You are having a dispute with an individual or a client. You haven’t heard from them for several days and you believe the matter has been laid to rest. Then there is a knock on your door. A man stands there smiling. He hands you something. He’s a process server and you have just been served. You are heading to small claims court California. Now what?


Your initial reaction may be one of shock. That is understandable. The thought of being sued is a very unpleasant and scary thing. However, if you are summoned to small claims court California, you have nothing to fear. Small claims court is where disputes involving nominal sums of money are heard. While you may be asked to pay court fees for the plaintiff if you loose the case, there are no expensive lawyers or punitive damages involved.


If you are being sued in small claims court California, take some time to familiarize yourself with the process. There are several helpful websites, including http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims/ that will teach you what you need to do to prepare for your hearing. If possible, sit in on a couple of cases. You will see that there is nothing to be intimidated about. A judge hears both sides of the story and issues a ruling based on law. Oftentimes the cases are just two regular people trying to solve an issue. The average person does not have an in-depth knowledge of the law; therefore, a judge is the perfect impartial party to help solve minor disputes involving legal issues.


Try not to think about the plaintiff with hostility. It may be difficult for him or her to confront you directly or he or she may feel that you wouldn’t be fair. Rather than dwelling on the fact that you have been sued, take that time to gather your documents, records of attempted reconciliation (if any), and other papers that will support your case. You may also consider counter-suing the plaintiff in small claims court California if you feel they owe you money or have wronged you.


Small claims court California exists to help you whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant. If you have concerns about preparing for your court date, consider enlisting the services of SmallClaimsDepartment.com. Small Claims Department is your one-stop solution for handling small claims in California. Their years of industry knowledge and personable staff will guide you through the process and make you ready for courtroom success.