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 97–108 of 110
Can You Sue PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App in Small Claims Court?
Disputes with payment platforms are increasingly common — frozen funds, unauthorized transactions, or a chargeback gone wrong. Here's what to know before…
Read article →Can You Recover Lost Wages or Time Spent in Small Claims Court?
This comes up constantly, and the honest answer surprises most people: no, generally not — with one important exception.
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 →What Evidence Actually Holds Up in Small Claims Court
If you're preparing for small claims court, the question isn't just "do I have a case?" — it's "do I have proof?" Judges in small claims court move fast, often…
Read article →You Won Your Small Claims Case — Now How Do You Actually Collect?
Winning your case is a big step, but it doesn't automatically put money in your hands. Courts decide who's owed money — they generally don't…
Read article →Suing a Contractor for Unfinished or Bad Work
Contractor disputes are one of the most common small claims cases — and also one of the most emotionally frustrating, since they often involve…
Read article →Security Deposit Disputes: How to Get Your Money Back
Security deposit disputes are one of the most common reasons people end up in small claims court — and also one of the most winnable, if you know…
Read article →Can You Appeal a Small Claims Court Decision?
Losing a small claims case doesn't necessarily mean it's over — but the appeal process for small claims has some important limits worth…
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…
Read article →What Happens If the Defendant Doesn't Show Up to Court?
If you've filed a small claims case and the other party simply doesn't show up on the hearing date, it's not a setback — it's usually good news…
Read article →Can You Sue a Business in Small Claims Court? Here's How It Works
Suing a business is more common in small claims court than suing an individual — but it involves a few extra steps most people don't expect.
Read article →How Much Does It Cost to File a Small Claims Case?
One of the most common hesitations people have before filing is simple: "is this even worth the cost?" Here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect.
Read article →