Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court - Cara O'neill

You don't need a lawyer when you know how to present a winning small claims case.

Preparing for your day in court can make the difference between receiving a check and writing one. Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court explains the steps necessary to sue someone or defend yourself in small claims court successfully. You'll learn how to do the following:

- determine the case's value

- draft a demand letter

- negotiate a settlement

- file and serve papers

- present supporting evidence

- question witnesses, and

- collect money when you win.

The revised edition's settlement section includes powerful negotiation strategies and bargaining tips used by lawyers and businesspeople. Use them to help you settle small claims and other disagreements before trial or even when buying a car or negotiating employment and other contracts. You'll also find sample letters, legal forms, and links to other resources, including an online statute of limitations chart to help you determine when you must file your case.

Win your small claims case!

You don't need a lawyer to succeed in small claims court if you know how to present your own case. Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court provides the information, tips, and strategies needed to sue someone successfully or put up a winning defense. Find out how to:

- assess your case's value

- mediate an out-of-court settlement

- file and serve papers

- gather supporting evidence

- line up persuasive witnesses

- present a convincing case, and

- collect money when you win.

You'll find instructions for following the latest small claims court procedures and detailed explanations of the legal requirements for many common lawsuits.