Skip to main content
View Plans

Case Research

Step-by-step guide to research and prepare your small claims case.

Research Your Legal Question

Describe your situation to search legal databases

1

Identify Your Issue

Define your dispute, identify the defendant, and clarify what outcome you want.

2

Know Your State Laws

Check claim limits, filing fees, statute of limitations, and venue requirements.

3

Gather Evidence

Collect contracts, photos, communications, receipts, and witness info.

4

Calculate Damages

Total actual losses, consequential damages, interest, and court costs.

5

Research Defendant

Get legal name, current address, and business registration if applicable.

6

Send Demand Letter

State facts, amount owed, deadline. Send via certified mail, keep copies.

7

Prepare Strategy

Organize documents, prepare opening statement, anticipate counterarguments.

Pre-Filing Checklist

General information only, not legal advice. Consider consulting an attorney for your specific situation.

Site assistant

Hi, I am the Small Claims Helper assistant. Ask what you need, and I will include direct page links to the right part of the site.

Disclaimer: This assistant explains how to use this website only. It is not a licensed attorney, does not provide legal advice, and cannot evaluate your case. Always verify court rules with official sources.