Small Claims Court FAQ

Questions:

• Can any kind of case be resolved in small claims court?
• Are there time limits in which a small claims court case must be filed?
• How much can I sue for in small claims court?
• Where should I file my small claims lawsuit?
• What can I do to resolve my problem without going to small claims court?
• Will I get paid if I win the lawsuit?
• If I'm sued in small claims court but the other party is really at fault, can I countersue?
• What should I do to prepare my small claims case?
• What's the best way to present my small claims case to a judge?
• Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court?
• If I lose my case in small claims court, can I appeal?

Answer:

If I lose my case in small claims court, can I appeal?

The answer depends on the state in which you live. Many states allow either party to appeal within a certain period of time, usually between 10 and 30 days, and obtain a new trial. In many states, appeals must be based solely on the contention that the judge made a legal mistake, and not on the facts of the case. Other states have their own unique rules. For more information, see Nolo's article Appealing a Small Claims Court Case.