ABA Family Legal Guide

How the Legal System Works

Mediation and Small-Claims Court

Small-Claims Court

What are the advantages of filing a lawsuit in a small-claims court?

First, if you choose to act as your own lawyer, you may not need to pay lawyer's fees. Second, small-claims court procedures are designed to be simpler and involve less paperwork than other courts. Third, it may be possible to have a proceeding conducted after normal working hours. And finally, the case is often resolved in less time.