Can I represent a business in small claims court?
Yes, you can represent a business in small claims court in California. In California, a business can file a small claims court case and also have a representative to appear on their behalf. The representative is allowed to present evidence and make arguments, but cannot perform any of the other tasks that only the claimant, defendant, or attorneys are allowed to do. The representative must have a letter of authorization from the business in order to appear in court. The letter should identify the business and state that the representative has the authority to represent the business in small claims court. It is also important to remember that representatives must comply with all other rules of the court, including providing proper identification, speaking truthfully, and behaving respectfully. When hiring a representative, it is important to be mindful of how their appearance could influence the judge’s opinion. It is best to dress professionally, come prepared, and be respectful when appearing in court. In California, a business is also allowed to be represented by an attorney, however it is not required. In addition, the maximum claim amount in small claims court must not exceed $10,000.
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