Tips for success in small claims court

1. Tips for Success in Small Claims Court

2. Small claims court is designed to help small business owners and individual citizens take a simple, small dollar amount case to court without having to pay costly legal fees and high court costs.

3. While the processes and procedures in a small court are straightforward, many individuals make the mistake of thinking that it is very simple to win a case in the court. • Winning in small claims court isn’t always about whether you’re right. Here are some tips to help you win your case and get paid for your claim.

4. 1. Prepare Well • The key to succeeding in anything is proper preparation. This is also the case when you are going to a small claims court in Ontario. • You have to get the details of your case straight and prepare on how to present facts that will help you to win. It may be necessary to involve a lawyer or a paralegal at the preparation stage.

5. 2. Choose the right location for your suit • Location is as important in small claims court as it is in buying real estate. Finding out where to file your case and where it should be heard is an important part of giving yourself a head start in court. • Bringing your case in the wrong court or the wrong county leads to an immediate dismissal.

6. 3. Learn About the Defendant • Get all the relevant information about the defendant, like addresses, phone numbers, business type, and trade names. • The court must have some way to find the person to serve them with a summons. If the court can't find the defendant, the person can't be served against by an agent of the court, nor can you get any money from them.

7. 4. Bring Witnesses • Make sure they are credible and that they stick to the subject at hand. • Your mother telling the judge what a wonderful person you are won't help your case, but an employee talking about how he installs flooring will certainly help. If a witness is reluctant to appear, get the court to issue a subpoena.

8. 5. Include Relevant Evidence • Nothing beats convincing evidence in a court of law. Although the proceedings in a small claims court may not be too similar to that of an ordinary court, good evidence will have just the right impact in the judgment. • Bring all relevant documents and other exhibits that will help your case.

9. 6. Present Well • The way you present your case in a small claims court will also go a long way in determining the result you can obtain from the justice system. • Since the law can be quite complicated in these matters, it is important to seek the advice of legal professionals. You can get help from a reliable small claims paralegal service.

10. Thank You!