoena a witness in many states. Even if the witness agrees to testify at your hearing, an official subpoena may allow a postponement...

In order to file a lawsuit in small claims court, you must find and file the proper forms. Since many people choose to represent themselves instead of turning to lawyers, forms are readily...

Small claims court may be a less inexpensive venue for resolving legal disputes, but it is not suitable for every case. It does allow consumers and small businesses a less formal way to sue, but...

If you are being sued in a small claims case, you have the right in every state to file a counterclaim against the plaintiff. A counterclaim allows the judge to decide claims both parties have...

While most states will not allow you to file a small claims suit against someone who lives out of state (there are a few exceptions), you can file your case in the other party's state. Filing an...

An earnings claims statement is a document given to prospective franchisees that outlines the financial history and future predictions of the franchise's profits, sales and expenses. This...

Though early patents didn't contain them, patent claims have since become the essential part of patents. They are the heart of the product or technology, and claim what the invention does. They...

Small claims court provides an easy venue to resolve legal disputes with a relatively low monetary value. While the setting may be informal and the forms simple, the case must still be taken...

Small claims courts in Arizona handle civil disputes that do not exceed $2,500. These courts offer a quick and inexpensive way to resolve many common legal matters.

The small claims court has jurisdiction over civil cases where the plaintiff is seeking an amount under the state's limit, which runs the gamut from $1,500 in Kentucky to $15,000 in Tennessee,...

For cases under $7,500 in California, you may file in small claims court. Landlord/tenant disputes, auto accidents and collection of money owed are cases that often land in small claims court.

Small claims court offers a quick and inexpensive way to resolve legal issues in cases involving small amounts of money in New York. These courts allow everyday people to settle disputes fairly...

While small claims court is supposed to be a quick and easy way to navigate the civil court system, not all judgments end in your favor. Depending on the state you filed suit in, you may be able...

While small claims court is generally less formal than justice court, you should still prepare for your appearance before the judge. You will need to gather your evidence, plan your presentation...

While small claims court procedures differ depending on the state you live in, there are some basics to understand. Since you most often defend yourself in small claims court, you should prepare...

Once you have filed a suit in small claims court, the defendant must be served with the claim and a notice to appear. This is called the service of process in many states.