Small Claims Court Forms - In Small Claims Form

Small claims court forms are designed to be filed in the People's Court — an entity of limited jurisdiction. Limited jurisdiction means only certain matters may be filed and heard by these kinds of courts. There is also a limit to the maximum amount of claims. The courts offer a quick, informal and inexpensive way of resolving many types of disputes you may have with particular individuals or companies. Download state specific small claim forms and fillable data files to complete. Prepare any kind of proof and paperwork that will help you.

Small Claims Court FAQ Pennsylvania Small Claims Form

Who hears the claims in small claims court?  Indiana Small Claims Form

The people’s trial is an informal hearing before a judge. There is no jury and the plaintiff presents his or her evidence and witnesses. The respondent is also responsible for presenting his or her witnesses. After hearing both sides of the dispute, the judge will render a response based on the law and the facts presented.

Who may file small claim court forms Alabama Small Claims Form

An individual, partnership or corporation (or LLC) may file a claim against another individual(s), partnership or corporation in People’s court if jurisdiction exists to hear the request if their amount does not exceed the statutory limits.

What must I do before I file a claim?  Small Claims Court Forms Pdf

Before you file small claims forms, get the facts straight so you can complete the templates correctly and answer any questions court personnel may need to know. Be sure to obtain the correct legal name of the defendant, correct address and place/address of employment. If the respondent is a corporation or LLC you would use the legal corporate or LLC name as the defendant.  

How to file a claim in small claims court? Arkansas Small Claims Form

The plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney should go to the division of the district court in the particular county where the person or business to be sued has an office or is domiciled and file a Statement of Small Claim Forms. The plaintiff is responsible for furnishing the court with the correct and complete address of the defendant. The clerk will assign the plaintiff a case number and this number must be used whenever contacting the court concerning the particular case. A filing fee is required at the time the legal papers are filed. If the plaintiff cannot afford to prepay the fee at the time of the filing, he or she can submit an Affidavit of Substantial Hardship and request that the judge delays the payment.

Who serves the defendant with summons or process and how is the defendant served? Small Claims Judgement

The trial clerk will issue a summons ordering the defendant to appear in the courtroom. The summons and the complaint must be served on the defendant. The summons and the complaint may be served by certified or registered mail. If the trial provides this service, there may be an additional fee. If the defendant cannot be served using these methods, the precinct constable or any registered private process server will serve the summons and complaint about a fee. 

How are hearings about small claim forms scheduled? South Dakota Small Claims Form

The clerk of the courthouse will provide you with the procedure to set the case for trial or hearing at the time you file your application documents.

May I subpoena witnesses? Small Claims Court Procedures

If witnesses are required, but unwilling to attend the hearing of the small claims court forms unless they are subpoenaed, you may obtain a subpoena issued by the judicial council for service on the witness. The subpoena is an order for the witness to appear at the hearing to testify. Some employers may require that an employee be subpoenaed in order to be excused from work.

What are the trial procedures for small court forms? Small Claims Court Procedure

The trial procedure is generally more informal than other courthouses. The case will usually be called in an open courtroom and you will respond that you are present and ready to proceed. You will then be advised when to present your request. Be prepared to present your application in your own words. Be ready to question witnesses if you need them.

What happens if the defendant does not appear at trial? Small Claim Attorneys

If the respondent does not appear at trial, a default judgment will be entered in the plaintiff's favor for the amount of the small court forms or other relief documents. After judgment is obtained and the appeal time has expired, the plaintiff may seek to collect the judgment by acceptable means of collection.

What are the common small claims court forms? Court Small Claim

Common forms used in People’s judicial trials are:

  • Claim Statement/Complaint
  • Summons
  • Return of Summons
  • Answer
  • Subpoena
  • Abstract of Judgment