What to Wear and How to Act in Small Claims Court

Small claims court is informal compared to a full civil trial, but first impressions still matter. Here's what actually helps — and what doesn't — on your hearing day.

What to wear

You don't need a suit, but you should look like you're taking the process seriously:

• Business casual is the safe default — a collared shirt, clean pants, closed-toe shoes
• Avoid graphic t-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, or anything overly casual — some courts will actually turn people away for inappropriate attire
• When in doubt, dress a notch more formal than you think you need to — it costs nothing and signals respect for the process

Arrive early

• Give yourself extra time for security screening, parking, and finding the right courtroom — many courthouses have multiple courtrooms and small claims dockets can be long, with several cases heard back-to-back.
• Being on time (or early) also matters practically: some courts will move to the next case, or even dismiss a no-show plaintiff's case, if you're late.

How to address the judge

• Stand when the judge enters and when you're speaking, if that's the custom in your court (watch what others do if you're unsure)
• Address the judge as "Your Honor"
• Speak only when it's your turn — interrupting the other party or the judge reflects poorly, even if you're right

How to present your case

1. Be brief and factual. Judges hear many cases in a single session — a clear, short account lands better than a long emotional one.
2. Let your evidence do the talking. Reference your documents directly ("Here's the invoice showing the amount owed") rather than relying on your own account alone.
3. Don't interrupt the other side, even if they say something you disagree with — you'll get your turn to respond.
4. Answer the judge's questions directly. If you don't know something, it's fine to say so rather than guessing.

What not to do

• Don't raise your voice or show visible frustration, even if the other party is combative
• Don't bring up irrelevant history or grievances unrelated to the specific claim
• Don't argue with the judge's questions or decisions in the moment — if you disagree with the outcome, appeals (where available) are the proper channel, not arguing in the courtroom

A simple mental framework

Treat the hearing like a brief, structured conversation where your job is to help the judge understand what happened and see the proof — not to win an argument with the other party. Judges respond well to composed, organized parties on both sides.

This article is for general informational purposes and isn't legal advice. Specific courtroom procedures and expectations vary by court — check your local court's self-help resources for any specific requirements.