How do I go about representing myself in small claims court?

Representing yourself in small claims court in Maryland is not as difficult as you may think. To start, small claims court is an informal court procedure designed to resolve disputes without using costly legal fees. To begin your process, you must fill out and file an official statement of claim with the court. This document includes the names and addresses of the parties involved, the amount of money requested, and the reasons for the claim. Once your statement of claim is filed, you must then serve the defendant with a copy so that they can prepare for the hearing. It is important to make sure that you follow the instructions of the court for proper service. After you have made sure that the defendant is aware of the hearing, it is time to prepare for the hearing. Make sure that you bring all documents that you think will support your case. This can be receipts, pictures, or any other tangible evidence that will support your case. Also make sure to have any witnesses or experts that can verify the facts in your case. On the day of the hearing, you should dress appropriately and be prepared to make a concise, respectful, and factual argument to support your case. You will usually have the chance to make an opening statement, present evidence, call witnesses, and then present a closing statement. After both sides have presented everything, the judge will make a decision. Following the hearing, the court will send you a written notice of the judge’s decision. If you are not satisfied with the decision, you may file an appeal to present your case to the next level of the court system.

How do I go about representing myself in small claims court?

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