Small Claims Court Prep Guide

It's nothing like the courtroom dramas on TV. Here's what it's actually like — and how to win.

If a contractor takes your money and doesn't deliver, you don't need a lawyer to get it back. Small claims court was built for exactly this. This 10-page guide walks you through the entire process — what to bring, what to say, how much you can claim in your state or province — so you walk in prepared instead of overwhelmed. The homeowners who win are the ones who show up with a binder, not a story.

What's inside

• What Small Claims Court Is Actually Like

• Your Case Details

• Before You File — Eligibility Checklist

• Step-by-Step Filing Guide

• Evidence Checklist

• What to Say in Court

• Filing Limits by Jurisdiction (all 50 US states + 13 Canadian provinces/territories)

• After the Hearing — Collecting Your Judgment

• My Case Notes