Ralph Warner Attorney - Everybodys Guide to Small Claims Court

Attorney Ralph Warner

by Attorney Ralph Warner

Thank You

Nolo is as much family as it is business. Without the help of many Nolo family members, there would be no books such as this one. Over the years, a number of talented friends have read the manuscript of this book and made helpful suggestions for improvement. With enough help, even a tarnished penny can be made to shine. Thanks to Natasha Kaluza, Jeanne Stott, Ella Hirst, Nick Aquino, Mary Alice Coleman, Scott Reep, and Susan Cornell. Many thanks also to the small claims court clerks and legal advisers whose input keeps this book fresh.

Ella Hirst, Stanley Jacobsen, Beth Laurence, Alayna Schroeder, and Diana Fitzpatrick compiled the research for newer editions. Their thorough, patient, and dedicated work has made this a better book.

A very warm thank you goes to Judge (Ret.) Roderic Duncan, whose perspectives "from the bench" on the small claims court process are an invaluable contribution. Another sincere thanks goes to Margaret Reiter for assistance with consumer protection laws.

For Toni, the light, the heart, and the love of my life.

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iling a case in small claims court is a highly cost-effective strategy for resolving all kinds of disputes. In most states, the maximum amount you can sue for has increased substantially in recent years, and court judgments have become far easier to collect. In addition, many states have implemented innovative mediation programs for small claims, which can spare you the time and tension of presenting your case to a judge. So, although more can and should be done to make small claims court a true people's court, it is an efficient forum that gives participants an opportunity to resolve many personal consumer and small business disputes.

The goal of this book is to give people bringing a case and those defending one all the information they need to make the best possible use of small claims court. From deciding whether you have a case through gathering evidence, arranging for witnesses, planning your courtroom presentation, and collecting your money, you will find everything here.

TIP

From the bench. Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court is the only guide to include practical suggestions from two former small claims court judges. You'll see their comments throughout the book.

Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court has now been in print for more than 25 years. The current edition has been completely updated to reflect literally hundreds of recent practical and legal changes. My goal is to make it the best possible tool to help you answer such questions as:

How does small claims court work?

Do I have a case worth pursuing or defending?

How do I prepare my case to maximum advantage?

What witnesses and other evidence should I present?

What do I say in court?

Can I appeal if I lose?

How do I collect my judgment?

Proper presentation of your small claims action can often mean the difference between receiving a check and writing one. This isn't to say that I can tell you how to take a hopeless case and turn it into a blueribbon winner. It does mean that with the information contained here, and with your own creativity and common sense, you will be able to develop and present your legal and factual position as effectively as possible. In short, this book will show you how a case with a slight limp can be set on four good legs.