How to Represent Yourself In Small Claims Court

Small claims court is also known as “The People’s Court” and that is because the parties aren’t required to have legal counsel; they can represent themselves in a proceeding. Whereas the cost of a trial might be less because there is no lawyer bill,the outcome could be shocking if you don’t know how to represent yourself. Here are some facts you need to know.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Booklets and information on small claims court
• Supporting documents
• First hand witnesses
• Wisdom

1. You need to understand what small claims court is, how it works, what its limitations are and the court procedure. To do this, go to your nearest Courthouse and tell the clerk that you will be representing yourself in a court proceeding. Then get all the pertinent information available: pamphlets, forms, updates, general info and take them home and study them thoroughly.
2. If you have any concerns, call the legal hotline number that should be in your package, and take your free minutes of legal advice.
3. Avoid taking advice from friends. Their experiences and knowledge could be very wrong or outdated and could gravely hinder your success.
4. This court deals with facts and not hearsay evidence. Any statement or concept you claim to be right must be supported with legal document-ation.
5. Any witnesses you bring in to support your case must have first-hand knowledge of the issues and cannot be third parties.
6. The court gives judgment by weighing out the facts presented by both sides. So, don’t expect to win just because you think you should.
7. Judges do not favor lawyers over self-represented persons. What they do prefer is the fact that lawyers are experienced counsel who know the law and know how to present the law to the court.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not confident that you can present your case properly and efficiently before the court, then you need to seek legal counsel.