Photo: Tingey Injury Law Firm / UnsplashChoosing a court and starting a case
- Courts and claims
Small Claims vs Civil Court: Which One Should You Use for Your Dispute?
How to choose between small claims and regular civil court, dollar limits, lawyer rules, speed and cost, types of cases, appeals and when to hire an attorney.
3 min read - Courts and claims
How Small Claims Court Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to file a small claims case, what to bring to the hearing and how to collect once you win.
5 min read - Courts and claims
Do You Need a Lawyer for Small Claims Court?
Whether you can bring or defend a small claims case yourself, when lawyers are not allowed and when advice is still worth getting.
2 min read - Courts and claims
How to Sue Someone: The Steps of a Civil Lawsuit
A plain-English overview of how a civil lawsuit starts and proceeds, from demand letter to judgment, and what it costs in time and money.
4 min read - Legal documents
How to Write a Demand Letter That Gets Results
A demand letter formally asks someone to pay or act before you sue. Learn what to include and how to send it.
3 min read - Courts and claims
What Is a Statute of Limitations? Why Deadlines Matter
A statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. Learn how it works and why missing it can end a claim.
4 min read - Courts and claims
How to Serve Legal Papers Correctly
Who can serve a summons, the common service methods and why proper service matters for your case.
2 min read
If you are sued
- Courts and claims
You Were Served With a Lawsuit: What to Do Right Away
How to read a summons and complaint, the deadline to respond, what happens if you ignore it and your options.
4 min read - Courts and claims
Default Judgments: What They Are and How to Undo One
How a default judgment happens, its consequences and how to ask a court to set it aside.
2 min read - Courts and claims
What to Do If You Get a Subpoena
What a subpoena is, the two main types, why it cannot be ignored and how to respond or object.
2 min read - Debt and bankruptcy
Sued for Credit Card Debt? What to Do Step by Step
How to respond to a debt collection lawsuit, the deadline to answer and the defenses and options that may be available.
5 min read - Housing and landlords
Responding to an Eviction Complaint: Step-by-Step Guide for Tenants
What to do when you are served with an eviction lawsuit, how to file an answer, common defenses, mediation, preparing for the hearing and after a judgment.
3 min read
Preparing and presenting your case
- Courts and claims
How to Prepare Evidence for Court: Organizing Exhibits, Witnesses and Timelines
A practical guide to gathering and organizing evidence for small claims and civil cases, including documents, photos, messages, witnesses, authentication and presentation tips.
4 min read - Courts and claims
How to Write a Court Declaration or Sworn Statement: Format, Content and Common Mistakes
How to write a declaration or affidavit for court, what to include, how to stay factual, signing under penalty of perjury and mistakes that weaken your statement.
3 min read - Courts and claims
Courtroom Etiquette and What to Expect at Your First Hearing
How to prepare for your first court hearing, what to wear, how to address the judge, what happens in the courtroom and mistakes that hurt credibility.
3 min read - Courts and claims
Representing Yourself in Court: Pro Se Tips
Practical advice for people who go to court without a lawyer, including preparing documents, courtroom etiquette and common mistakes.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Discovery in a Lawsuit: Interrogatories, Documents and Depositions
How the discovery process works in civil cases, what tools each side uses and how to respond to requests.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Depositions: What to Expect and How to Prepare
What happens at a deposition, how long it takes, tips for answering questions and how it can be used in your case.
2 min read
Settlement, orders and collecting
- Courts and claims
Mediation: How to Prepare and What to Expect in a Settlement Conference
How mediation works, who attends, how to prepare, what to say, confidentiality, settlement agreements and when mediation may not be appropriate.
3 min read - Courts and claims
Mediation vs. Arbitration vs. Court: Which Is Right for a Dispute?
How mediation, arbitration and lawsuits differ in cost, speed, privacy and whether the result is binding.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Settlement Agreements: What to Check Before Signing
How legal settlements work, common terms like releases and confidentiality, tax issues and tips for negotiating.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Court Orders, Contempt and Enforcement: What Happens If Someone Does Not Follow an Order
What court orders require, how to enforce them, civil and criminal contempt, steps to file a motion, defenses, penalties and how to respond if accused.
4 min read - Courts and claims
How to Collect a Court Judgment
Winning is not the same as getting paid. Learn the tools for collecting a money judgment and their limits.
4 min read - Courts and claims
How to Appeal a Court Decision
The basics of filing an appeal, strict deadlines, what appeals courts review and what you can and cannot win on appeal.
2 min read - Courts and claims
Court Fee Waivers: How to Ask the Court to Waive Fees
Who qualifies for a fee waiver, how to apply and what costs may be covered when you cannot afford court fees.
2 min read
Frequently asked questions
How do I file a small claims case?
Complete the court's claim form, pay the filing fee or request a waiver, serve the defendant and attend the hearing with organized evidence.
What if I am sued and cannot afford a lawyer?
Respond by the deadline using court forms, contact legal aid and ask the court self-help center for help.
What evidence do I need in court?
Documents, photos, messages and witnesses that support each fact, organized with copies for the judge and the other side.
Can I use mediation instead of trial?
Often yes, and many courts require or encourage it.
How do I collect a judgment?
Through wage garnishment, bank levies or liens, depending on state law and the debtor's assets.