Cook Division Small Claims - Santa Maria, CA

Knowing where to file can be tough. Although you may be tempted to choose the courthouse closest to you, your case may not be accepted there.

Small claims court enables people to get their day in court without the need for a lawyer, but only in cases where the damages are $10,000 or less.

Generally, evidence are presented physically at the hearing in small claims suits. However, if you have a virtual hearing, courts will often require you to submit your evidence to court and to the defendant before your hearing date. Learn how to prepare and submit your evidence to court with this article.

You can never serve someone that you're suing. Instead, hire a professional server or have your friend help out. While there are other options, they are worse.

If you file a small court case, you are required to serve the defendant the stamped paperwork. Learn what you get when you buy a professional service through Dispute to meet this requirement quickly and easily.

You can’t be expected to know or read every law, so find people and organizations that can help you either in person or through written guides and videos that they’ve made.