Legal Topic
Small Claims
Small claims court is one of the most accessible parts of the legal system — designed for everyday people to resolve disputes without a lawyer. If someone owes you money or damaged your property, small claims court may be your fastest and cheapest path to justice.
2 guides available
Key Questions Answered
- 1How much can I sue for in small claims court?
- 2What kind of cases can I bring to small claims?
- 3How do I file a small claims case?
- 4What happens if I win but the other party won't pay?
- 5Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court?
Common Situations
- A contractor took your money and didn't finish the job
- Someone damaged your property and won't pay
- A landlord wrongfully kept your security deposit
- A business owes you a refund they're refusing to give
- Someone owes you money from a personal loan
What You'll Learn
The dollar limits and eligible case types for small claims, how to file and serve your claim, what to bring to your hearing, how to collect a judgment after you win, and how to respond if you're the one being sued.
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Browse our plain-language guides and checklists — built for real situations, not law school.