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Small Claims Court Guides

Answers to the most common small claims court questions — written in plain English.

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How Much Can You Sue for in Small Claims Court?
The amount you can sue for in small claims court depends entirely on which state you're filing in. Limits range from as ...
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How to Sue Someone in Small Claims Court
Suing someone in small claims court is a straightforward process you can handle without a lawyer in most states. Here's ...
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Can You Sue a Business in Small Claims Court?
Yes, you can absolutely sue a business in small claims court — and it's often the most effective way to resolve disputes...
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How to Win in Small Claims Court
Winning in small claims court comes down to preparation, evidence, and presentation. Judges see dozens of cases per day ...
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What Evidence Do You Need for Small Claims Court?
Evidence is the backbone of any small claims case. The type of evidence you need depends on your specific dispute, but h...
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I've Been Sued in Small Claims Court — What Do I Do?
Being served with a small claims lawsuit can feel frightening, but it's manageable. Here's what to do: **Don't ignore i...
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Do You Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
A demand letter is a formal written notice to the other party that you intend to file a lawsuit if they don't resolve yo...
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How Much Does It Cost to File a Small Claims Case?
Filing fees for small claims court are generally low and designed to be accessible to ordinary people. Fees typically ra...
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How Do You Collect Money After Winning in Small Claims Court?
Winning a judgment in small claims court is step one — actually collecting the money is often step two, and sometimes it...
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How to Sue Your Landlord for Security Deposit in Small Claims Court
Security deposit disputes are one of the most common reasons people file in small claims court — and one of the most win...
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Can You Appeal a Small Claims Court Decision?
Yes, both plaintiffs and defendants generally have the right to appeal a small claims court decision, though the process...
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What Is the Statute of Limitations for Small Claims Court?
The statute of limitations is the deadline by which you must file your lawsuit. If you miss it, your claim is permanentl...
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What Is a Counterclaim in Small Claims Court?
A counterclaim is a claim filed by the defendant against the plaintiff in response to being sued. If you've been sued bu...
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What Happens If You Lose in Small Claims Court?
Losing in small claims court has several practical consequences, but it's not the end of the world. Here's what to expec...
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How to Sue a Contractor in Small Claims Court
Contractor disputes — incomplete work, shoddy workmanship, overcharging — are extremely common in small claims court. He...