What is a small claims court?
In a small claims court, the plaintiff is responsible for paying the filing fee and other fees. If the judge rules in favor of the plaintiff, the fees may be added to the judgment against the defendant.

It is important to realize that if a money judgment is ordered by the judge, the defendant may not automatically pay the money and court costs to the plaintiff. You may have to take additional steps to obtain your money. One of the ways to collect is to garnish the defendant's wages or bank account. Garnishments are addressed elsewhere on this page.

Many courts are offering mediation as an alternative to filing a small claims case. You may want to contact the small claims clerk to see if a mediation program is available in your community.

Show All Answers

1. What is a civil case?
2. What is a plaintiff and what's their role?
3. What are filing fees and costs associated with the case?
4. What is a small claims court?
5. What are the definitions of a tenant and a landlord?
6. What is a Notice to Quit?
7. What happens if I as a tenant fail to appear before court?
8. What if a tenant disagrees with the eviction notice?