Small claims & civil procedure
Navigating local courts, evidence, hearings, and judgment collection.
Questions in this topic
Can a small claims decision be appealed?
Whether and how a small claims judgment can be appealed, and why the rules differ sharply by state.
What is the difference between civil and criminal court?
How civil and criminal courts differ in their parties, purposes, burdens of proof, and consequences.
What happens if the defendant does not show up?
What a default judgment is and what happens when a defendant fails to appear in small claims court.
What evidence can be used in small claims court?
The kinds of evidence small claims courts accept and how relaxed evidence rules affect a hearing.
How does small claims court work?
An overview of how small claims court resolves smaller money disputes through a simplified, low-cost process.
How do I collect a judgment?
The court-authorized tools available to collect a money judgment when the losing party will not pay.
How do I file a small claims case?
The general steps involved in starting a small claims case, from choosing the court to serving the defendant.
What is the limit on small claims amounts?
Why small claims dollar limits are set by each state and how to find the one that applies.
What happens at a small claims hearing?
What to expect during a small claims hearing, from presenting evidence to how the judge decides.
What is mediation and how does it work?
How mediation helps parties resolve disputes with a neutral facilitator instead of a court decision.
What is service of process?
How service of process delivers formal notice of a lawsuit and why proper service matters.