What Does Pro Se Mean? A Plain-English Guide for Small Claims
Saw "pro se" on a court paper? It means handling your own case without a lawyer. Here's the plain-English meaning and what it looks like in small claims.
Latest
How Much Does It Cost to Sue in Small Claims Court? (2026)
Filing fees, serving papers and a few possible extras: what small claims court costs, state by state, and how to plan for it.
Maximum Amount for Small Claims by State: 2026 Limits Table
Every state sets its own small claims limit. Here's the list, what counts toward it, and what to do if your claim is bigger.
Small Claims Court Near Me: How to Find Your Exact Court First
A map pin isn't a court. Here's a calm, step-by-step way to find the exact small claims court for your case before you file anything.
Using AI Safely for Small Claims: Fake Citations, Court AI Rules, and Your Evidence
AI can speed up small claims prep. It can also invent cases, miss your court's rules, and tempt you to touch your evidence. Here's how to use it safely.
Can Small Claims Court Make Someone Do Something? What Judges Can Actually Order
Small claims court mostly awards money. When a judge can order property returned or a deal undone, why it varies by state, and how to frame your claim.
How to Subpoena a Witness for Small Claims Court
A witness who doesn't show up can't help you. Here are your three paths: a witness who comes on their own, a written statement, or a subpoena served in time.
Sued in Small Claims? All 6 of Your Options, Explained
Sued in small claims? Compare all six options side by side: pay, settle, fight, counterclaim, reschedule or move the case, plus a quick checklist.
Landlord-Tenant Small Claims: Security Deposits, Damage and Unpaid Rent
Landlord-tenant small claims: security deposit disputes, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and unpaid rent, with the evidence each side needs.
What to Do If You Lose in Small Claims Court: Appeals, New Trials, and Other Options
Losing stings. Here's a calm overview of the options that may exist after a small claims judgment, and why you should check your court's deadlines right away.
Settling a Small Claims Case: Agreements, Stipulated Judgments and Payment Plans
Settling isn't losing. It trades some of your claim for certainty, without the risk of a hearing. Here's how settlement negotiation, stipulated judgments, releases and payment plans work.
What to Say in Small Claims Court: Hearing-Day Guide
The night before a hearing, most people's minds go blank. Here's what to say, in what order, and how to let your exhibits do the arguing.
Before You File
How to Fill Out and File a Small Claims Form (With a Worked Example)
What to know before you fill out a small claims form: the exact legal name, the amount, where to file, fees and fee waivers, plus a fictional worked example.
Before You File
How to Serve Small Claims Papers (and What to Do If Service Fails)
Filed your small claim? Next the other side must be served. Who can serve, common methods, proof of service, serving a business, and what to do if service fails.
After the Hearing
You Won Small Claims Court. Now How Do You Actually Get Paid?
Won in small claims but haven't been paid? The usual 5-step path to collecting a judgment: written demand, debtor exam, garnishment, bank levies and liens.
Before You File
How to Tell Your Story on a Small Claims Form: Who, What, When, How Much, and Why
The space on the form is small for a reason. Here's how to tell your story in a few clear sentences: who, what, when, how much, and why they owe it.
Before You File
How Much Can I Sue For in Small Claims? What's Recoverable and What's Not
The number that matters isn't how much it hurt. It's how much you can show it cost you. Here's how to build a number you can stand behind.
Before You File
How to Take Photos and Video as Evidence for Small Claims Court
A photo can be your strongest evidence or almost useless. The difference is whether someone who wasn't there can tell what, where, how big and when.
Before You File
How to Preserve Evidence for Small Claims Court
The text that proves your point is the one you didn't delete. Here's how to preserve evidence, ask others to keep theirs, and label exhibits for court.
If You're Sued
Sued in Small Claims Court? What to Do Next (Step by Step)
Been sued in small claims court? Don't panic. Read the papers, calendar the hearing, gather your proof and prepare calmly, one step at a time.
Before You File
Text Messages as Evidence: How to Save Texts for Small Claims Court
"I have the texts" isn't the same as "I can show the texts." Here's how to save them so a judge who wasn't there can follow along.
Before You File
10 Things to Do Before You Sue in Small Claims Court (Checklist)
Filing is built to be simple. Getting paid is the hard part. Ten calm checks before you file help you decide whether filing makes sense.