Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court in California

The definitive guide for more than 20 years, this book explains how to present a winning case from start to finish. It illustrates how to: § decide if you have a good case § write a demand letter § file and serve papers § prepare evidence and witnesses for court § argue before a judge § defend a Small Claims case § collect money after winning.§ determine how much to sue for § mediate a settlement before it goes to court § prepare and present a winning case Included are down-to-earth examples of the most common Small Claims Court cases including auto repair, rental deposits, auto warranties, property damage, and small business disputes.Completely updated, the 16th edition includes an expanded discussion of mediation and how readers can protect their interests should settlement efforts fail.