Charlie Mann - How to Win Your Case in Small Claims Court Without a Lawyer

A few years back we lost our beloved pet dog Bear, who was not only our best and dearest friend but also the Vice President of Sunshine here at Atlantic Publishing. He did not receive a salary but worked tirelessly 24 hours a day to please his parents.

Bear was a rescue dog who turned around and showered myself, my wife, Sherri, his grandparents Jean, Bob, and Nancy, and every person and animal he met (well, maybe not rabbits) with friendship and love. He made a lot of people smile every day.

We wanted you to know a portion of the profits of this book will be donated in Bears memory to local animal shelters, parks, conservation organizations, and other individuals and nonprofit organizations in need of assistance.

Douglas and Sherri Brown

PS: We have since adopted two more rescue dogs: first Scout, and the following year, Ginger. They were both mixed golden retrievers who needed a home.

Want to help animals and the world? Here are a dozen easy suggestions you and your family can implement today:

• Adopt and rescue a pet from a local shelter.
• Support local and no-kill animal shelters.
• Plant a tree to honor someone you love.
• Be a developer put up some birdhouses.
• Buy live, potted Christmas trees and replant them.
• Make sure you spend time with your animals each day.
• Save natural resources by recycling and buying recycled products.
• Drink tap water, or filter your own water at home.
• Whenever possible, limit your use of or do not use pesticides.
• If you eat seafood, make sustainable choices.
• Support your local farmers market.
• Get outside. Visit a park, volunteer, walk your dog, or ride your bike.

Five years ago, Atlantic Publishing signed the Green Press Initiative. These guidelines promote environmentally friendly practices, such as using recycled stock and vegetable-based inks, avoiding waste, choosing energy-efficient resources, and promoting a no-pulping policy. We now use 100-percent recycled stock on all our books. The results: in one year, switching to post-consumer recycled stock saved 24 mature trees, 5,000 gallons of water, the equivalent of the total energy used for one home in a year, and the equivalent of the greenhouse gases from one car driven for a year.

Dedication

To my wife, Phyllis

Your support and love

are my

inspiration and motivation

-and-

In loving memory of my

brother, David, and sister, Paula

Preface

Most of us go through life having some disagreements. The latest argument may have been with a local merchant who promised free service when you bought its recommended brand, or perhaps it was with an auto manufacturer concerning an extra device you ordered from the factory. You may even have had a disagreement with your local Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent over the taxes you owed for a small lottery winning three years ago.

When we interact with other people or businesses in this country, we have a remedy for disputes called the small claims court. It is often a fast, hassle-free way to resolve lifes little problems without the need to file a major lawsuit or hire an attorney. Explaining how to do this was the objective for writing this book.

This book, unlike the vast majority on the market, is designed for readers everywhere in the United States. It also has references and information on the only federal small claims court the Small Claims Tax Court. The book illustrates how to win your case and effectively collect your money after the judge issues the paperwork that says you are right. Also included are examples of cases from people like you and information about how to find assistance when you desperately need it.

As business is transacted, as individuals agree to act together, and as limited liability companies and corporations supply services, conflicts will be created. It is a natural part of living in a free market system. Some disputes will be large and others small. Minor disputes can be settled in small claims court. What is small varies from state to state, so check the resources sections in Appendix B for the limits and costs of filing in your state.

Figure 1.1: Small Claims Court Checklist should help you learn the process, digest the terms, and move swiftly to get your case going. You will need to take a few steps to take your case to court and get back the money you have lost. This book will even detail various ways in which the defendant has the right to defend himself or herself from a court judgment that goes against him or her. As with all legal actions, there are often appeals or other trials you can propose to settle the matter to your satisfaction.