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 61–72 of 110
Consignment and Collateral Disputes: Getting Your Item Back
Consignment arrangements — leaving an item with a shop or individual to sell on your behalf — and informal collateral arrangements both create a…
Read article →Ticket and Event Cancellation Disputes: Can You Sue?
Cancelled concerts, fake tickets, and unrefunded event purchases are an increasingly common small claims category, especially with the growth of…
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 an Online Course or Coaching Program for Non-Delivery
The online course and coaching industry has grown fast — and so have disputes over programs that don't deliver what they promised. Here's how to…
Read article →Can You Enforce a Small Claims Judgment in Another State?
Winning a judgment is one thing — collecting when the defendant lives in (or moves to) a different state is another. Here's how enforcing a judgment…
Read article →Suing a Landscaper or Lawn Care Company for Property Damage
Landscaping disputes typically fall into two buckets: damage caused during the work, or work that simply wasn't done as promised. Both are common…
Read article →Gig Work Disputes: Babysitting, Pet-Sitting, and Odd Jobs
Informal gig work — babysitting, pet-sitting, yard work, moving help — often happens on a handshake, which makes disputes trickier than a formal…
Read article →Storage Unit Disputes: Lost, Damaged, or Auctioned Property
Storage facility disputes come in a few distinct flavors — damage from poor conditions, missing items, or the facility auctioning off your unit after…
Read article →What Happens If the Defendant Files Bankruptcy After You Win?
Winning a small claims judgment is a real milestone, but a defendant's bankruptcy filing afterward can significantly change what happens next. Here's…
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 →Can Someone Else Represent You in Small Claims Court?
Small claims court is built around the idea of representing yourself — but there are specific, limited situations where someone else can appear on…
Read article →Parking Lot and Valet Vehicle Damage Claims
Finding a new dent or scratch after using a valet or parking garage is frustrating — and these disputes come with a specific evidentiary wrinkle…
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