SMALL CLAIMS
Small claims court is accessible for matters involving modest sums of money, evictions, or property disputes. Individuals can initiate civil cases in small claims court, offering a quicker resolution compared to traditional civil litigation. The simplified process allows non-lawyers to navigate the filing process independently, with reduced filing fees and more flexibility from judges regarding court procedures. However, small claims courts have jurisdiction limitations, excluding certain cases such as family law matters (e.g., divorce, custody disputes), bankruptcy, and probate cases, which are heard in specialized courts.
Many small claims attorneys provide legal counsel for a fixed fee. While they won’t advocate for you in court, it’s advisable to have them review your case before submission. This precaution helps prevent filing mistakes that could prolong your case or result in a default judgment.
Common small claims cases include:
- Disagreements between contractors and homeowners, like disputes over pricing or non-payment.
- Issues between landlords and tenants, such as unjust evictions or failure to refund security deposits
- Neighborhood conflicts, including noise complaints or nuisance claims.
- Lawsuits for outstanding dues or fees.