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Getting Started in Small Claims Court: Professional Representation and Proper Documents per Forms and Rules
Question: How do I start a lawsuit in Small Claims Court?
Answer: To initiate a lawsuit in Small Claims Court, you must prepare and issue a Plaintiff's Claim using Form 7A, which is available online. While the form itself is straightforward, navigating what to include and what to omit can be challenging. It is crucial to understand the rules outlined in Rule 7 of the Rules of the Small Claims Court. Seeking assistance from VP Legal Services and Notary can ensure that your case is prepared accurately and effectively, helping you address potential complications early in the process. Your path to resolving legal matters can be smoother with proper guidance.
Commencing Proceedings and Retaining Legal Counsel for Small Claims Court
To start a case in the Small Claims Court requires the issuing of a document known as a Plaintiff's Claim. The Plaintiff's Claim is a form, known as Form 7A, and is available online. The main parts of the Form 7A document are quite easy to complete as such simply involves filling in a few blanks of information. The more challenging aspect of starting a lawsuit is knowing what parts of the story to say and what parts of the story to avoid saying, if any. There are various rules regarding the extent of information that is required. The prescribed rules for the requirements when beginning a Small Claims Court lawsuit are available for review at Rule 7 of the Rules of the Small Claims Court.
Although many people think of the Small Claims Court as relatively informal, and some legal issues are simple enough that laypeople can handle a case without needing assistance from a lawyer or paralegal, there are concerns to think about. Concerns to think carefully about include:
- What if I lose?
- What if the Defendant brings a third party claim?
- What if I get the name of someone wrong?
- What if a counterclaim is brought?
- What if the case becomes more complicated than first expected?
- What if legal costs are awarded against me?
The above questions, and many more, deserve careful review before haphazardly starting a lawsuit. Understanding and carefully reviewing the potential complications, considerations, and consequences, before starting a lawsuit is highly important.
