NCJ Number
55535
Date Published
Unknown
Length
18 pages
Annotation
THE RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR SMALL CLAIMS COURTS, WHICH HANDLE AMOUNTS LESS THAN $750, ARE EXPLAINED IN SIMPLE, STEP-BY-STEP FASHION. IT IS EMPHASIZED THAT A CONSUMER DOES NOT NEED A LAWYER FOR SUCH CASES.
Abstract
THE BOOKLET DESCRIBES CONNECTICUT'S SMALL CLAIMS COURTS, LISTS TYPES OF SUITS THEY MAY HANDLE, AND TELLS HOW TO FILE THE SUIT. IT GIVES TIPS ON GATHERING EVIDENCE AND GETTING WITNESSES. PROCEDURES FOR REQUESTING A CONTINUANCE ARE EXPLAINED AND A SAMPLE LETTER ASKING FOR A CONTINUANCE IS INCLUDED. THE CONSUMER IS WARNED ABOUT LEGAL PITFALLS, SUCH AS USING THE INCORRECT NAME OF THE DEFENDANT'S BUSINESS, SUING THE WRONG PARTIES, AND FAILING TO ASK FOR A CONTINUANCE IF A WITNESS CANNOT APPEAR. AT THE TIME OF TRIAL, PLAINTIFFS ARE ADVISED TO GET TO THE COURTROOM EARLY AND TO BE READY WITH ALL MATERIALS AND WITNESSES. FINALLY, THE PROCEDURE FOR ACTUAL COLLECTION OF ANY DAMAGES IS DESCRIBED. A CHECKLIST, A SAMPLE OF A WRITTEN DEMAND ON THE DEFENDANT, A DIRECTORY OF LEGAL AID SERVICES IN CONNECTICUT, AND A MAP SHOWING THE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA SERVED BY EACH OF THE STATE'S SMALL CLAIMS COURTS ARE INCLUDED. THERE ARE HUMOROUS ILLUSTRATIONS.