Sometimes the best legal advice is that you can handle it yourself. Small claims court was specifically designed for regular people to resolve disputes without hiring expensive attorneys. Whether someone owes you money, damaged your property, or won’t return your security deposit, small claims court offers a straightforward path to justice.

What Small Claims Court Can (And Can’t) Do

Small claims court handles one thing exceptionally well: getting you money that someone owes you. You can sue for unpaid loans, security deposits, property damage costs, breach of contract, or bills for services you provided but never got paid for.

However, you generally can’t use small claims court to force someone to do something specific, like return your property or complete work they promised. The court awards money damages, not what lawyers call “injunctive relief.” If your contractor never finished your deck, you can sue for the money you paid, but you can’t force them to actually finish the work.

Important limitation: Small claims courts have dollar limits that vary significantly by state. California allows individuals to sue for up to $12,500 (but only $6,250 for businesses), while Texas goes up to $20,000. North Carolina varies from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on your county. Check your local court’s website for current limits before filing.

The Filing Process Made Simple

Filing a small claims case typically costs between $30 and $100, depending on how much you’re suing for. Most states use a sliding scale where smaller claims cost less to file. California charges $30 for claims under $1,500 but $75 for claims between $5,000 and $10,000.

The paperwork is intentionally straightforward. You’ll need to complete a form that asks basic questions: Who are you suing? Why do they owe you money? How much do you want? Most courts provide these forms online or at the courthouse with step-by-step instructions.

Essential Information You’ll Need

• Defendant’s full legal name and current address
• Clear explanation of what happened and why they owe you money
• Specific dollar amount you’re seeking
• Evidence supporting your claim (receipts, photos, contracts)

Once you file, the court schedules a hearing typically within 1-2 months. You’re responsible for “serving” the defendant, which means officially notifying them about the lawsuit. Many courts will handle this for a small additional fee.

Preparing Your Case for Success

Small claims court operates on evidence, not emotion. Judges want to see documentation that proves your case. Bring multiple copies of everything: contracts, receipts, photos of damage, email exchanges, and any other relevant documents.

Organize your evidence chronologically. Tell your story in the order events happened, using documents to support each step. If someone damaged your car, show the police report, repair estimates, photos of the damage, and receipts for repairs.

Keep your presentation concise and factual. You typically have only 10-15 minutes to present your entire case. Practice explaining what happened in plain language, focusing on the key facts the judge needs to understand.

What to Expect on Court Day

Small claims court is informal compared to regular court, but it’s still a legal proceeding. Arrive early, dress professionally, and bring all your evidence organized in a folder.

When it’s your turn, the judge will ask you to explain your case. Present the facts clearly: “On [date], I hired the defendant to repair my roof for $2,500. I paid in full, but they never completed the work.” Then present your evidence and explain exactly how much money you’re seeking.

The defendant gets their chance to respond. The judge may ask questions of both parties. Don’t interrupt or argue with the defendant; let the judge control the proceedings.

Common Types of Winning Cases

Security deposit cases are among the most successful. If your landlord wrongfully withheld your deposit, bring your lease, photos of the apartment’s condition when you moved out, and documentation of the deposit amount.

Auto accident cases with clear liability often succeed when you have police reports, photos of damage, and repair estimates from reputable shops.

Breach of contract cases work well when you have written agreements and can clearly show the other party failed to perform.

After You Win

Winning your case is only half the battle. The court doesn’t collect the money for you; you have to do that yourself. If the defendant doesn’t pay voluntarily, you’ll need to use legal collection methods like wage garnishment or bank account levies.

Most states provide information about collection procedures. Some defendants will pay immediately after losing, while others may require more persistent collection efforts.

When Small Claims Isn’t Right

Skip small claims court if your case involves complex legal issues, multiple parties with competing claims, or situations where you need a lawyer’s expertise. Cases involving personal injury with significant damages, employment discrimination, or contract disputes requiring extensive legal interpretation belong in regular court.

Also consider whether collecting a judgment will be realistic. If the defendant has no job, assets, or income, winning a judgment might be meaningless.

Small claims court empowers regular people to enforce their rights without expensive legal representation. With proper preparation and realistic expectations, it’s often the most efficient way to resolve everyday disputes and get the money you’re owed.