How to File a Small Claims in Indiana
Filing a small claims case in Indiana is a quick and inexpensive way to resolve a dispute with someone who owes you money. You can file a small claims suit in Indiana if the amount of the case is $6,000 or less. Although you do not need a lawyer to represent you in a small claims case, it may be best to seek legal advice. You have the burden of proving your case. Your evidence must be more convincing than the defendant's evidence.
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Instructions
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Go to the court in the county where the defendant lives or works or where the transaction, agreement or incident took place.
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Complete several copies of a Notice of Claim. In this form, you will briefly describe the nature and amount of the claim. The forms are available from the clerk of court's office.
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Give two copies of the agreement, contract or accounting statement to the clerk. One copy is for the court and the other is for the defendant.
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Supply the defendant's name, address and telephone number to the clerk.
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Pay the filing fee. Filing fees vary by county. The clerk will inform you of the appropriate fee. If you win your case, the judge will order the defendant to repay this money to you.
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Receive your trial date and time from the clerk. In many courts, this trial is used to discover whether the defendant is going to dispute the claim. If the defendant does not appear in court, the judge will find the defendant in default, thus you win the claim. If the defendant does appear in court and disputes the claim, the judge may set a subsequent trail date.
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