How to Navigate Small Claims Court: Filing a Lawsuit, Motions to Dismiss, and Default Judgments
Legal disputes, whether over unpaid debts, property damage, or contract violations, don’t always require hiring an expensive attorney or going through lengthy litigation. In many cases, you can file a lawsuit in small claims court to resolve your issue quickly, affordably, and often without legal representation. But the process doesn't stop at filing. You’ll also need to understand motions such as a motion to dismiss or a motion for default judgment —both powerful tools that can determine how fast your case moves or whether it even proceeds at all. In this guide, Lawler Legal walks you through how to file a lawsuit in small claims court , provides an example motion to dismiss , offers a ready-to-use template for motion to dismiss , and explains when and how to file a motion for default judgment . Step 1: File a Lawsuit in Small Claims Court Filing a lawsuit in small claims court is often the first step toward resolving a civil matter without hiring a lawyer. It’s ideal for cases...