Go to CA Small Claims Court Prepared to Win!
Winning lawyers go to court with a trial presentation. You can too! With step-by-step guidance, build your JusticeDirect Trial Presentation™ and learn how to win in CA Small Claims Court.
Only available to users who file their case using JusticeDirect. Start now and be ready to file in 20 minutes!
See what our users are saying!
Why do you want to file a Small Claims case?
Choose the option that applies best to start:
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Someone borrowed money from me and didn't pay me back.
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I was not paid for the product or service (project, work, or job) I provided.
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They agreed to provide a service (project, work, or job), but it was not completed as promised.
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I paid for a product, but it isn't as promised, or I never received it.
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My tenants/roommate did not pay rent/utilities as agreed.
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The landlord did not return the security deposit as expected.
Present a Convincing Case in Small Claims Court with JD Trial Presentation™
Be Ready
Get detailed court info and to-dos, so you know exactly what to do before, during, and after your small claims court hearing.
Be Organized
Include all your important facts and evidence so the Judge can easily understand your story during the hearing.
Be Convincing
Present your story clearly and succinctly with supporting evidence. Have everything you need to effectively respond to the judge’s questions.
It’s as Easy as
Build
With a guided process, get completed Small Claims Court forms with file and serve instructions.
Create a court statement, build your timeline, and upload important evidence to complete your case.
Present
Receive your completed JD Trial Presentation™ along with how-to instructions for your day in court.
Print and bring to your Small Claims hearing so you can effectively present your case and convince the Judge.
Pricing
COMPLETE
$99
Preview completed JD Trial Presentation™ before you pay!
Guided Legal Education
Completed Court Forms
File & Serve Instructions
Priority Email Support
JusticeDirect Trial Presentation™:
Court Preparation Information
Customized Opening Statement
Detailed Case Timeline & Evidence
Table Calculating Money Owed
Copies of All Relevant Documents
3 Copies: You, Defendant, & Judge
After Court Hearing To-Dos
BASIC
$0
Guided Legal Education
Completed Court Forms
File & Serve Instructions
Winning lawyers use trial presentations. So can you.
Court hearings are typically only 15-30 minutes. To win in Small Claims Court, you must be effective and efficient in presenting your case within that time.
A strong trial presentation includes several key components to help you win in small claims court:
(1) An opening statement to summarize your case;
(2) A comprehensive timeline to support your case;
(3) All your key evidence;
(4) Supporting documentation to recover costs and show that you followed all the necessary court procedures.
Review Small Claims Court Filing if you haven’t filed your case yet.
PREPARE AND PRESENT IN A SMALL CLAIMS HEARING ➜
FAQs
What do I need to do before I attend my Small Claims Court hearing?
Being well-prepared for your Small Claims hearing will increase your chances of winning. There are many things you can do to be prepared, such as attending another Small Claims hearing to see how court is conducted. With the JD Trial Presentation™ you will receive a checklist of things to do so you will be well-prepared for your day in court.
What should I say and bring for my court hearing?
- With limited time (15-30 minutes) to present your case to the Judge, you will want to be effective and efficient with your answers. During this time, both parties will be questioned, so you will want to have references on hand to quickly answer those questions without any delays or hesitation.
- The most important thing to bring is evidence that will help prove your story. The JD Trial Presentation™ will help you organize all your evidence in a chronological timeline with page number references so the Judge can easily find what is needed.
What if I can’t attend my small claims hearing?
If you can’t attend your hearing, you can submit a form SC-150 (Request to Postpone Trial) to reschedule your hearing to a different time.
What if the Defendant doesn’t show up to the small claims hearing?
- If the Defendant doesn’t show up to the hearing, you may still have to present the case to the judge before you are awarded a judgment.
- You may receive a “default” judgment against the Defendant. The Defendant may choose to “cancel” or “vacate” this default judgment if they had a valid reason for not being able to attend.
How long after my small claims hearing would I get my result?
The result after your hearing is commonly referred to as a judgment. It typically takes 3-7 business days after the hearing to receive the judgment.
In some cases, you may receive your judgment on the day of your hearing.
The judgment will have information on who owes money (if any), how much, and the next steps.
What happens after my court hearing?
- If you win: as the Plaintiff, winning your court case means the other party owes you money. The judgment will include information on the next steps, including how to collect that money from the other party.
- If you lose: as the Plaintiff, losing your court case means the other party doesn’t owe you money and unfortunately, you won’t be able to appeal.
Want to learn more about CA Small Claims Court?
Check out these resources!
Preparing for Your Small Claims Hearing as a Plaintiff
Serving Papers on the Defendant for Small Claims
After Winning My Small Claims Case as the Plaintiff
