What is small claims court?

Small Claims Court is a type of court in Indiana that provides an alternative to the formal court system for resolving disputes over monetary claims. Generally, Small Claims Court can only be used to resolve claims of up to a certain amount of money, such as $6,000 in Indiana. These types of court cases are typically brought between individuals, not businesses. In a Small Claims Court case, both parties present their case before a judge or a magistrate. They also have the option of hiring an attorney, but in many cases, they are not necessary. The judge or magistrate hears both sides of the dispute and makes a decision. In Small Claims Court, the parties can choose to have their case heard either in a civil or criminal court. Civil courts allow a judge to order a person to pay damages, while criminal courts allow a judge to impose a fine or sentence. In Indiana, the Small Claims Court system is designed to provide an informal and cost-efficient way to settle disputes. It provides people with an alternative to the more expensive and time-consuming traditional court system. This means that parties can resolve their disputes without engaging in a lengthy and costly litigation process.

Related FAQs

How can I enforce a small claims court judgment out-of-state?
What happens if I disagree with the decision in a small claims court case?
Are there limits on the types of disputes that can be heard in small claims court?
What types of disputes are eligible for small claims court?
How do I locate a defendant in a small claims court case?
What defenses can the other party raise in small claims court?
Can I request attorney fees in a small claims court case?
What is the cost of filing an appeal in small claims court?
How much time do I have to file an appeal in a small claims court case?
What is the maximum claim amount in small claims court?

What is small claims court?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts