Preparing for Small Claims Court

For defendeants

Before going to trial, you will need to be prepared to defend your case.

How to prepare for court (Small Claims Court)

Most small claims cases last less than fifteen minutes. For this reason, you want to organize your evidence ahead of time and make brief notes of what you want to say in court.

If you have documents, bring the original and two photocopies. You will keep the original and give one copy to the Judge and the other to the Plaintiff.

Evidence you can use

Here are examples of evidence that you can bring to court:

• Witnesses to testify on your behalf.
• Receipts or cancelled checks that prove you made payments;
• Bills or repair estimates;
• Photographs of property damage;
• Written contracts, agreements or other documents that prove your case.

What if I don't speak English?

If you do not speak English, bring someone who can interpret for you. The court may not have an interpreter.

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