Everything you need to win your small claims case in California
Smart preparation for your day in small claims court can make the difference between receiving a check for thousands of dollars and writing one.
If you’re getting ready to appear before a judge, turn to Everybody’s Guide to Small Claims Court in California. It’s packed with everything you need to know to bring your case—or defend yourself if you’re sued—and win! Find out how to:
write a demand letter
determine your losses (damages)
mediate a settlement
file and serve papers
gather evidence
write your demand letter
line up convincing witnesses
present your case in court
collect money when you win, and
understand the appeal process.
This edition is updated with the latest California laws and court procedures—features the insights of former judges who presided in small claims cases and advice on completing more than a dozen different court forms.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Your Small Claims Court Companion
1. Basics of Small Claims Court in California
2. Do You Have a Good Case?
3. Can You Collect Your Money If You Win?
4. How Much Should You Sue For?
5. When Should You Sue?
6. Settling Your Dispute
7. Who Can Sue?
8. Suing Different Kinds of Defendants
9. Where Can You Sue?
10. Filing Fees, Court Papers & Court Dates
11. Serving Your Papers
12. The Defendant’s Options
13. Getting Ready for Court
14. Witnesses
15. Your Day in Court
16. Motor Vehicle Repair Cases
17. Motor Vehicle Purchase Cases
18. Bad Debts: Initiating and Defending Cases
19. Vehicle Accident Cases
20. Landlord-Tenant Cases
21. Miscellaneous Cases
22. Disputes Between Small Businesses
23. Judgment and Appeal
24. Collecting Your Money
25. Legal Research
Appendixes
A. Major California Consumer Laws
B. Legal Jargon for California Small Claims Court
Index
Über den Autor
Cara O’Neill is a bankruptcy attorney in Northern California and a legal editor with Nolo. She has been practicing law in California for over 20 years and is the coauthor of Nolo’s How to File for Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, and Nolo’s Money Troubles and Credit Repair.