Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court in California (Paperback)

by Ralph Warner (Author) "The purpose of Small Claims Court is to hear disputes involving modest amounts of money, without long delays and formal rules of evidence..." (more)
Key Phrases: certified mail service, judgment debtor, subpoena form, San Francisco, Proof of Service, State of California (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
A step-by-step guide for making the legal system work for you. -- Orange County Register

Step-by-step advice on how to prepare your case and perhaps most importantly, how to collect if you win -- Associated Press

Warner’s book takes you by the hand through all the potential pitfalls of trying your own case. -- Los Angeles Times

Product Description
The definitive guide to California Small Claims Court for more than 20 years, this plain-English guide gives you step-by-step instructions to bring or defend your case, from preparing evidence and lining up persuasive witnesses to making a presentation in court and collecting the money you're awarded.

Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court in California shows you how to:

*decide if you have a winning case

*mediate a settlement if possible

*determine how much to sue for

*write your demand letter

*file and serve papers

*prepare evidence and witnesses for court

*plan a winning courtroom strategy

*convince the judge that you are right

*collect your money when you win

The 15th edition is completely updated to cover the latest court procedures and laws, and includes examples of the most common court cases.

Go after the money that's owed you -- represent yourself in small claims court and win!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: NOLO; 15th edition (November 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873379403
• ISBN-13: 978-0873379403
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,471,022 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Used it in real dispute., August 6, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court : In California (12th Ed) (Paperback)

I have used it and it works. It is straight to the point no nonsense approach. I won the case and did get my money back. It instructed my step by step, how to make a demand, file a claim, and serve the papers, how to prepare and act in court. Than how to collect a judgement, how to put the lien. What to do and when not to. Also commons sense advise when not to file. Power to the people, justice for all, without an attorney taking half of what is yours

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars START WITH THIS BOOK FIRST, June 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court in California (13th Ed) (Paperback)

If you want to make less mistakes, save time and money, it's best to start with this book so you can get the correct service, venue, and evidence organized to file and win. I found the chapter on how to write a demand letter and settle your claim before it gets to court very helpful. They even offer sample letters you use to settle your case. Nolo Press seems to put together the best legal self help books.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Win in Small Claims Court!, June 13, 2001

By	Aaron Morris, Esq. (www.toplawfirm.com) "amor... (Costa Mesa, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court in California (13th Ed) (Paperback)

If you have a claim involving $5,000 or less, you can easily and inexpensively bring an action in Small Claims Court. But even though Small Claims Court is designed for non-attorneys (in fact, attorneys are not allowed) you still must have a basic understanding of the rules of evidence and know how to put on your case. Invest a little time to read this book, and you will stand a much better chance of winning.