Small Claims Course

Lesson 1 • Court Structure and Key Personnel

Maps the roles of judges, clerks, and court staff within small claims proceedings. Prepares students to interact appropriately with each court role.

Lesson 2 • Parties Eligible to File

Identifies who may serve as plaintiff or defendant in small claims proceedings. Covers individual, business, and organizational eligibility requirements.

Lesson 3 • Purpose and Scope of Small Claims

Defines small claims court as a simplified civil forum for low-value disputes. Establishes why this court exists and how it differs from general civil court.

Lesson 4 • Monetary Limits and Jurisdiction

Explains how courts set maximum claim amounts and geographic jurisdiction rules. Connects jurisdictional thresholds to case eligibility decisions.

Lesson 1 • Demand Letters and Pre-Filing Steps

Guides students through sending a formal demand before filing to prompt settlement. A proper demand letter strengthens credibility and may resolve the dispute without court.

Lesson 2 • Statute of Limitations Considerations

Explains time limits for filing different types of claims and consequences of missing deadlines. Students learn to calculate filing windows before committing to a case.

Lesson 3 • Calculating Damages and Relief

Covers methods for quantifying monetary losses and identifying available remedies. Accurate damage calculation directly affects the amount claimed on the filing form.

Lesson 4 • Cost-Benefit Analysis of Filing

Teaches students to weigh filing costs, time investment, and collectability against potential recovery. Ensures students make informed decisions before initiating proceedings.

Lesson 1 • Submitting the Claim In Person or Online

Compares in-person and electronic filing methods and their respective requirements. Students gain confidence navigating both submission channels.

Lesson 2 • Identifying the Correct Court and Venue

Explains how to select the proper court location based on where the dispute arose or where the defendant resides. Incorrect venue is a common cause of case dismissal.

Lesson 3 • Amending or Withdrawing a Filed Claim

Explains when and how to correct errors in a filed claim or voluntarily dismiss the case. Students learn to manage post-filing changes without jeopardizing their case.

Lesson 4 • Completing the Claim Form

Walks through each field of a standard small claims complaint form with precision. Accurate form completion prevents rejection and establishes the factual record.

Lesson 1 • Why Proper Service Matters

Establishes service of process as a constitutional due-process requirement that protects both parties. Improper service voids proceedings and wastes time and money.

Lesson 2 • Proof of Service Requirements

Explains how to document completed service and file proof with the court before the hearing. Missing or defective proof of service can delay or dismiss the case.

Lesson 3 • Service Deadlines and Extensions

Covers mandatory service deadlines relative to the hearing date and how to request more time. Students learn to manage service timelines to avoid automatic dismissal.

Lesson 4 • Locating the Defendant

Provides practical strategies for finding a defendant's current address when it is unknown. Successful service depends on accurate location information.

Lesson 1 • Types of Evidence in Small Claims

Categorizes evidence as documentary, testimonial, physical, or digital and explains each type's role. Understanding evidence types guides targeted collection efforts.

Lesson 2 • Using Witnesses Effectively

Explains how to identify, prepare, and present witnesses who can corroborate key facts. Witness testimony fills evidentiary gaps that documents cannot address.

Lesson 3 • Organizing Evidence for Presentation

Guides students in creating a logical, labeled evidence package for the hearing. Organized evidence signals credibility and helps the judge follow the argument.

Lesson 4 • Collecting Documentary Evidence

Teaches systematic collection of contracts, receipts, invoices, photos, and correspondence. Strong documentary evidence is the backbone of most small claims cases.

Lesson 1 • Understanding Hearing Procedures

Explains the sequence of events during a small claims hearing from opening to judgment. Familiarity with procedure reduces anxiety and prevents procedural mistakes.

Lesson 2 • Courtroom Conduct and Etiquette

Covers professional behavior, appropriate dress, and respectful communication in the courtroom. Proper conduct influences judicial perception and maintains credibility.

Lesson 3 • Handling Counterclaims and Setoffs

Prepares plaintiffs to respond when defendants file counterclaims or assert setoffs against the claimed amount. Understanding counterclaims prevents being caught off guard at the hearing.

Lesson 4 • Preparing Your Oral Presentation

Teaches students to structure a concise, fact-focused oral argument tied to their evidence. A well-prepared presentation maximizes the limited time available before the judge.

Lesson 1 • Satisfying and Releasing a Judgment

Explains how a judgment is formally satisfied once payment is made and how to file a satisfaction of judgment. Proper closure protects the judgment debtor's credit and legal record.

Lesson 2 • Reading and Interpreting a Judgment

Teaches students to parse the language of a written judgment to understand what was awarded and why. Accurate interpretation is essential before deciding whether to appeal or enforce.

Lesson 3 • Grounds and Process for Appeal

Explains the limited grounds for appealing a small claims judgment and the procedural steps required. Students learn when an appeal is viable versus when it wastes resources.

Lesson 4 • Vacating a Default Judgment

Covers the process for setting aside a default judgment entered due to non-appearance. Defendants who missed the hearing learn how to seek relief and reopen the case.

Lesson 1 • Dealing with Judgment-Proof Debtors

Addresses situations where the debtor has no collectible assets and explains strategic options. Students learn to recognize uncollectible judgments and manage expectations accordingly.

Lesson 2 • Why Judgments Are Not Self-Enforcing

Explains that winning a judgment does not guarantee payment and that active enforcement is required. Sets realistic expectations and motivates students to learn collection tools.

Lesson 3 • Wage Garnishment

Covers the process of obtaining a wage garnishment order to collect directly from the debtor's paycheck. Students learn applicable limits on garnishable income and employer obligations.

Lesson 4 • Bank Levies and Property Liens

Explains how to levy a debtor's bank account or place a lien on real property to secure payment. These tools are effective when wage garnishment is unavailable or insufficient.