Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Walks you through the halls of small justice and explains how to file a claim, figure damages and argue your case effectively." Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine
Synopsis
Evaluate your claim, figure out your best course of action and represent yourself in small claims court with this definitive guide
Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court in California gives you step-by-step instructions to bring or defend your case. From preparing evidence and lining up persuasive witnesses, to making a presentation in court and collecting the money you're awarded, this plain English book leads you through the entire process of going to court without a lawyer. Plus, it's the only book around that helps you factor in out-of-court issues, such as personal relationships, to help you determine whether going to court is worth the potential for recovery.
Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court in California shows you how to: . evaluate whether you have a winning case
. mediate a settlement
. determine how much to sue for
. write your demand letter
. file and serve papers
. prepare evidence and witnesses for court
. plan a winning courtroom strategy
. convince the judge that you are right
. collect your money when you win This edition is updated with the latest rules and statutes for California's small claims courts, including instructions for accessing local courts and finding out their procedures.
About the Author
Ralph Warner is widely recognized as a pioneer of the do-it-yourself law movement, Warner founded Nolo with Ed Sherman in 1972. He began publishing do-it-yourself law books written by him and his colleagues after numerous publishers rejected them. Warner holds a law degree from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California at Berkeley and an undergraduate degree from Princeton.
Table of Contents
Your Small Claims Court Companion1 In the Beginning2 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 Dispute7 Who Can Sue?8 Suing Different Kinds of Defendants9 Where Can You Sue?10 Filing Fees, Court Papers & Court Dates11 Serving Your Papers12 The Defendant’s Options13 Getting Ready for Court14 Witnesses15 Your Day in Court16 Motor Vehicle Repair Cases17 Motor Vehicle Purchase Cases18 Bad Debts: Initiating and Defending Cases in Which19 Vehicle Accident Cases20 Landlord-Tenant Cases21 Miscellaneous Cases22 Disputes Between Small Businesses23 Judgment and Appeal24 Collecting Your Money25 Legal ResearchAppendix: Major California Consumer LawsIndex