Filing & Checklists
Where to file, what it costs, how to serve, and what the clerk needs from you.
Small Claims Court: A Complete Starting Point (And Where to Go From Here)
If you've landed on this page, you're probably somewhere in the process of deciding whether to pursue a small claims case — this final guide pulls…
Read article →Arbitration Clauses: Can You Still Go to Small Claims Court?
Many contracts require arbitration — but a large share of them carve out small claims court specifically.
Read article →Settling Before the Hearing: How to Do It Without Getting Burned
Most small claims cases settle. Here's how to structure a settlement so it actually gets paid.
Read article →Counterclaims: What Happens When the Defendant Sues You Back
A counterclaim turns your case into a two-way dispute. Here's how they work, what deadlines apply, and how to prepare.
Read article →Can You Sue a Government Agency in Small Claims Court?
Suing a government entity — a city, county, state agency, or public school — is possible in many cases, but it comes with extra procedural steps most…
Read article →Should You Try Mediation Before Small Claims Court?
Mediation is worth understanding before you file — in some cases it's required, and even when it's not, it can save you time and preserve a…
Read article →Suing a Tenant for Unpaid Rent: A Landlord's Guide
Landlords use small claims court just as often as tenants — most commonly to recover unpaid rent or damage costs after a tenant has already moved…
Read article →Where Do You File? Small Claims Venue Rules Explained
Picking the right courthouse to file in — called "venue" — is a detail that trips people up more than expected. File in the wrong place, and your…
Read article →Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to File a Small Claims Case?
Every type of claim has a deadline — and once it passes, you generally lose the right to sue, no matter how valid your case is. Here's how to think…
Read article →You've Been Sued in Small Claims Court — Now What?
Getting served with small claims papers is unsettling, but it's a manageable process — and ignoring it is almost always the worst option. Here's what to do…
Read article →Can You Sue Someone in Small Claims Court If They Live Out of State?
Short answer: usually, yes — but it's harder than suing someone local, and it's worth understanding the obstacles before you file.
Read article →How to Serve Someone Papers for Small Claims Court
Filing your claim is only half the process — the defendant has to be legally notified through a process called "service of process" before your…
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