File a small claim

There is no fee for filing an answer. If you do not file an answer, you risk the chance of having the court enter a default judgment against you awarding the plaintiff what he or she asked for in the Original Notice and Petition. If you believe you also have a claim against the person suing you, you may file a small claims counterclaim. If the other party has entered a timely answer, the clerk will assign a case to the court calendar for hearing.

Judicial magistrates hear most small claims cases, though any judge may hear a small claims case. Small claims hearings are simple and informal. Be sure to review the tips for representing yourself before your hearing. If the hearing is contested, the magistrate will electronically record the proceeding. Hearings will not be recorded by a certified court reporter unless a party provides the reporter at the party's own expense.

When I am unsure of the correct procedures he is patient and polite. He is what you want from a civil servant. Thank Small Claims Arizona. Small Claims Arizona staff at the front was extremely kind, cordial and professional. An exemplary officer in dealing with people. Strikingly different from other courthouses. Someone knows what they're doing when assigning positions or hiring. Small Claims Court in Yucca File your small claims in Yucca small claims court and recover money owed.

Get Started. Yucca Small Claims Agents will review, research, and prepare your case. Get prepared paperwork for Yucca Court with all of the instructions. Yucca Small Claims Court Attorney Having the right legal guidance by your side during a small claims case, no matter how simple it seems, is always helpful.

Small Claims Court Lawyer in Yucca A good attorney by your side will break the statute of limitations, legal regulations, and all the other complications in your case down for you before you start filing the claim. Sign the forms.

Make copies of all documents you will submit to the court and put them in a safe place. You must remove all personal identifiers from the copies you will submit to the court. Keep those identifiers on the copies you keep. You can pay the fee with a credit card. You can upload the fee waiver request form if needed.

You also can mail the complaint , the summons and the fee to the county Superior Court where the person or business is. Certified mail is recommended. You will receive a postcard in the mail with your court date. If you cannot come to court on your assigned date, call the court right away. Your case might be dismissed if you do not come to court.

Serving the papers on the defendant Your case cannot move forward unless the defendant receives the complaint and summons from the court.

The court will mail the complaint and summons to the defendant s. Preparing for trial Both the plaintiff and defendant will be asked to give testimony in court.

Bring to court records of any transactions that may help you prove your case. That could be Cancelled checks, money orders, sales receipts. Bills, contracts, estimates, leases. Other documents proving your claim. Your day in court Your court notice will tell you when you must come to court. Bring all witnesses and evidence needed to present your case.

The court will help you try to settle your case through a settlement conference. A staff member will try to help the plaintiff and the defendant reach an agreement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your case likely will be heard by the judge This might happen on your court date, or on a later date. Settling your case before trial If you are able to settle the case with the defendant before the trial date, call the Special Civil Part Office right away to tell them that the case has been settled.

Include the address of the person s or business you are suing. You must remove all personal identifiers on the copies that you submit to the court. Keep those identifiers on the copies that you keep. If a settlement cannot be reached, your case likely will be heard by the judge This might happen on your court date, or on a later date.. User Feedback. Include the current address of the person s or business you are suing. If you are being sued in small claims court You are the defendant in a lawsuit.

You will receive a summons from the court with the date and time to come to the courthouse. You must appear in court on the date stated on the notice. If you do not come to court, a money judgment may be entered against you. If you cannot come to court on the date you were given, you must call the number on the notice. You can ask for a new date. Do I need a lawyer to defend myself in a small claims case? Things to think about before representing yourself in court Preparing for trial Both the plaintiff and defendant will be asked to give testimony in court.

If the plaintiff does not appear, the judge could dismiss the case. Request a fee waiver When to file an application for a fee waiver File your fee waiver request when you file your court case.

Fee waivers in appeals of Superior Court cases To apply for a fee waiver in the Appellate Division of Superior Court: Step 1: You must submit your application in the Superior Court in the county where your case was first filed. Fee waivers in appeals of agency determinations File directly with the Appellate Division of Superior Court in Trenton if you want to request a fee waiver in your appeal of an administrative agency determination. What types of cases are handled in small claims court?

What types of cases cannot be filed in small claims court? Who can file a small claims case? Do I need an attorney to file a case? What if I want to sue for a larger amount of money? Where are cases filed? How do I file a case?

How much does it cost to file a small claims case? How do I prepare for a trial? What happens on the day of the trial? Can I appeal? If you win the case, you are the Judgment Creditor.

If you lose the case, you are the Judgment Debtor. If you are the Judgment Creditor, you are responsible for all efforts to collect the money judgment. If the debtor cannot pay in full, you and the debtor can attempt to work out a payment plan. If the debtor cannot pay, or will not pay, you may:. Sometimes parties agree to update the court when a partial payment is made. In these cases A Partial Satisfaction of Judgment may be filed. Additional statewide forms are located on the Forms Center page.

Fees for civil cases are due at the time of filing your papers. Your browser is out-of-date! It has known security flaws and may not display all features of this and other websites. Learn how. Skip to main content. Translate this page.