What should I do to prepare my small claims case?
Whether you are a plaintiff (the person suing) or the defendant (person being sued), the key is to realize that it's usually what you bring with you to court to back up your story-not what you say-that determines whether you'll win or lose. This makes sense if you understand that the judge has no idea who you are and whether your oral (spoken) testimony is reliable. After all, your opponent is likely to claim that the "true story" is exactly the reverse of your version.

In short, your chances of winning will greatly increase if you carefully collect and prepare your evidence. Depending on the facts of your case, a few of the evidentiary tools you can use to convince the judge you are right include eyewitnesses, photographs, letters from experts, advertisements falsely hyping a product or service and written contracts.

We have prepared Checklist for both the Plaintiff and the Defendant, click on the appropriate description to view and print.

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1. Can any kind of case be resolved in small claims court?
2. Are there time limits in which a small claims court case must be filed?
3. How much can I sue for in small claims court?
4. Where should I file my small claims lawsuit?
5. What can I do to resolve my problem with out going to small claims court?
6. Will I get paid if I win the lawsuit?
7. If I'm sued in small claims court but the other party is really at fault, can I countersue?
8. What should I do to prepare my small claims case?
9. What's the best way to present my case to a judge?
10. Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court?
11. Will my witnesses need to testify in person in small claims court?
12. If I lose my case in small claims court, can I appeal?