How to Sue in Small Claims Court
by Professor Richard M. Alderman
The People's Lawyer

What Is Small Claims Court?

Small claims court is the real "People's Court." Small claims court provides a place where you can go to get back money that someone owes you. In small claims court, trials are informal. Most people who appear in small claims court do not have a lawyer. The purpose of small claims court is to provide an informal, uncomplicated proceeding to resolve small disputes which do not involve enough money to warrant the expense of formal litigation. There is only one major restriction in small claims court, the amount involved cannot exceed $10,000.

If someone owes you money, and you cannot get them to pay you, do not try to take the law into your own hands. Do not start a fight. If you cannot resolve the problem any other way, you may settle your differences by taking them to court.

• What Type Of Case Can Be Brought In Small Claims Court?
• Are There Alternatives To Small Claims Court?
• Should You Check With A Lawyer?
• Whom Do You Sue?
• Where Do You File Suit?
• Have You Waited Too Long To File Suit?
• How Do You File Suit?
• How Do You Prepare Your Case?
• What Happens At The Trial?
• You Have A Right To Appeal
• What Do I Do After I Win?
• Small Claims Court Notice Letter
• Texas Small Claims Court Statute
• List of Harris County Small Claims Courts