How to Win in Small Claims Court in California Book

Using Self-Help Law Books
Introduction
Chapter 1: Small Claims Court, Generally

How Much You Can Sue For

Remedies Other Than Money

Procedure

Needing an Attorney

Other Places to Get Help

Losses You Can Recover

Terminology
Chapter 2: Before You Sue11

Deciding Whether You Have a Case

Getting Information

Proving Your Case

Your Time and Effort

Collecting If You Win

Demanding Payment and Settling

Deadline for Filing Suit
Chapter 3:Using Mediation to Resolve Your Case

Types of Mediation

Advantages to Mediation

Finding Services

Procedure
Chapter 4: Filing and Serving Your Case

Those Who Can Sue and Be Sued

Where to File Your Suit

Fees

How Much To Sue For

Beginning Your Case

Forms

Statutes

Serving the Papers on the Defendant

When You Cannot Find the Defendant
Chapter 5: Types of Cases41

Bad Checks and “Stop Payment” Checks

Breach of Contract

Contract Rescission

Warranty

Lemon Law Cases

Consumer Contracts

Products Liability Cases

Auto Accidents and Other Negligence Cases

Class Actions

Homeowner Association Cases

Landlord Problems

Tenant Problems

Civil Rights Complaints

Attorney-Client Problems
Chapter 6: Defending Yourself

Ignoring the Summons

The Next Step

Your Defenses

Settling the Case

Counterclaims

Cross-Claims and Third Party Claims

Requesting a Continuance

Methods ofPayment

Appeal

Chapter 7: Rules of Evidence

The Four Types of Evidence

Testimony by Declaration

Testimony by Telephone

Expert Witnesses

Oral Agreements

Judicial Notice

Proof
Chapter 8: Preparing and Presenting Your Case

Preparing for Trial

Subpoena Process

Disqualifying a Judge

Presenting Your Case

Judgment

Vacating a Default Judgment
Chapter 9: Collecting Your Judgment

Ask for Your Money

Collection Methods

Driver’s License Suspension

Validity

After the Judgment Is Paid
Chapter 10: Appealing Your Case
Glossary
Appendix A: Small Claims Advisors (and County Court Websites)
Appendix B: Mediation Programs by County
Appendix C: California Small Claims Statutes and Rules
Appendix D: List of Relevant Consumer Statutes
Appendix E: Statutes of Limitation
Appendix F: Questions for Judgment Debtor
Appendix G: Checklists
Appendix H: Demand Letters
Appendix I: Judicial Council Forms
Appendix J: List of Local Forms
Index