Collection: SMALL CLAIMS

Small claims court is a simplified, informal legal venue designed to resolve disputes involving smaller amounts of money quickly and affordably, without the complexity or high cost of using an attorney. The process is governed by streamlined rules and begins when a Plaintiff files a Statement of Claim (or similar document) to sue a Defendant for a specific monetary amount, which is capped by state law. The core of the litigation involves preparing to present factual evidence, which often includes relying on essential Motions and Affidavits—such as a Motion for Continuance or a Motion to Quash Service—to handle procedural issues. Unlike other courts, discovery is often severely limited. If the Defendant believes the Plaintiff owes them money, they can file a Counterclaim within the same action. The outcome of the final hearing is a Judgment, and if the Plaintiff wins, the legal focus shifts to Judgment Enforcement, requiring further motions like a Writ of Execution or Garnishment to legally collect the money from the Defendant.