Small Claims court is a place for the speedy trial of lawsuits (complaints) based upon contract or tort (breach of a legal duty) seeking $10,000 or less. Filing and pre-trial procedures are simplified compared to other lawsuits. However, the rules of law and evidence that apply to other lawsuits also do apply to Small Claims trials. The parties are not required to have attorneys (unless the plaintiff is a corporation), but may choose to have one.
Rules and Guides for Small Claims procedures are set forth in the following publications, which can also be found in the Law Library located in the lobby on the first floor of the Administration Building.
- Small Claims Guide
- Supreme Court Rules 281-289.
- The Uniform Rules of Practice of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit.