Everybody's guide to small claims court

"You don't need a lawyer to win in small claims court -- you need to know how to prepare and present your own case. Smart preparation for your day in court can make the difference between receiving a check and writing one. Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court provides the information, tips, and strategies you need to sue someone successfully or put up a wining defense in any state. Find out how to: file and serve papers, mediate an out-of-court settlement, prepare evidence to support your case, decide how much to sue for, line up persuasive witnesses, present a winning case, and collect money when you win. The 17th edition includes the latest procedures for small claim courts in every state. You'll also find sample letters, legal forms, and a statute of limitations chart that will help you determine when you must file your case."--Back cover

"Includes rules for all 50 states"--Cover

Basics of a small claims court -- Do you have a good case? -- Can you collect money if you win? -- How much can you sue for? -- When should you sue? -- Settling your dispute -- Who can sue? -- Suing different kinds of defendants -- Where can you sue? -- Filing fees, court papers, and court dates -- Serving your papers -- The defendant's options -- Getting ready for court -- Witnesses -- Your day in court -- Motor vehicle repair cases -- Motor vehicle purchase cases -- Bad debts : initiating and defending cases -- Vehicle accident cases -- Landlord-tenant cases -- Miscellaneous cases -- Disputes between small businesses -- Judgment and appeal -- Collecting your money -- Legal research.