Step-by-step instructions and the forms you need for filing your case in a California small claims court

With the information, forms and instructions in this book, anyone with a claim under $5,000 can bring their own lawsuit to California's Small Claims Court. This book discusses such matters as filing a case, defending a lawsuit. settling, presenting a case, expert witnesses, the rules of evidence, collecting a judgment, and countersuing and cross claiming against a third party.

The definitive guide for more than 20 years, this book explains how to present a winning case from start to finish. It illustrates how to:- decide the legitimacy of a case- write a demand letter- file and serve papers- prepare evidence and witnesses for court- argue before a judge- defend a Small Claims case- collect money after winning.Includes down-to-earth examples of the most common Small Claims Court cases.

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.

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.

A plain English guide to court procedure, this book will show readers how to sue for up to $25,000, defend themselves in a lawsuit, fill out the required court forms, understand court procedure, and make a competent case. This book can help every Californian take on any kind of case under $25,000, including breach of contracts, personal injuries, clashes between landlords and tenants, business disputes and more. Some cases are too big for Small Claims Court and too small to interest a lawyer. But Win Your Lawsuit (formerly titled Sue in California Without a Lawyer) takes you step by step through the entire process of a limited jurisdiction case in California Superior Court.Take on common types of civil court cases worth up to $25,000, including: • contract disputes • personal injuries • property damage cases • business disputes Whether you're bringing the suit or defending against one, this plain-English legal guide shows you how to prepare a complaint, file and serve papers, participate in settlement negotiations, present a case and much more. All the forms you need are included.Written by Roderic Duncan, a retired California Superior Court judge, this book includes the legal insight and practical tips that only a judge with over 25 years of experience can provide.