Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court in California

by Ralph E. Warner, Emily Doskow

The only guide to California Small Claims Court that provides tips by former judges! The definitive guide to California Small Claims Court for more than 25 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 and collect your money when you win. Updated with the latest laws and procedures, featuring practical tips and insights from former judges of small claims courts. It also shows you how to handle disputes involving Internet transactions. Go after the money that's owed you -- represent yourself in small claims court and win!

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Ralph "Jake" Warner, co-founder of Nolo in 1971, was a trailblazer in the do-it-yourself law movement. He helped make legal guidance widely accessible through books, software, and online resources. A prolific author and editor, Warner wrote titles like Retire Happy and Save Your Small Business. He earned his law degree from Boalt Hall at UC Berkeley and his undergraduate degree in history from Princeton.