MAKING SMALL CLAIMS COURT
WORK FOR YOU

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   Free Small Claims Court Referral Service

Sometimes the only way to collect what is owing you is to sue. So when all else fails, don't just write off that debt, take them to court, but first make sure they have assets or an income. There is no point suing if you cannot collect.

Small Claims Court, with a claims limit of up to $15,000, (limit varies by province) is an easily accessible self-help remedy designed to make it worthwhile for individuals and small business to pursue accounts without a lawyer, but you need to do your homework and learn how best to use this valuable tool.

If you have no experience or simply want to maximize your chances of winning, use a paralegal. Paralegals usually know a lot more about small claims matters than lawyers and are much better at preparing, presenting and winning.... not to mention much much cheaper than lawyers.

We would go so far as to say never use a lawyer in small claims court. Use a paralegal

WHAT CAN I SUE FOR? Usually you can sue for damages in auto accidents, property damage, some landlord tenant disputes,broken verbal or written contracts, bad cheques, unpaid wages, or the collection of personal debts. This is a partial list and rules vary by province.

HOW MUCH CAN I SUE FOR? The ParaLegalAdvice Small Claims Court Chart lists the amounts you can sue for in your province. These are set by the province in which you are suing. The highest amount you can sue for in Small Claims Court is currently $15,000.00

WHO CAN SUE? You can sue anybody and any business in Small Claims Court. Any individual, business or corporation may sue in Small Claims Court for the recovery of money only.

WHERE DO I SUE? You must sue in the court in the jurisdiction of the person being sued. If the party you are suing is located in Kingston and you are in Montreal, you must sue in Kingston.

WILL THE COURTS HELP ME? The clerks in the Small Claims Courts offices will not tell you HOW to prepare your case or provide legal help. If they are not too busy, they may assist you in correctly filling out the forms, but don't count on it. You will have to get their information booklets and forms and actually read them and follow the instructions to the letter or your case may be tossed out. Most people can do this, but so many are just too lazy to help themselves that they deserve what they get for sloppy work.

STUDY JUDGE JUDY: As repulsive as she is, Judge Judy provides a good example of what to expect in any Small Claims Court, although few judges are as sexist, obnoxious, arrogant or rude as that meglomaniac. Perhaps all that plastic surgery has affected her mind too. Watch several of her shows. Watch how the witnesses present their evidence and what happens to those who are not prepared or talk over the other party.

SMALL CLAIMS COURT ARE INFORMAL, BUT THEY ARE STILL COURTS. Never forget that you are in court for a minute. Be respectful even if you think it is not deserved. Try to be calm, courteous and avoid calling the other party names.... Stick to your facts and you will go a long way to impress the judge.

HOW TO LOSE IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT: Follow these simple instructions and you will get your head handed to you by an annoyed and impatient Small Claims Court judge.

• Show up unwashed, unshaved and in dirty work clothes looking like a bum or a harlot.
• Do not have your important documents with you. Leave receipts and bills of sale or warranties and other essential original documents at home, and tell the judge you can get them later.
• Interupt and get into a shouting match with the other party when they are presenting their case to the court.
• Don't bring your witnesses to court. Try and tell the judge what they told you.
• Be unprepared. Stumble over your testimony and make up details on the spot which will impress the judge.

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING

• Dress up. Wear conservative, clean clothing in good repair. You do not need to wear expensive clothing, but you are in court. Show the proper respect and you will get respect. Dress your best. Be well groomed. Clean your finger nails. Get rid of the gigantic sluttish press on nails. Get rid of the piercings, the purple hair and the leather, biker look or the grubby look. Dress as if you are going to church.
• Prepare in advance. Consider writing down all the points you want to make so they are clear and in a logical order. You will not be permitted to read the list, but you can use it as a guide to ensure you cover everything.
• Bring all your evidence with you. Gather all the documents relevant to your case, including cheques, invoices, receipts, photographs, expert reports, contracts, warranties, broken objects or whatever is needed to show your losses and establish what the loss is worth in dollars as best you can.
• If you wish witnesses to be heard, bring them with you. Do not coach them or give them memorized speeches. Simply ask them to tell what they know in their own words about the matter. The judge can and probably will question them and you.
• Take your time. Speak clearly, slowly and be direct. Tell the court what damages you have suffered and what they have cost you. Be prepared to prove the damages with receipts, estimates, photos or other proof.

YOUR HOMEWORK INVOLVES: In order to successfully sue in Small Claims Court in your province, you must do your homework. You need to look at the rules concerning procedures for filing claims, defences, and counterclaims. You must meet the stipulated time limits, obey the rules for service and proof of service of documents. You will need to know a little about default judgements and proceedings. Usually there will be a pre-trial conference which may lead to an offer to settle. A rejected offer to settle will have cost consequences at trial.

You need to have all your evidence available at trial. Read up on trial procedures (watch Judge Judy for tips). You will also need some understanding of what costs you can ask for, the reimbursement of costs, and the enforcement of judgments and orders.

Small claims trials are adversarial in nature which means that there will be a winner and a loser. Judges usually permit very informal procedures and take an active role in questioning the parties to get to the facts. Judgments are awarded on the balance of probabilities.