Small claims hearings are short — often ten or fifteen minutes. Judges decide on the strength of the evidence in front of them, not on how passionately you argue. The party who shows up organized, with clean copies of the right documents, wins a surprising share of cases that could have gone either way.
Bring the paper trail that proves three things: that the money was owed, how much, and that the other side failed to pay. That typically means the contract or written agreement, any invoices or receipts, the texts and emails where the obligation was discussed, photographs if damage or work quality is at issue, and your demand letter with proof it was delivered.
Make it easy on the judge. Bring at least three copies of everything — one for the judge, one for the defendant, and one for yourself — and put them in the order you'll refer to them. Number your exhibits and keep a one-page summary of dates and amounts on top. A clerk should never have to wait while you shuffle through your phone.
Prepare a 60-second version of what happened: who, what, when, how much, and why you're owed. Lead with that, then walk through your exhibits. Stay factual and calm — the judge has heard every emotional argument before, and the documents are what move the needle.
Look up your state's process and deadline below so you walk in knowing the dollar limit, the filing steps, and exactly which court is hearing your case.
Look up the small-claims rules for your state.
Updated July 2026