Defendant

Related words

• Claimant
• Service
• Judgment

Common questions

What does defendant mean in small claims court?

The person, business, or agency a claim is brought against. You have to name the defendant the way the court can find them: a person by their full name, a business by the name it is registered under, plus any name it trades under.

What does claimant mean in small claims court?

The person or business bringing the claim, the one asking to be paid. The claimant starts the case by filling in the claim form and paying the filing fee. Most court forms use the word plaintiff for the same role.

What does service mean in small claims court?

Delivering the claim papers to the other side in a way the court accepts. The court will not hear the case until the other side has been given the papers properly. Each state lists the ways that count: the clerk mailing them with a return receipt, the sheriff, a professional server, or any adult who is not part of the case.

What does judgment mean in small claims court?

The court's written decision, including how much, if anything, is to be paid. A judgment is a decision, not money in your hand. It says the other side owes you an amount, and often adds the filing fee and service costs on top.