Being Sued
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We have improved online instructions for Small Claims cases, including COVID-19 related rental debt.
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Checklist - If You Are Being Sued
- Talk to the person or business that is suing you. Try to work things out. If you owe the other person money, pay it or try to work out a payment plan before the court date.
- Try mediation or other alternatives to lawyers and courts. You can try mediation throughout your case, even if it does not work now.
- Learn about how small claims court works. Go to the courthouse and watch a small claims hearing. That way you will know what to expect. Read this website, get help from your court’s small claims advisor, and use the different resources this website gives you.
- Figure out if you are being sued in the wrong court.
- Decide if you want to sue the person who is suing you. If you do, learn how to file a defendant's claim.
- Get ready and go to your trial.
- After your hearing, read what to do on the Defendant's Post-Trial Checklist.
