How to win a small claims court lawsuit
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- Опубликовано: 9 июн 2024
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SMALL CLAIMS TIPS
Here are some general court tips to hopefully help you win your small claims lawsuit. Whether you are dealing with breach of contract, fraud, business disputes, landlord-tenant issues, or other claims for money damages, this video will hopefully help you whether you are the plaintiff or defendant in the small claims case.
TOP 10
1. Prepare your case - make sure you understand all the facts of the case
2. Have evidence - any evidence pertaining to your case make sure you bring it with you and have copies for the judge and your opponent
3. LISTEN to the judge and DON'T INTERRUPT
4. If you are winning - SHUT UP!!
5. Don't get into an arguing match with your opponent - keep the Order in the Court.
6. Show up on time
7. Be neatly dressed - "Dress how you want to be addressed"
8. Be short and concise and hit your 3 KEY POINTS (or more if you are given the time), but many times these cases go fast so have your main points ready.
9. Relax and take a few deep breaths before you get up there.
10. Enjoy you get to act like the lawyer today!!
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Хобби
"If you're winning, shut up!" Best small claims court advice, EVER!
Glad you like it. It was passed on to me by my mentor. Cheers Nathan!! Steve
If you win how do you collect your money. That is the problem. In the state of South Carolina What if the other lying. Saying they don't owe you when you have proof through voice messages and text message. Can you have a lawyer in court with me. What if they say I didn't write those texts.
judge judy taught me that lol
Good video, thanks.
10 Po@@attorneysteve
Thank you, Mr. Vondran. My daughter and I followed your instructions and won yesterday in small claims court. I wore a tie for the first time in years. Arrived early, had the three copies of documents, made the bullet points, courteous to the defendant, and the big one - when we saw we were winning as the defendant was busy eviscerating himself, we shut up. Judgment for the plaintive. Great. Thanks for the tips and I hope to never have to do this again.
Could you tell me about the three copies of the documents? Did you share the evidence prior to the trial?
Now that is what I like to hear - CONGRATULATIONS!!! Steve Vondran
@@rc.... the copies were the bills to be paid by the defendant. My daughter gave copies to the judge and defendant at the beginning of the hearing. Black and white facts.
Congrats!
Steve, I have been studying law for 15-20 years. I'm not a lawyer and do not want to pass the bar. Go to the Maine law library 3 or 4 times a week and study.
Make it a great day and God bless
Bruce Edward Poulin
Glad everyone seems to be enjoying my small claims success video!! Have a great weekend!
LOL, funny story! Wish I could have seen that picture!!
Scott Nicholson a
Steve Vondran
Steve Vondran hey Steve i used a app called offer up to sell one of my gaming controller and the guy that bought it from me said that it was trash and said that my parents will be hearing from his lawyer, I'm really scared and don't know what to do
I’m taking someone to court tomorrow. I’ve watched your videos numerous times!! Thank you for the info!!
I'm andy from Scotland. Won my case today because of your advice . I kept quiet as soon as i seen i was winning. I claimed against a person who done dangerous gas work. I won my case . Come to Scotland sometime i will get you a whisky!
Very cool Andrew! Funny enough.....I have a niece graduating from St. Andrews soon......maybe we will have the chance!! Congratulations!! SV
Congratulations! And good luck in the Euros this summer.
Thanks Steve. I'll be in small claims soon. I'm so nervous. Terrified actually. I do plan to be very prepared. I've always been afraid of speaking in public and becoming emotional. I sure don't want to cry. Your tips are just what I need.
depp breath.....i can do this.......deep breath.....i can do this......
I watched this 30 minutes before walking into my small claims defense this morning where I was representing myself. had my case dismissed already today. Thanks for the advice.
Well done!
Plaintiff must’ve been a no show.
I had my first small claims case a few months ago to get my security deposit back and they decided to settle with me. my first victory and it felt good. they thought I wasn't gonna do anything and took me for a joke.
Congratulations on your settlement without having to go to court! Landlords tend to bully their tenants when the lease is over, thinking you won't fight back. Usually they are successful. When you serve the complaint and summons on them they tend to settle quite quickly, especially if you have worded it like an attorney would. (They will have their attorney review the complaint & summons and he will realize the professionalism in a heartbeat.) When dealing with a small claims case, I always learn about the law in question and the procedures of the court, then buy a half hour of coaching from my attorney. The most bang for your buck!
@@dalewalker4614 Dale, I'm a landlord and I don't bully tenants. If they comply with the lease, they get their full security deposit back. If they don't comply, they may get deductions. I try to be fair and honest with all tenants. If a landlord does bully a tenant, of course I'd advise them to fight back.
lol right same here
I won my case 2
Congratulations on the "W!"
@grupo de ileostomia it was a little more than my security deposit. i wasn't trying to bleed them out, i just wanted what i paid. if i would have waited closer to the court date, i could have got more.
Most honest attorney I've ever heard.
Now that may be the best comment I have ever received! Thank you!! Steve
I totally agree with all of this, and I can definitely attest. I am not a lawyer, but last month I won a Small Claims Court. I've learned a lot watching videos like this one.
The video is also great because it is not formal, in layman's terms, easy to understand, and not spoken in a monotone. It certainly captured my attention for the full 14 and half minutes.
Thank you! I really appreciate it!! Cheers
Love how you do a full break down of everything. this my 4x time watching the video I'm studying it since it's my 1st time in civil court
Good approach!! Best of luck! Steve
@@attorneysteve Good afternoon Mr. Steve. I will let you know how I do in court. just waiting for the court to re open in may since the virus cova 19 has it shut down. I am very confident that I will win!
@@attorneysteve I won! my small claims court case. getting back my $2k+
If I may I would like to say... ' You have had the most informant and grounded video that I've watched, your candor and professionalism has given me a focal point or a, ' point of origin ... ''' I have been clouded by the ominous side of vengeance. After watching your video I have come to the true understanding of the word " Justice ". l would like to extend my Thanks for your input on such delicate matters, and for pointing me in the right direction. Again it has been most informative' Thank You Robert T Robinson'
Robert, thank you for the nice comments!! Its for people like you I do this videos for!! Cheers! Steve
I always feel so much better when the doubts are removed from my thoughts THX ! You are the right kind of medicine, it's people like you that make it so much easier for people like me. Question' " have you ever considered publishing ? "... you do carry yourself so well '. Thank You again, Robert T Robinson.
You produced these tips for a reason and my guess is that you have seen many people NOT follow the tips outlined in your video. Thanks.
Nice. Short work. Spent several years serving the court system, and this is the most straightforward, and unburdened training without the taxing excess courtly gravitas. Thanks.
Hi Steve, my daughter and I are suing a very unethical and corrupt towing company here in San Jose called Rebello's, and our case is tomorrow morning. I am SO thankful to have seen your video!!! I feel much more confident now, and look forward to getting all or at least some of my hard-earned money back! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and God bless!!
Thanks!! Great video.I really appreciate these types of videos, with topics covering just about anything. This is one of the best!
Thank you, Attorney Steve!
Absolutely!! Steve
" Excellent advice, this presentation is abundantly informative and well put to gather " !!!
Thank you, Sir !!!
This was very helpful and made me feel more at ease about a pending court date. It feels like a David and Goliath situation... I'm a single mom, suing a dealership for clearing the check engine light prior to me purchasing the car and hiding that fact from me before I made the purchase. So, 6 yrs later, you're still helping people with this video! Thank you! Wish me luck!
Hi Angela, I wish you luck. Go get em. I've sued many dealerships for the dirty tricks they play. Thanks for watching!! Steve
@@attorneysteve I'm trying to sue a "auction licensed" guy over false promise 😩😩😒 Above the Small Claim threshold...
Thank you! I have my day tomorrow, and "keep it short and sweet" is exactly what I needed. Thank you.
I truly enjoy watching your videos . Thank you!
Thank you all for all the great comments. Love you all!!
Steve Vondran how do I prepare for a case or am trying to get my own Furniture but I don't have receipts because it was 3 years ago how do I do that
Steve Vondran Thank you so much, this is so helpful. I think I have to follow all this steps tmr bcz I have a small claim court date tmr, this tips are really gonna help ma presentation I believe. 🤝
God Bless you. One awesome video. Will play it several times before my upcoming trial. Thank you so much!
Hello. I won my case!
Thank you! I just won my case today for the max amount that was allowed in my state and your advice was very helpful!!
Steve, you did a wonderful job here. Thank you.
I appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Thank you
Nice vid. Want to add that in addition to knowing your facts/case cold, one has to be prepared to be flexible to changing circumstances. Things may not go orderly as you planned. It goes relatively quickly and actions by the the other party or judge may throw you off. But being overly prepared with your arguments and evidence will keep you grounded.
For example, after exchange of evidence my tenant admitted to two of the four items on the summons right off the bat. That threw me off and I had to cut right to the middle of my defense presentation. Then under oath he added additional unexpected verbal claims that I had to defend against. In the end I won all four items because my evidence was overwhelming, but I did not realize how dynamic my day in court would be.
NIce add on. Thank you. SV
I have court coming up and i thank you, Steve, for this advice, this has helped me out tremendously 😘
Great post! Very helpful as I prepare for an upcoming small claim lawsuit. Thank you.
That was really nice of you to share this with us. I appreciate it very much. I will for sure apply your advice to my upcoming event. Thanks again.
My pleasure, glad you liked it and thanks for the thumbs up!! Steve
Steve Vondran, your video presentation is so much appreciated. This will help me tremendously to prepare for my first day ever in a small claims court. Thank you!!
Good luck!!! Thanks for the comments!! Steve
Thank you, glad you enjoyed - there is nothing better than winning in small claims court!!! Good luck.
Steve Vondran
My case is a verbal loan and I only have a recording of admittance and a text and the dates and a witness that knows I loaned it. It's 7,000 cash and a Movado 2,000 watch to use when we went out and now we are not. Help
@@rosamcalister To anyone reading this thread.... Most verbal contracts are equally as binding as written contracts with the exception of real estate transactions and a few other contracts that by statute must be written. Watch Steve's video on "Verbal Contracts - What Makes Them Legitimate". Good luck!
Awesome! I cant thank you enough for taking the time to record this video.
Thanks, Steve, big help in preparing for my Small Claims experience this Thursday.
Great down to earth sound advice much needed in redemption for the countless negligent attorneys at law that do not look out for their clients but are only looking to soak and abuse the legal system. You are a thumbs up.
Thank you brother, appreciate that a bunch! Steve
Thanks for the advice. Today is my day in court and I thought that someone may have made a video like this and here you are. I will try to follow your rules. Lets go win!
No safety nets. Get er done!! Steve
Thanks so much, Steve! I'm in WA State, but you've been very helpful. So generous of you to share.
MY PLEASURE!!
Just saw this video. Knowledgeable video I can honestly say, “I am ready” to present my case to judge next week. Awesome video 👌🏾
Amazingly well presented and easy to understand. Thank you very much for this resource.
Thanks Luke!! SV
Thanks for the video, it was very helpful. I have an upcoming court case and feel much more confident about it now!
Kadi Thomsen Good, thank you for the positive feedback! Good luck! Steve
Glad you liked the general tips in my small claims victory video!! Charge on!!!
Thank you so much for your time in sharing these invaluable tips! So appreciative!
My pleasure, thank you for supporting equal access to justice! Attorney Steve®
Thank you! These tips will really help me tremendously!
My pleasure!! Thanks for the comment!! Steve
Thanks a lot Steve! Very helpful and insightful. Really appreciate the "free" advice. "Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance." I think I've just adopted my new motto! Kind Regards, -Wade from CA
This is general information and glad you liked it! I never forget the Five P's!! Cheers!! Steve
I appreciate the time you took to make this video. This has helped tremendously in what to expect as I begin to file a small claim. Thanks again.
You are welcome.......always helps to know some basic things to expect... good luck in your case!
Thank you. These are very helpful tips. I'll update you when I'm done with my case on Wednesday
Thanks Steve, good info and you made me smile!
Thanks, glad to add a little cheer to your day!!
Really Cool Video.... Man... This video of yours is simple and yet powerful. A true bro to the true people. Rare and nice bro...Big ups. Keep it rocking!!!
Thank you for the Ups, I make these videos for people like you who appreciate it! Cheers. Steve
Excelent video, I love it. Thank you so much. I would watch it a couple of times.
Awesome, glad you liked it! Steve
Thanks for the great info, Please keep posting.
These tips were incredibly helpful. I’m going to small claims tomorrow for a housemate that refused to return my deposit.
Thank you and good luck. Relax, hit your key points and have a great time!! SV
You are welcome, glad to provide general tips to help you win your small claims case!!
Thank you so much for posting this video and giving us all these tips. I won my case today. Thank you!!!
Bingo, nice job!! Glad my tips may have helped!! - Attorney Steve -
Amazing! Excellent attorney. I love it. Thank you, very empowering!
It’s November 2019- who is still watching?
Google and RUclips are watching, and recommending this video. Anyone who uses the RUclips search feature is watching too!
June 2020
Proper | Planning | Prevents | Poor | Performance
@@1GQ_gent Very good advice!!
lol me especially 2020!
Thank you , Attorney Steve needed information
You are welcome! Steve
Very well done counselor. Thanks much.
Thank you for your time and sage advise.
I'm so happy of your breakdown god bless you! Proper planning prevents poor performance!❤
Yes, you got it Shirley.....if you forget everything else, remember this!!
"THE FIVE P's!" Love it!
Thank you for this informative and encouraging video. I took notes!
You are very welcome!
Hello I am preparing for my small claims date next week
I found this very helpful!
Fingers crossed
I’m suing someone and I’m gathering my evidence now.
You are a very nice, helpful attorney. You are a rare specimen. I have an eviction case coming soon. My son will be the plaintiff against a landlord. The landlord filed an eviction lawsuit for no reason. One day before the trial she dismissed the case by herself (but it is a dismissal without prejudice. They can bring the case back anytime). This is in Richardson, Texas. It has been very hard to find a lawyer who is willing to help us. I just wanted to say: Thank you for being on our side.
You are the man Steve, thanks for this knowledge gold!
Thanks Gordan!! SV
Thanks Attorney Steve! Awesome tips!
You are very welcome!!
love your tips...this was such a smart video thank you for sharing your expertise and time Steve...top 10 tips..i have court on Thursday and this was beyond helpful...:)
thank u steve.this is the route I planned on taking,but I gotta tell u that u did turn every rock and I plan on over seeing this video everyday till court day to help keep me tuned and ready for court...thanks steve
Matt Breaux Proper planning prevents poor performance in small claims court! Good luck, thanks for the comments!! Steve
Thank you so much! I go to court tomorrow and this helped!
Good luck! Relax and enjoy!
Did you win
this has helped me so much right now.
Thank you! Appreciate your videos! Gave me the courage to TAKE ACTION!
COOL, THAT IS GREAT TO HEAR!! Knowledge is power, or at least empowering! Good luck. Steve
Thank you so much for for your tips!!
Thanks for the video. It gives me the guts to face the plaintiffs. Im not a bad person, just a person that ran across bad circumstances.
We all have to try to make the best out of the cards we are dealt. Stay strong. There is an old saying: "I do not fear the storm for I am learning to sail my ship." Best, Steve
Thank you for his. It's interesting to me that I came across an attorney that is both CA and AZ as I have an issue that requires me to fight in both states. I've been taken for all the money I have, can't afford representation, and suffer from learning disabilities that have made trying to prepare for the battle, very difficult.
Thanks for valuable info, Steve.
GREAT advice Steve...THANKS!!!
thank u for sharing! this is very helpful to me
My pleasure Evie, glad you liked it!! Thanks for taking the time to comment!! Cheers!
Thanks Steve great video
Going to battle a mechanic who doesn't want to return my motor transmission and other parts he has
Good luck!! SV
Mr. Vondran, this is a great video, and you present it very affably. Thank you sir, this was helpful.
Thanks alot Christopher!! : )
Very informative content there. Much appreciated sir!
Great advice. Keep uploading.
Thanks, working on it!! Steve
great info! "Zippy Longstocking" xD that had me cracking up
LOL, gotta have some fun right!!! Thanks for the comments!!
Thank you so much. It’s very helpful.
Thank you Steve! Really appreciate it.
Thank you very much for this video. I filed a lawsuit where I am self represented where a friend (now former) owes me money.
GO GET EM!
Was it difficult filing, I need to sue a landlord, where do I start?
@@ronaldriley5075 No it was not at all. When I won the judgement it included all my court costs. I even was already paid the $9,000 because I told the def. that I would garnish his wages if he did not pay right away.. They should help you down there at the court house on the filing. Good Luck!
Working on poking holes , preparing my case to impress the Judge
Thank you so much. This was a great presentation.
Thumbs up in print too!!! Good job, and yes, just the cost of 'doing business' once every 20 years.
YOU are great! You see the doggie in the picture, because of him I have a case...even though it is without merit
because there was no bite. Thank you for all those points, they are very helpful and so important. I am sure
you are a great lawyer and i can't thank you enough. I have a question, is there any written evidence I should
not give the opponent?
Thank you for the comments!! Unfortunately I cannot answer legal questions online per our ethics rules! cheers
thanks man, I have a court date in 2 weeks. I am nervous and the plaintiff. But my case is very clear and obvious so I will win, the defendant will not show up. But whats the protocol on wage garnishment? I am in Co. thumbs up.
Did you win ?
I think your advices are universal. Independent from which state, or country you are, whether it’s a small claim court or more serious. It’s all make sense. But it’s good to hear and keeping in mind. Also practicing, especially if someone suffers from mental health issues. Emotions can be overwhelming, it’s hard to put a lid on sometimes.
thank you for sharing and taking the time to share.
You will want to check the laws in your state to see if that is a possibliity or not to add a bad faith insurance claim. Good luck!
+Steve Vondran There was extensive damage to the walls and ceiling that cause loss of material items and inconvenience, that they knew about and didn't do anything, until much later. I am unable to use a portion of the apartment, still.
+Steve Vondran And thanks for the advice.
love ya vid thanks for the tips most likely im going to be going to court with former employer massage envy for unpaid wages i pray i win.
Bria Keys Thanks Bria, its because of nice comments like yours that I keep posting information!!
Thank you so much for this video! I love your style of delivering this helpful information - so affable :)
Thanks, I appreciate that!!! Steve
Nice video. Appreciate all the tips 🙏
I don't know if I mentioned this in the video, but lawyers cannot appear in a small claims case so I am not sure how I could be a "client for the courts". Thanks for the comments though.
Is that true in all states? Im in Utah and taking someone to small claims who supposedly has an attorney representing him.
An attorney told me that, as I'm filing a claim for water damage to some of my property, the property company can have an attorney represent them in Small Claims Court. I'm not suing an individual, so is that true? Also, I'd be grateful if you could tell me which forms I have to fill out to claim for damage to my property? Thanks.
Attorneys are allowed to represent you in small claims in Utah. If you sue for attorney fees, the fees will come out of your total judgement limit of $10,000, so it may limit how much you can recover for yourself.
***** In Utah attorneys are allowed in small claims court.
sonofamram Thanks for your reply, Steve. I'm a little wiser now.
I hope this isn't a stupid question, but can I take someone to Small Claims Court for refusing to pay me back $60?
roaminhomin yes
Great video even 7 years later! Thank you.
I know, it's getting old......I may need to add some new updates!! : )
Thank you for the helpful advice!!
I understand the culture behind dressing nicely for court. It's a shame, however, that the Economy is in such dire straits that many of us who can't afford such attire have to fork over just to prove our innocence. It's nothing against you, Steve, I would be advising others the same and it's amazing what people show up in court with, I know. (TY for putting this info up, btw!)
Californians are not known for dressing nicely to court because they have very easy-going attitude. People wear shorts to court all the time. But I'm not sure how it affects the outcome. Ha Ha Ha!
bs return it when your done
You look like Tate Donovan.
Pamela Jean Thank you Pamela....he is HOT right? I hope? : )
+Steve Vondran lmao
I saw his pic, you are right!!! lol
Thank you for making this video. I watched it the morning before my small claims case against my landlord. I was nervous but I was prepared. I wrote an opening statement and was clear about what I was asking the court for. My aponent wasn't prepared and was caught in several lies. While the judge was grilling him, I kept my mouth closed. Thank you again for your advice.
Right on Steven!! Perfect!! Steve
Thanks Steve, for your Top 10 Tips. The 5 P,s has gotta be great summary,👍
My pleasure, glad you liked!!