Facts About Small Claims

Your new refrigerator leaks and the company won’t take it back, the gardener cut down your favorite palm tree and won’t replace it or your cell phone company charged you twice as much and refuses to pay you back. These are all examples of small claims cases, which will ultimately be decided in the so called “people’s court.”

If you have a small claim to make and are looking for adequate counseling and legal representation, contact one of our small claim attorneys near you.

What is a small claims court?

The small claims court is a part of the Superior Court where disputes between citizens, citizens and companies or citizens and government agencies can be litigated. Usually, there is a limited dollar amount of $3000 to $5000 dollars, which the claim can not exceed. Small claims cases follow simple rules of evidence in order to set the story straight, instead of complex rules of evidence, as they would apply in criminal cases, for example. In a small claims court, there is no right to appeal the outcome of the case.

Issues suited for small claims court

• Security deposits
• Breach of contracts
• Hospital/doctor bills
• Rent
• Debt
• Property damage

Issues not suited for small claims court

• Issues exceeding a certain dollar amount
• Libel and slander
• Damage to reputation

Come prepared

All too often, people in small claims courts arrive without the proper materials necessary to decide the case. In case you enter a small claim court, you must be sure to bring the original copies of all papers involved in proving your case. At the same time, you should bring two photocopies of each, in case the court needs to keep a certain document for further deliberation.

Hot Topics

• Property damage
• Landlord tenant dispute
• Product liability
• Contract law
• Debt settlement

If you have a small claim or if have any further questions regarding the people’s court, contact one of our small claim attorneys.