MENU
FIND FORMS
ASK A LAWYER
Ask a free legal question.
No charge.
No obligations.
  • How does the small claims court work?
  • In most instances, lawyers are not allowed in small claims court, so you must represent yourself. However, you can talk to a lawyer beforehand. This true whether you are the "plaintiff" - the person is suing - or the "defendant" - the person being sued. Small claim courts are informal. They do not have complicated ways of doing things. No one is allowed to make objections. And there are no
    juries. Cases move quickly.

    You do not have to be a United States citizen to use the small claims court. You do have to be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. When you file your claim, the court clerk generally will set the hearing date. In larger communities, small claims court is
    held some evenings or on Saturday once a month. Also, many counties
    have a small claims advisor who can answer your questions, and explain the process.
    FIND LEGAL FORMS
     
    QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
    AFFILIATE PROGRAM
    CAUTION! Please remember that no information found at this site can replace a face to face meeting or telephone consultation with a "real live" attorney about your particular case, problem or question. The information you find here or in the answers should just be a starting point in finding your answers.
    PREMIUM FORMS