The Complete Small Claims Court Guide: Winning Without a Lawyer

This guide is arranged chronologically and will take you step by step through the entire process of suing an individual or a company in small claims court to get the compensation you deserve.

You will learn about the Small Claims Court system and how to go about filing your complaint. You will also learn about how to prepare for your case, what to and what not to do in court and how to collect compensation from the individual or company you sue.

Table of Contents

What Are You Going To Learn?
Your Main Objectives
What If You Don’t Win in Small Claims Court?
Research, Execute & Prepare
What is a Small Claims Court?
How Much Can You Sue for and When Can You File?
Where to File?
Some Additional Tips on Where to File
Don’t be Afraid of Making Mistakes
Considering the Small Claims Court
Try to Resolve Your Issue on Your Own First
How to Resolve Your Issue?
Make Google Your Best Friend
Spend Time on the Company Website
Why Is It Important to Research the Company Online?
Make Your Intentions Clear & File a Complaint Letter
The Statute of Limitations
Do You Have a Case Worthy of Pursuit?
Ready to File?
Naming Companies & Individuals Involved
Execution – The Nitty Gritty Grungy Work
Where to Get Complaint Forms?
Additional Forms
What to Fill In the Plaintiff Section?
What to Fill In the Defendant Section?
Address the Complaint to Registered Agents
What Are You Seeking?
Filing Your Complaint Paperwork & Dealing With Clerks
Who Serves the Agent?
What if the Defendant Ignores Your Efforts?
Settling Your Case
Default Judgment
Getting a Court Date
What If the Defendant Sues You Back?
Preparing For The Judge
Advanced Preparation
Arranging Your Witnesses
Arranging for Court Reporters
Before You Leave the Court after Your First Visit
What if You Have an Emergency on Your Hearing Date?
Your Behavior in Court
What to Expect When Called to Present Your Case
What to Do When the Defendant Presents their Side?
Concluding the Court Hearing
When Do You Find Out About the Decision?
What If You Don’t Agree With the Court’s Decision?
Appealing the Court’s Decision
What You Should Know About Appealing?
Compensation Options
Conclusion
Notes