Small Claims Court & Lawsuits

Learn what a class action lawsuit is, what to expect in class action litigation, and the likelihood of a class action settlement.

What's a notice of class action settlement? Why do you care? And what do you need to do? We answer those questions and more.

If you're a member of the "class,” you have the right to object to a settlement if you think it's unfair or inadequate.

The small claims amount limit determines how much you can get in small claims court. Find the dollar limit for your state.

Wondering if your case belongs in small claims court? Find out about the kinds of cases state law lets you file, small claims dollar limits, and more.

If your efforts to talk out your problems fail and you decide not to mediate, your next step is to send your adversary a letter.

Before you file a lawsuit, you need to decide a few things about your potential case.

Filing a lawsuit on time is critical. Check out our FAQ for information on timing issues related to suing and being sued.

Can a court in the state where you want to sue force the party you're suing to appear there and defend the case? We answer your personal jurisdiction questions.

Even if your case is eligible for a jury trial, it's often better to tell it to the judge.

Learn about the most common discovery techniques, including form and special interrogatories, requests to produce documents, and depositions.

When you're trying a case without a lawyer, make a good impression on the judge by organizing your evidence, preparing your presentation, and following a few courtroom rules.

Mediation is much less formal than court, but the conflict resolution process involves distinct stages designed to lead to a mutually beneficial compromise.

If you’re considering arbitration as an alternative to litigation, it pays to learn the pros and cons of arbitration.

What are the keys to keeping your mediation on the path toward a fair and agreeable resolution? Here are ten rules to follow.

Follow these steps to find a good lawyer to help you with your legal issue.

Learn about legal aid and pro bono representation, the difference between them, and how to find these types of free legal help.

The losing party pays the winner's legal fees only if the winner is entitled to attorney fees by contract or statute.