Sometimes the cost of hiring a lawyer totals more than the money you’re owed. Small claims court can be a quick and inexpensive way to collect on your own. The court procedures are informal, not intimidating. And a judge, instead of a jury, usually decides the case.
Who Can Sue and Be Sued?
Any individual, business or corporation may bring a small claims suit for the recovery of money when the amount requested isn’t more than $10,000. Even if you have a claim for a slightly greater amount, you may choose to limit it to $10,000 to take advantage of the small claims court’s streamlined procedure. Attorneys are allowed, but not required.
Where Do I File a Small Claims Case?
You should file a small claims case in the Small Claims Division of the Circuit Court in the county where the party you’re suing (the "defendant") lives or, in the case of a traffic accident, in the circuit court division where the accident occurred. If your case involves a landlord-tenant dispute, you can bring the case where the home or apartment is located. The clerk of the court should be able to determine whether the address is within the boundaries of that court.
Dispute Resolution Services
Before filing a small claims case, the parties are encouraged to try to resolve their differences. Free or low-cost services may be available through the court or local legal clinics. For more information, contact your local court.
How Much Does It Cost?
You must pay a filing fee which varies from county to county and is dependent on the amount you are suing for. You also may have to pay to have the court, the sheriff’s office or a local process server deliver notice of the claim to the defendant. At the time you file the claim, the clerk of the court can tell you what service options are available.
What Happens at Trial?
The trial in small claims court is between you and the defendant. Both parties must prepare their cases and bring those witnesses or other evidence (such as documents, records, photographs or drawings) to court to support their claims or defenses. Witnesses must have personal knowledge of the facts in their testimonies. Documents, records, photographs and drawings must be identified and explained by someone with personal knowledge of them.
If the defendant does not appear at trial, you will be granted a "default" judgment for the amount of your claim, plus your filing and service costs. If you fail to appear at trial, the judge will dismiss your claim.
How Do I Collect the Judgment?
If the court enters a judgment against either party, it is that party’s duty to pay without delay. The small claims court does not collect the judgment for you. But you can try to negotiate payments on the judgment. If the debtor doesn’t pay you, you can bring them back into court and make them tell you about their property. Then you can start trying to collect the judgment by garnishing wages or bank accounts, or trying to locate their personal property.
How Do I Appeal a Judgment Against Me?
Any appeal must be filed with the District Appellate Court. Detailed instructions for filing a small claims appeal are available from the clerk of the court.
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