Self-represented

Related words

• Hearing
• Small claims court
• Claimant

Common questions

What does self-represented mean in small claims court?

Speaking for yourself in court, which is the normal way small claims works. Small claims is designed for people who represent themselves. In most states the other side cannot bring a professional to argue for them either, which is part of what keeps the hearing short.

What does hearing mean in small claims court?

The short session where both sides tell the judge what happened and hand over their evidence. Most small claims hearings run fifteen to thirty minutes. The judge has read the claim, asks questions, looks at what each side brought, and often decides that day.

What does small claims court mean in small claims court?

The part of a state's court that hears money disputes up to a set dollar limit, with simple rules. Small claims is a division of a state court set up for people to use without help. The forms are short, the hearing is usually under half an hour, and the judge asks the questions rather than waiting for you to.

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.