Don't Hire a Lawyer for Small Claims Court Do This Instead

Someone owes you money: a landlord who kept your deposit, a contractor who vanished, a neighbor who hit your car. Small claims court was built for exactly this, with no lawyer needed. Here's the whole process step by step: what you can sue for, the demand letter, naming the right defendant, your evidence packet, filing, service, the hearing, what judges look for, and how to actually collect when they won't pay. CHAPTERS 0:00 Someone owes you money 1:14 Part 1: What small claims covers 2:53 Part 2: Before you file 3:04 The demand letter 3:45 Naming the right defendant 4:24 Your evidence checklist 5:26 Part 3: Filing your claim 6:24 Part 4: Serving the defendant 6:55 Counterclaims 7:15 Part 5: The hearing 9:11 What judges look for 9:55 Part 6: Getting paid 10:29 Enforcing the judgment 11:57 Your 6-step action plan RESOURCES • Your state court's small claims self-help page (search "your state small claims court") • Your Secretary of State business search (find a company's legal name + registered agent) • Federal garnishment limits • U.S. Dept. of Labor, wage garnishment fact sheet ⚠ LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action. New video every week. Your rights. Plain English. #SmallClaimsCourt #KnowYourRights #LexPlain