Cara O’Neill 
Everybody’s Guide to Small Claims Court in California 

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.