Small Claims Court

A small claims court is a type of civil court in which cases are tried in a short timeframe and are usually decided by a judge rather than a jury. Each state has different laws governing small claims…

When a mortgage becomes too expensive, you may feel tempted to default on homeowner association dues, but unpaid HOA dues can cost you your home. The HOA can force you to pay dues, but this depends on…

In small claims court, you can sue for small amounts of money -- ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, depending on your state -- and present the case without an attorney, if you wish. After filing a…

A motion is essentially a legal request to a judge asking for a decision about a case. This specific request varies depending on the person filing the motion, or moving party's, goals in filing the…

Everyday life can lead to accumulating debt. Purchasing a home or vehicle, or even financing higher education creates debt that requires regular repayment. Many consumers become overwhelmed by debt…

Businesses are permitted to bill for services rendered in accordance with rules set forth under the Federal Trade Commission and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act of 1978. The state of Ohio has…

Workers in the United States are protected by standards and regulations that are intended to provide a safe workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, is the government…

When two cars collide with each other or with personal or public property, fault or liability must be established so that financial responsibility can be assigned. The insurance companies will require…

A motion is a formal request to the court in a pending case. A motion to dismiss is a special type of motion that asks the court to terminate the plaintiff's suit in a civil action. If the court finds…

Filing for dismissal is one of the many ways to end a civil trial. If the presiding judge decides to dismiss a case, he may dismiss it with or without prejudice; dismissing a case with prejudice…

There are essentially two reasons an individual would want to file a motion to dismiss an appeal. If you are the appellant and decide you no longer wish to pursue the legal issues raised in your…

A court hearing is a judicial proceeding where two parties present information concerning a matter to a judge. These matters may be civil or criminal in nature. A judge will then decide if and how it…

The concept of a time-based statute of limitation on the prosecution of a criminal act draws from the system of English Common Law. The early English lawmakers theorized that no man should have to…

In response to the 2008 financial crisis in the United States, the Federal Reserve Board enacted a consumer-friendly rule, which took effect August 15, 2010, that regulates overdrawn accounts. Other…

There are few weapons in a litigator's arsenal as powerful as the motion to dismiss. It can be used to entirely drop a case before trial. The motion to dismiss, often called a b-12 motion, is filed at…

Any person dealing with the Western District Court of Missouri for any reason must notify the court of a change of address when moving. The court must have the correct address on file at all times…

A "Motion to Dismiss," also known as a "Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings," is a motion submitted to the court by a defendant seeking to have the case or claim against him dismissed. The defendant…

Listing facts on a Motion to Dismiss form can mean the difference between a case dismissal and a court hearing. A Motion to Dismiss is an official court document requesting the cancellation of a legal…

A motion is a request, either written or oral, for the judge to make a specific determination in a case. A motion, for example, may ask the judge to strike specific testimony of the witness or to…

A motion to dismiss a complaint is simply a request that the court reject a complaint that has been filed. Arizona law provides for various grounds for a motion to dismiss. However, you must file a…

When you file a Motion to Dismiss, the plaintiff or petitioner who filed the original complaint is entitled to oppose the motion. The plaintiff may file a Motion to Dismiss the Defendant's Motion to…

A motion asks the court for some form of particular relief. An individual drafts a motion on pleading paper and states the relief requested in addition to supporting law to persuade a judge to grant…

The bad news: You cannot collect on a judgment where the defendant's name is incorrect. The good news: You can petition to have the name corrected, during a court hearing or through legal…

The purpose of a motion for dismissal is to spare citizens and organizations from unjustified lawsuits. A motion to dismiss essentially questions the legality of the charges against a defendant as…

Court judgments are legal rulings awarding money to creditors. The debtor, the losing party, has one month to pay the creditor, the triumphant party, his due financial award. On the other hand,…

Lawsuits aren't always the most convenient way to settle a dispute. The cost of bringing a lawsuit to court could outweigh the potential reward. The argument could be settled faster outside of court.…

Defendants file a motion to dismiss when they feel that a case has been improperly filed against them. Reasons for filing this motion can include: the court does not have subject matter jurisdiction…

In Colorado, there are several reasons for a motion to dismiss. In the case of a protection order, the person who filed can file a motion to dismiss the protection order to remove the restrictions. If…

Once you are served with a civil suit in Florida, you have 20 days to file a response. The response doesn't necessarily have to be an answer to the complaint, it can be a motion to dismiss or a motion…

Filing a formal complaint in consumer court is the same as doing so in small claims court. The U.S. process is designed to allow people to air small-value legal issues without the requirement of being…

A properly crafted motion to dismiss a charge of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) can potentially end a criminal proceeding long before a trial, saving time and money. A person accused of DWI can file…

Because the legal fees associated with civil lawsuits are staggering, most cases never go to trial. After a complainant files suit, the respondent, the person being sued, can contest the complaint and…

Though you must be served with a summons if you're being sued in a small claims case in California, it's possible to miss the summons and be unaware that you're part of a court case. Small claims are…

A motion is simply a request made of the court. Motions must be filed in cases that are already pending with the court. Winnebago County Court provides parties with templates or forms to use for the…

A motion is simply a request of the court. For example, a Motion to Dismiss is a common motion filed requesting that the court formally dismiss a complaint that has been filed against a defendant.…

The Bay County Courthouse is located in Panama City, Fla., and is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit of Florida. You will need to file your case in the main courthouse of Bay County by visiting the Bay…

Court cases may only be transferred to another state if the matter pends in federal district court. Such is because transfer of venue is restricted within a single jurisdiction; you cannot transfer a…

A demand letter lays out to the potential defendant in your suit how he wronged you and what damages you want to collect from him. It also shows the judge that you tried to solve the matter in a civil…

A motion is simply an appeal to the court. A motion is often followed by a hearing on the matter. Motions, like pleadings, must conform to the local rules of the court. The Ohio Rules of Civil…

A plaintiff files a pleading paper when he formally files a complaint with the court clerk against a defendant. The pleading paper contains all the actions for which the plaintiff is seeking damages.…

You must reply to a defendant's motion to dismiss to avoid losing in court. A motion to dismiss lists the defendant's reasons to end the case, and the judge receives the motion to consider. Filing a…

If you have been awarded a judgment in Small Claims Court, it is your responsibility as a creditor to enforce the judgment, not the court's. Various methods of collecting the judgment on your own or…

Section III of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure provides residents with information regarding civil practice and procedure. A motion to dismiss can be filed for any number of reasons including…

Each state has different requirements for determining if a case goes to Small Claims Court or Superior Court. It usually depends on the monetary amount that is being disputed. There are certain…

When a defendant or respondent has been named the party of a complaint, petition or civil action suit, he may request that the court reject the original pleading filed. However, such requests must be…

After a pleading or motion is filed with the court, it can only be withdrawn by the court. Therefore, you can only withdraw a motion to dismiss by requesting that the court remove the previously filed…

A court summons can be scary to someone who has never before visited a courtroom. A scheduled hearing can also cause you some personal trouble, as you must attend the hearing regardless of your…

A motion is a request filed before a court by a private entity, or a state agency, asking the court to take the action requested in the motion. A court will consider the request by reviewing the…

A last will and testimony, more commonly called a last will and testament, is a legal document drawn up by an individual in anticipation of potential death. The legal profession applies the term…

All states and the federal government provide rules of civil procedure. These rules provide parties with guidelines on the procedural and administrative duties, deadlines and requirements of the legal…

Indiana allows for the filing of a motion to dismiss under Rule 41 of the Indiana Rules of Trial Procedure. A plaintiff can stipulate to a dismissal which does not require an order of the court by…

An attorney-client relationship is typically one that is based heavily on trust. In cases where the court has received motion to dismiss counsel, the court must thoroughly understand the underlying…

A Motion to Dismiss is a request that the court dismiss a complaint that a plaintiff has filed against a defendant. Motions to Dismiss are supported by a defendant's claim that a complaint is…

The small claims court handles small monetary disputes between people. These courts are largely concerned with monetary compensation of injury or harm incurred by the plaintiff. Typical claims include…

Testifying before legislative bodies can make the difference between a bill's foundering in a committee or making it out onto a House or Senate chamber floor with lots of backers. The task might be…

A motion to dismiss in Wyoming is filed by a party when he or she believes that the opposing party cannot offer evidence with enough persuasiveness to convince a jury it should prevail. In other…

A motion to dismiss may be filed by the plaintiff or the defendant in a U.S. federal civil lawsuit when one party feels a lawsuit is not warranted or appropriate given the situation. Other arguments…

Simply put, a small claims court is where you can sue someone to collect money owed you that is within the jurisdiction of the small claims court in your state. Generally, procedures in a small claims…

Small claims court is designed for individuals who want to settle minor disputes without the need for an attorney. In the event of a traffic accident, landlord-tenant disputes or any other incident in…

Participating in hearings and council meetings is a civic right of each American. On matters that directly effect an individual, he may wish to express his view by providing testimony on the matter.…

Individuals and business entities have legal disputes everyday. Unfortunately, sometimes the matter is not resolved and the matter ends up in court. Many disputes involve a nominal amount of money or…

You must voluntarily dismiss your complaint when you settle a negligence claim or decide to withdraw your case for another reason. If you do not voluntarily dismiss your complaint, the opposing party…

The Virginia judicial system is comprised of general district courts, circuit courts, a court of appeals and a supreme court. However, the court of appeals does not hear civil matters, such as…

A motion to dismiss is filed against a complaint instead of an answer. If you file an answer, you may waive your right to file a motion to dismiss. The grounds for a motion to dismiss depend upon the…

In Johnson County Missouri small claims can be filed at the Johnson County courthouse with the Circuit Courts Associate Division. Small claims, against a person or party, can only involve claims over…

In 1973, the state of Kansas established its small claims court to help individuals and companies settle lawsuits involving $4,000 or less. In order to be eligible for small claims court, you must be…

According to the American Bar Association, the definition of a civil case is a lawsuit that doesn't include a crime. Instead, the suit involves a legal dispute over money or property between private…

If you are going to the trouble to take someone to court, there is no excuse for not being prepared. Attending a small claims hearing will give you an insider's view of what goes on and what to…

A small claims case is initiated in California by filing a Complaint. Before a Complaint can be filed, the aggrieved party must attempt to resolve the dispute. Such efforts are often unproductive.…

Small claims court is designed to help individuals settle disputes over recovering damages incurred or money owed up to a certain dollar amount, without the need of an attorney. Landlords can sue…

The Laramie Municipal Court handles enforcement of city ordinances and small traffic matters. In order to file a motion to dismiss a parking or other lesser traffic citation you believe is incorrect,…

Suing in Nevada differs slightly from suing in many other states. The small claims division of the Justice Court only allows either party to sue for a maximum of $5,000. In addition, many Justice…

Whether you are filling out legal papers to begin a civil case against another individual or you are responding to a civil case that has been filed against you, it is important that it is done…

In October 2010, a Utah television station did an informal survey of just how many judgments in the state were actually collected. KSL Broadcasting found that out of 5,143 judgments awarded from seven…

Overdrawn checking accounts are always a problem. When the debt piles up over time due to bank fees, the checking account debt for the overdrawn fees can skyrocket. In Ohio, the statute of limitations…

A setoff agreement often occurs during civil litigation in which the defendant files a counterclaim as part of his defense in an attempt to reduce any money owed the plaintiff. Sometimes referred to…

Small claims are any monetary amount you believe someone owes you under a certain limit. In Illinois, the limit is $10,000 as of 2011. You can only sue someone for the money you believe is owed you in…

A civil judgment is an order by a civil court. A civil court presides over cases involving civil matters. Under Texas law, the prevailing party has the right to collect personal property or receive…

The Civil Claims system handles court cases that do not involve criminal law violations. It is broken down into different branches that include Small Claims which is meant to settle cases cheaply and…

The thought of going to small claims court to hash out a dispute with another person can be intimidating. Thankfully, the process tends to be quite simple, and typically does not require the services…

An Arizona defendant may make a motion to dismiss even before the case goes to trial. A court will grant the motion if the non-moving party is unable to present the legal basis for the claim. Granting…

Small Claims Courts handle civil cases in informal hearings that are ruled by judges or hearing officers. Small claims cases usually involve disagreements over money, with a maximum claim that varies…

United Parcel Service (UPS) is a shipping, freight and logistics company that provides service worldwide to consumers and businesses. As a business that interacts with the public, there are multiple…

You may need a lot of luck to win or "beat" a credit card case in small claims court. After all, it's likely that the credit card company had a good reason for filing a lawsuit against you. Chances…

Before pursuing someone through the Small Claims court, you need to demonstrate that you have exhausted all other options for getting your money back. This includes sending a last request for payment,…

If you are owed money by someone, that person has implicitly violated a contract between the two of you. Perhaps a loan hasn't been repaid, an item has been lost, sold or stolen, or you are owed money…

A levy is a process device that allows a person or business to collect money owed on a civil court judgment. A levy placed on a Bank of America checking or savings account freezes any money in the…

A levy is a legal device that freezes an asset such as a checking, savings or money market account. Levies are typically the result of a creditor plaintiff's winning a civil court judgment against a…

Whether you were the plaintiff (the person who filed the lawsuit) or the respondent (the person who was sued) or another interested party, you may have a need to find a summary of a small-claims court…

If you have filed a lawsuit against a person and have been awarded a monetary judgment by the court, you are now a judgment creditor. The losing party is the judgment debtor. If the judgment debtor…

Under certain circumstances, a consumer may be able to use a small claims court to resolve a dispute with a car repair shop. Hiring an attorney will not be required but you will have to do the…

In Minnesota, small claims court is also known as conciliation court. The court is used as a legal means for individuals to recover unpaid money owed them. Legal procedures are simpler in conciliation…

If a person owes a debt to you, you can sue that person in court. If the judge rules in your favor, he will issue a monetary judgment for the amount of money the judgment debtor should pay you. If,…

Michigan small claims courts are intended to be used for monetary disputes where the amount in controversy does not exceed $3,000. The courts are user-friendly and provide most of the forms needed to…

Oklahoma offers its citizens the ability to file a claim in small claims court. Small claims court is for individuals seeking compensation from another individual or company regarding cases such as…

Garnishment is a legal tool that can be used by a plaintiff (the person to whom money is owed) to force payment of a debt. A plaintiff must first obtain a judgment from a court before she can ask the…

You want to resolve a dispute with someone over getting money or property belonging to you. Maybe you believe a contract you've entered into hasn't been upheld by the other party or you need the court…

Most states have a tiered civil court system, with magistrate's court, or small claims court, occupying the entry level position. Despite the procedural simplicity and heightened accessibility of…

The decision to represent yourself in a Georgia magistrate court (small claims court) is a personal decision. There are, however, considerations that should be part of your decision-making process.

Small claims court in Wisconsin is for people who want to resolve disputes inexpensively and quickly. The person who initiates the lawsuit is the plaintiff and the person being sued is the defendant.…

Small-claims cases are types of civil cases that are not criminal in nature. They involve plaintiffs who bring lawsuits against defendants and ask the court to require defendants to pay an amount…

Small claims cases in Elbert County, Colorado, are processed for mediation in Douglas County at 4000 Justice Way in Castle Rock. Claims are accepted on Thursdays from 8:30 to 5 pm in Courtroom E. In…

Documenting the material and labor defects in a hardwood flooring installation or sanding can be difficult. Problems that are readily visible to the eye can be hard to successfully photograph and…

A small claims suit may be brought for a variety of reasons. Claims involving tenant/landlord disputes, automobile accidents and property damage can be settled in small claims court. A claim can be…

Small claims courts in St. Louis, Missouri, can help settle disputes between two parties in an impartial manner. Disputes regarding tenants and landlords, automobile accidents and substandard services…

You may discover after filing your complaint in small claims court and serving it on the defendant that the defendant is willing to resolve the case without the need for a court hearing. Dismissing…

A small claims court is an informal court, with limited jurisdiction, where certain types of cases can be heard. An individual over 18 years of age may sue without a lawyer, for a certain amount of…

Every state allows you to bring an action in small claims court for the recovery of a monetary amount normally under $10,000. Most small claims cases involve suits for repayment of damages caused by…

When most people think of court, they think of large criminal trials with lots of high drama. However, small claims proceedings are geared toward the average citizen that has a legal matter to settle…

Small claims courts provide citizens a quick, inexpensive way to solve minor civil disputes. Such courts are found worldwide. The Small Claims Court Act 61 of 1984 established a small claims court in…

Small claims court cases provide a plaintiff an opportunity to initiate lawsuits seeking smaller sums (usually less than $5,000). Once filed, a small claims case becomes public record, accessible by…

Whether you appear in small claims court as a plaintiff or defendant, there are strategies and common-sense guidelines that can improve the chances of winning your case. The odds are that you won't be…

Small claims court allows parties to seek a judicial remedy when negotiations or communications have broken down. Damages in small claims court are limited to $2,500 to $20,000, depending on the…

In Houston, small claims hearings are informal sessions where both parties have a chance to present their side of the story before a justice of the peace. A party may use any evidence that will help…

Indiana small claims courts handle civil matters involving sums less than $6,000. An action begins when a plaintiff files a “notice of claim” with an Indiana small claims court. The…

Under California law, you may bring a small claims suit against anyone for a monetary amount of not more than $7,500. Some of the more common small claims cases involve suits to recover money after a…

Civil disputes up to $3,000 can be settled in small claims court without legal counsel, as attorneys are not allowed in small claims court in Michigan. While some benefits of settling a dispute in…

Nolo.com defines small claims courts as state courts deciding disputes involving relatively small amounts of money--typically between $2,000 and $10,000. It is difficult to prevent…

If you manage a house, apartment or other home in which a tenant skips rent, you have specific rights allowing you to collect the money owed using the proper legal channels. In most instances, a…

You're being sued. Now what? You'll definitely want to answer in a timely fashion. Otherwise you're giving the court power to enter a default judgment against you in favor of the person suing you.…

Small claims courts allow people to file civil actions against others for small amounts of money (usually $5,000 or less) without the added expense of hiring an attorney. Small claims courts are part…

Many states allow individuals and businesses to settle their monetary disputes in small claims court. The system operates on a more informal basis than the standard civil court system. It deals with…

A small claims court serves the purpose of settling disputes that fall within the maximum price range as determined by the state. The limit of the claim that can be brought to a small claims court is…

Going to small claims court as either a defendant or a plaintiff is enough to make anyone more than a little nervous. Any matter that is important enough to take to court, no matter how small, is…

Ontario's Small Claims Court is a branch of the Superior Court of Justice. It is a simplified means for the general population to resolve civil disputes involving money or property that does not…

Illinois small claims court allows individuals and businesses to settle monetary claims of $10,000 or less in small claims court. If someone sues you, it helps to understand Illinois debtor rights in…

Taking someone to small claims court maybe the only way to rectify a money situation. Any individual or business can sue someone in small claims court. However, in the city of Chicago to file a small…

Small claims court is a judicial venue for resolving disputes that do not involve large amounts of money or that involve conflicts between two individuals, such as divorces. Time limits are assigned…

Often, the hardest part of a small-claims lawsuit is not preparing the lawsuit or even winning your case in court. The hardest part may be collecting your money after a judgment has been entered in…

If you have filed a small claims court case in Arizona and are representing yourself, you will need to be prepared when your trial date arrives in order to win your case. Representing yourself in…

Small claims court resolves disputes over money, breach of contract or property damage cases that involve a relatively modest amount of money. In most cases, you represent yourself. Most small claims…

Feuding parties can settle a dispute in small claims court if the plaintiff is seeking a small amount of money. The maximum amount this court can award varies by state. Small claims courts in…

A claim is a type of lawsuit wherein you are asserting a "claim" to something---generally money or property. You may need to make a claim in a county court for a number of reasons, such as for money…

Designed to assist average people who had been wronged recover small sums of money, small claims courts are informal and no attorneys are necessary. Each state sets its financial limitations for small…

Small claims court is a venue for litigants who are seeking to recover an amount under civil court limits; this amount ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on the state in which the action is…

Presenting your case in small claims court can be nerve-racking. The best thing you can do for your case is be thorough and organized. Providing evidence in a clear and understandable manner goes a…

A Clerk of Court is appointed by the District Court judges for each of the 99 counties in Iowa. The Clerk of Court is a state employee, and each Clerk of Court office consists of the Clerk of Court…

Small claims court is basically a self-help court where you can present your evidence and witnesses to the judge. The defendant, the person you're suing, can present the opposing evidence. The judge…

Small claims court is a type of court that handles civil cases where a small compensation is sought, usually less than $3,000 to $5,000. While cases in small claims court tend to be faster, cheaper…

Small claims court is a streamlined and simplified version of a typical civil court proceeding. The rules and procedures of small claims court make it ideal for limited claims of certain types, and…

Small claims court is a specially designated section of state court systems. In most states, if you have a claim for $15,000 or less, you can file that claim in small claims court instead of in…

Small claims court laws in New Jersey provide a simple and expeditious way to collect a small amount of money that you believe some other person or company owes to you. Although the small claims court…

While many consumers are happy with their insurers, others may feel compelled to file formal complaints, or more seriously, sue their insurance companies in small claims court. Small claims courts…

Small claims courts provide a fast and inexpensive method of settling disputes. The plaintiffs and defendants represent themselves, and the judge deliberates so there are no attorneys and no juries.…

Procedures exist in all states in the U.S. allowing people to make claims for money owed to them. A particular state's code of civil procedure contains the bulk of the procedures associated with…

Before an individual is deprived of a liberty or property interest, constitutional due process requires that he must be given notice of the charges against him and an opportunity to be heard.

If you have a civil dispute with another party in Nebraska and the amount you are seeking from said party does not exceed $2,700, then you may file your claim in a Nebraska small claims court. A small…

Federal law grants individuals overwhelmed with personal debt the option to file for bankruptcy protection from their debtors and to have some or all of their personal debt discharged. Non-business…

Small claims court is designed to be a simple and streamlined version of the normal civil case process. While some of the formalities are stripped away in small claims court, you still must file a…

According to the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations, those who win a judgment, referred to in legal terminology as a judgment creditor, in a Florida small claims court have the…

Cases that involve non-criminal matters are tried in civil court. Most civil court cases are about monetary compensation or a division of material assets. Small claims court is part of the civil court…

If you filed a small claims case, you may reach a juncture at which you settle the matter with the defendant. If you reach a settlement, or have another reason for dismissing the case, there is a…

Small claims court is an efficient, streamlined legal process for consumers and small businesses to settle disputes. The first concerns are usually about the size and nature of the claim--state law…

Having an appointment in small claims court can bring about a large number of emotions. While worrying about everything else involved with a court case, it may be easy to overlook your attire.…

There are both local and federal civil courts, each with different responsibilities. In a civil case, the plaintiff or plaintiffs (the person, people or organization who filed charges) seeks damages…

Filing a civil suit against someone is an effective way of getting money that is owed to you. Many people overlook the civil court systems or use them as a last resort. However, if you have a strong…

There a numerous reasons you may want to dismiss a small claims case. If you and the opposing party have reached an out-of-court settlement, dismissing the case is appropriate. You also may realize…

Small claims court is a convenient method of resolving disputes involving small amounts of money---in most jurisdictions, $2,500 or less. After you file your claim, you will be assigned a hearing date…

Civil court deals provide citizens a chance to seek damages against another person, usually financial. Landlords and tenants can settle disputes involving rent and security deposits. Small businesses…

If you are owed money by another individual or if a business failed to provide a product or service you paid for, filing a small claims case is an action you can take to recover your loss. The process…

Small-claims court increases access to the legal system, but the process is brief and many jurisdictions do not allow an attorney. As the petitioner, you take the responsibility to manage your own…

Small claims court allows people to bring their claims before a court without the assistance or expense of an attorney. This proceeding with relaxed rules of evidence allows the parties to present…

Virginia Small Claims Courts have jurisdiction over cases where the dispute is over a money judgment or return of property valued at less than $5,000. Proceedings in small claims court are less…

Small claims court is designed to provide low cost access to the justice system for plaintiffs with limited complaints. The small claims process is essentially a streamlined version of a normal civil…

Canadian Small Claims Court is structured to help people settle differences and disputes without the high attorney and court fees usually required in lawsuits. Generally, cases involve disputes over…

It hasn't been your month. The dry cleaner ruined your $500 jacket, the neighbor who rear-ended your car never reimbursed you for your repairs as promised and now the employer who contracted for your…

Are you being sued in small claims court? It is good idea to plain out how to defend yourself in small claims court.

If you've been wronged by somebody and want justice, you might be able to take that person to small claims court. The purpose of small claims court is to provide informal and inexpensive access to the…

If someone owes you money and mediation has failed, you can file a small claims motion against that person yourself. You do not need a lawyer to perform this process. In fact, some courts will not…

Before taking someone to small claims court, determine the value of the argued amount. Take someone to small claims court and attend the pre-trial with advice from a certified family mediator in this…

Small claims court is available for people who have less than $10,000 in damages. Being a defendant in small claims court may be a scary thing, but if you are well-prepared and professional, you can…

Small claims court is designed to settle disputes efficiently and inexpensively. Even so, every effort to resolve the dispute by compromise, negotiation or even formal remediation should be tried…

Small claims court is the division of your state's lowest court that has jurisdiction over cases involving a small amount of money--usually less than $1,500. A judge will preside over a case, acting…

Small claims court often is considered to be the "people's" court. It serves as a vehicle for resolving disputes involving two or more individuals, or for individuals filing claims against businesses.…

When all attempts at an amicable settlement fail, small claims court can be an ideal venue for individuals or small businesses to settle their disputes. Carrying all the authority of the higher…

Daytime court shows are a popular way of settling your disputes. One of the main benefits is that it is free, so you don't have to hire a lawyer to represent you. However, there are thousands of…

Going to small claims court can be frustrating. You will probably have to sit around and wait. Once your case gets called, you may have to stand up while the judge reviews the case and all of the…

Small claims court is usually a quick, easy and inexpensive way to resolve a lawsuit where you are seeking a small settlement. Common reasons to take a person to small claims court are if someone…

Thinking as a plaintiff in a legal action for damages, usually below $10,000, you have the opportunity to obtain justice, and much needed satisfaction, from a lawsuit waged in a municipal small claims…

Small claims lawsuits allow litigants to resolve financial disputes by presenting their cases and supporting evidence to the judge, who then issues a judgment based on the available facts. The…

If you have a case where only a small amount of money is at stake or you are seeking the recovery of property worth only a small amount, then you should consider going to small claims court. Small…

Collecting on a debt can be a frustrating experience. Luckily, small claims court offers a user-friendly venue for presenting your case to the court and obtaining a judgment in your favor. Because…

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 have won your small claims case, you may have already had trouble trying to collect your judgment. If the person who owes you refuses to pay, you can bring him or her back to court in an…

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…

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,…

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 and…