Filing and Winning Small Claims For Dummies

Author: Judge Philip Straniere
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9781118424445
Published In: April 2013
Format: Paperback , 360 pages
Jurisdiction: U.S. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only

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Real advice you can trust and use in small claims court

When every other method to collect has failed, a small claim is the right remedy to seek. If you're looking at either prosecuting or defending in a small claims court, with or without an attorney, the information presented in Filing & Winning Small Claims For Dummies is indispensable.

The nuances of small claims courts vary from state to state, but the basic approach in preparing and presenting a small claims case is extremely uniform no matter where you are. Regardless of state or circumstance, you can find, trust, and use the info in Filing & Winning Small Claims For Dummies to prepare yourself for your court date. You'll find everything you need to know including establishing a case, settling or mediating a dispute, fees, applications, and other paperwork, statues of limitations, securing witnesses and experts, preparing for court, filing for appeal, case studies and more. Filing & Winning Small Claims For Dummies also includes the most current information and resources on specific laws, statues, dollar limits, and procedures.

Includes the most current information and resources on specific laws, statues, dollar limits, and procedures
Offers practical information on securing witnesses and experts
Complemented with real-world examples of small claims court cases

If you're headed to small claims court, either as a plaintiff or a defendant, you'll want Filing & Winning Small Claims For Dummies in your corner!

Introduction 1

Part I: Making Your Big Problem a Small Claim 5

Chapter 1: Understanding the Ins and Outs of Small Claims Court 7

Chapter 2: Deciding if Your Case Belongs in Small Claims Court 15

Chapter 3: Evaluating Whether You Need a Lawyer 35

Chapter 4: Classifying Your Claim: Figuring Out What Kind of Case You Have 47

Chapter 5: What’s the Damage: Understanding Different Types of Damages 67

Part II: Getting Ready to Go to Court 83

Chapter 6: Just the Facts, Jack: Gathering Your Information 85

Chapter 7: Dealing with the Clerk 95

Chapter 8: Informing the Defendant About the Case 103

Chapter 9: Looking at Your Options: Considering Alternatives to Trial 119

Chapter 10: In Your Defense: Advice for the Defendant 129

Part III: Presenting Your Case in Court 139

Chapter 11: Mastering Courtroom Etiquette 141

Chapter 12: Providing the Proof You Need to Make Your Case 159

Chapter 13: Handling Live Witnesses Well 173

Chapter 14: Sounding Like a Lawyer in the Courtroom 193

Chapter 15: Understanding the Judge’s Decision 211

Part IV: Dealing with Specific Problems 217

Chapter 16: Getting Hit Where You Live: Contract Cases Involving Your Home 219

Chapter 17: Getting the Business: Suing over Business Transactions 235

Chapter 18: Getting Personal: Suing Those Closest to You 251

Chapter 19: Pardon My French: Understanding Tort Cases 263

Chapter 20: Looking at Legal Issues in the Internet Age 275

Part V: Handling Post-Trial Issues 285

Chapter 21: Getting the Verdict and Collecting Your Judgment 287

Chapter 22: Appealing a Decision 299

Part VI: The Part of Tens 307

Chapter 23: Ten Ways to Improve Your Odds of Winning in Court 309

Chapter 24: Ten Blunders to Avoid 313

Glossary 317

Index 329

Hon. Philip S. Straniere was named an Acting Justice of the New York State Supreme Court in 2004 and is currently the Supervising Judge of Civil Court, Richmond County, New York. Prior to going on the bench he was in private practice for over 20 years.