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 85–96 of 110
Suing a Wedding Vendor Who Didn't Deliver
Wedding vendor disputes are emotionally heavy — there's no redo for the day itself — but the small claims process treats them like any other breach…
Read article →Pet-Related Disputes: Vet Malpractice, Dog Bites, and Boarding Damage
Pets are family, which makes pet-related disputes emotionally charged — but small claims court treats these cases the same as any other: they come…
Read article →Suing an Airline for Cancelled Flights, Delays, or Lost Baggage
Airlines are large companies with legal teams, but that doesn't mean small claims court is off the table — it's actually one of the more common…
Read article →Can You Sue for Emotional Distress in Small Claims Court?
This question comes up constantly, and the honest answer is: rarely, and generally not on its own. Here's what's actually true, and why the answer…
Read article →Small Claims Against a Rideshare or Delivery Driver
With the rise of gig-economy driving, accidents and property damage involving Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, and similar platforms have become a distinct — and…
Read article →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…
Read article →Suing a Moving Company for Lost or Damaged Belongings
Moving disputes are common, but they come with a wrinkle most people don't expect: moving companies often limit their liability through the fine print of…
Read article →How to Calculate Exactly How Much to Sue For
Picking the right number to sue for matters more than people expect — sue for too little and you leave money on the table; sue for too much without…
Read article →Small Claims for Property Damage Caused by a Neighbor
Fallen trees, fence disputes, water damage, and pet-related incidents are among the most common neighbor-to-neighbor small claims cases. Here's how to…
Read article →Suing Over an Unpaid Personal Loan or Bounced Check
Lending money to a friend or family member and not getting it back is one of the most common — and most emotionally complicated — small claims scenarios.…
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 →Suing an Auto Repair Shop for Bad Repair Work
Car repair disputes are a frequent small claims category — and one where documentation before and after the repair makes or breaks your case.
Read article →