Small claims resources
Practical resources for small claims court: what evidence holds up, suing out-of-state defendants, and which damages you can actually recover.
How to write, send, and prove a demand letter before you file.
What proof actually persuades a judge — texts, photos, receipts, and witnesses.
Where to file, what it costs, how to serve, and what the clerk needs from you.
What to say at the hearing, how to present, and what happens after the ruling.
Calculating what you're owed and collecting after you win.
Security deposits, repairs, subleases, and rental disputes.
Unfinished work, botched repairs, and unpaid freelance or service invoices.
Purchases, refunds, warranties, vehicles, and everyday consumer claims.
All articles
Showing 37–48 of 110
How to Request an Interpreter or Accommodation for Your Hearing
Language access and disability accommodations are available in nearly every small claims court — but you usually have to ask in advance.
Read article →Suing a Photographer for Non-Wedding Work
Headshots, family portraits, product photography, and similar sessions come with their own set of common disputes — separate from the…
Read article →Suing a Roommate Who Skipped Out on a Lease
When a roommate moves out early and leaves you covering their share of rent, this is a distinct dispute from suing a landlord — you're pursuing your…
Read article →Suing an Event Planner for a Failed Event
Event planning disputes — corporate events, milestone celebrations, or larger gatherings — often involve larger sums than typical small claims cases,…
Read article →Damaged Rental Car Disputes
Rental car damage disputes cut both ways — sometimes you're contesting a charge the rental company added after your return, and sometimes you're…
Read article →Suing a Tutor, Consultant, or Translator for Undelivered Services
Professional services that are paid for but not properly delivered — a tutoring package, a consulting engagement, a translation project — create a…
Read article →Chargeback Abuse: What Businesses Can Do When a Customer Falsely Disputes a Charge
Chargebacks exist to protect consumers from genuine fraud or billing errors — but they're sometimes misused by customers to get a refund for a…
Read article →Suing a Landlord for Illegal Entry or Privacy Violations
Landlords generally can't enter your rental unit whenever they want — most states have specific notice requirements, and violating them can be the…
Read article →Defective Product Claims When a Warranty Won't Help
When a product fails and the warranty doesn't cover it — expired, denied, or simply doesn't apply — small claims court can still be a viable path,…
Read article →B2B Unpaid Invoice Disputes Between Businesses
When one business owes another money, small claims court works similarly to a standard unpaid invoice case — with a few extra considerations specific…
Read article →Suing a Cleaning Service for Damage or Theft
Cleaning service disputes usually fall into two categories — accidental damage during a cleaning, or, less commonly but more seriously, missing items…
Read article →Suing a Roommate for Property Damage
Beyond unpaid rent, roommate disputes often center on damaged personal property — furniture, electronics, or shared items damaged through negligence…
Read article →