Effective Collection in Small Claims Court
Collecting money owed to your business can be critical to maintaining profitability. Sometimes, going to small claims court is your best option. A business may be required to be represented by a lawyer, even in small claims court. Getting proper legal help can be key to your success in these situations.
Collecting Debt Via Small Claims Court
If you have been unsuccessful collecting a debt from a customer and decide that suing them in small claims court is the only option, you’ll need to understand the steps required to file a case under the laws in your state. Generally, you'll need to consider the following in small claims court:
- Make sure your case fits the monetary limits and parameters for the court and whether your company will require representation by a lawyer.
- The case will need to be filed in the right court using the appropriate forms, procedures, and potentially pay a filing fee.
- You and your lawyer must be prepared to present evidence and make arguments to plead your case to the judge.
- How to collect on the judgment from the defendant if you win the case.
Getting legal advice from a small claims lawyer is a critical first step. Sign up today and you can be on the phone with a provider lawyer in as little as 4 hours after initial contact.
Being Prepared for Small Claims Court
Going to small claims court typically involves gathering at least some of the following:
- The documents already filed with the court;
- Signed agreements related to the claim;
- An affidavit with your claims;
- Receipts, bank statements, credit card statements, or other related financial documents;
- Written or digital communications between you and the defendant; or Witness statements and any other physical evidence,
As a LegalShield member, you can consult with a provider lawyer for debt collection issues. As a plaintiff, your provider lawyer can represent you at a 25% discount from their standard rate.
Why Have a Lawyer Represent You in Small Claims Court
Representation by a business lawyer familiar with small claims court cases increases your chance of winning the case. Also, if you win, a collection lawyer can play a critical role in helping you with the often challenging task of collecting the amount of money owed.
Additionally, should the other party prepare a counterclaim, you will take comfort knowing you have competent representation on your side to defend against that claim.
LegalShield’s Small Business Legal Essentials plan allows you to hire your lawyer to represent you for 25% off their standard hourly fees. If you’re a defendant, our Small Business Legal Plus and Small Business Legal Pro plans include an optional trial defense services add-on for only $14.95/month. Either way, you save on lawyer representation in small claims court.
Key Features of Our Small Business Legal Plans
LegalShield’s business plans can help you in the following areas:
Legal consultation from a provider lawyer on business legal matters, with legal research for each issue, if needed.
Receive help with business legal matters more efficiently with professional communications issued on your behalf.
Put business-related legal documents through legal review.
A collection letter from a provider lawyer could help you recoup payments more efficiently.
![Krizia Verplancke]()
Krizia Verplancke of provider firm Davis, Miles, McGuire, Gardner has been serving LegalShield members since 2017.
![Spencer Tadashi Schiefer]()
Spencer Tadashi Schiefer of provider firm Davis, Miles, McGuire, Gardner has been serving LegalShield members since 2011.
![Michael E. Medina Jr.]()
Michael E. Medina Jr. of provider firm Davis, Miles, McGuire, Gardner has been serving LegalShield members since 1993.
How LegalShield Works
Finding solutions to your legal issues doesn’t have to be stressful, complicated or expensive.
LegalShield puts the power of legal representation within reach of any individual, family, or business. We work hard to make it easy, simple, and affordable to get the legal help you need, when you need it.
See What Our Customers Say
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The attorney who assisted me was very knowledgeable in regards to my questi..ons! He was very patient and courteous as he gave great detail to advise me in the best manner. I was able to achieve my personal goal of obtaining an LLC and EIN for my business by completing the tasks independently.Read More Read LessI had some critical questions I needed answered for my business. I received a quick response with the exact information I was looking for.Steven T.Minnesota Member
I was completely clueless at how to begin the trademarking process for my business and about to spend hundreds of dollars unnecessarily, however thanks to the attorney I spoke with he led me in the right direction and helped me save so much money and time.Ashley A.Arkansas Member
- The attorney who assisted me was very knowledgeable in regards to my questions! He was very patient and courteous as he gave great detail to advise me in the best manner. I was able to achieve my personal goal of obtaining an LLC and EIN for my business by completing the tasks independently.Patty J.Mississippi MemberThe attorney who assisted me was very knowledgeable in regards to my questi..ons! He was very patient and courteous as he gave great detail to advise me in the best manner. I was able to achieve my personal goal of obtaining an LLC and EIN for my business by completing the tasks independently.Read More Read Less
- I had some critical questions I needed answered for my business. I received a quick response with the exact information I was looking for.Steven T.Minnesota Member
- I was completely clueless at how to begin the trademarking process for my business and about to spend hundreds of dollars unnecessarily, however thanks to the attorney I spoke with he led me in the right direction and helped me save so much money and time.Ashley A.Arkansas Member
