Assess Case Merit and Amount
1-2 hoursCalculate exact damages, verify claim is within small claims limit, and confirm statute of limitations has not expired.
Field context
This workflow is part of 6 niche fields
Small claims court preparation guide for filing limits, evidence gathering, demand letters, court procedures, and collecting judgments in civil disputes.
Calculate exact damages, verify claim is within small claims limit, and confirm statute of limitations has not expired.
Collect contracts, receipts, photos, emails, texts, and witness statements. Organize chronologically.
Send certified letter stating claim amount, deadline (typically 10–30 days), and intent to file suit. Many cases settle here.
Complete court filing forms, pay filing fee ($30–$100), and serve defendant per state rules (sheriff, certified mail, or process server).
Organize evidence binder, prepare 2-minute opening statement, practice Q&A, and arrange witnesses.
Calculate total claim amount including filing fees and damages. · Budget filing fees and service of process costs.
Document per-item damages with unit pricing evidence.
Support fair market value claims with comparable pricing.
Estimate process server costs if required for service.
Verify current limits at your county courthouse — limits and procedures change.
| State | Max Claim | Filing Fee (approx) | Attorney Allowed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $12,500 | $30–$75 | No (with exceptions) |
| Texas | $20,000 | $50–$100 | No |
| Florida | $8,000 | $55–$300 | No |
| New York | $10,000 | $15–$20 | No |
Many courts offer free mediation before hearing — 60%+ of cases settle without a trial.
Inflated damages destroy credibility — claim only what you can prove with documents.
Winning is half the battle — wage garnishment and liens require separate collection steps.
Judges decide on evidence, not sympathy — stick to facts and dollar amounts.