Annotate Legal South Dakota Small Claims Forms For Free

What are the basic steps in filing a lawsuit? File the Summons and Complaint. The person starting the case is called the Petitioner or Plaintiff. ... File the Answer. The person being sued is either called the Defendant or the Respondent. ... Prepare the case. ... The judge holds a hearing. ... The judge makes a decision.

The plaintiff initiating the action or the plaintiff's attorney shall complete the information on the small claims form available in the clerk of courts office, and provide a written and signed statement of the cause of action to the clerk who shall docket the action.

The procedures are simple and inexpensive. The maximum limit set by current law for South Dakota Small Claims actions is $12,000 plus court costs. Claims for more than $12,000.00 must be filed as formal civil actions, unless a party is willing to waive recovery of any amounts over $12,000.

The current limit set by law for small claims actions is $12,000 or less (SDCL 16-12C-13). To start the process, please complete the required forms and submit to them to the county clerk of court where the defendant resides or the loss occurred.

The plaintiff initiating the action or the plaintiff's attorney shall complete the information on the small claims form available in the clerk of courts office, and provide a written and signed statement of the cause of action to the clerk who shall docket the action.

The small claims court is an informal court which allows people to sue for small losses of money or property. The procedures are simple enough so that an individual can file and handle his own claim in court. The limit set by the law for small claims actions is $12,000.00 or less.