small-claims-court

A collection of 71 posts

privacy

Can You Sue a Tech Company for Privacy Violations?

You trusted a tech company with your data. They said it was safe. Then you found out it wasn't. Can you sue a tech company for privacy breaches? Yes. And real people are doing it right now. On March 5, 2026, a law firm sued Meta over its

small-claims-court

Small Claims Court Limits by State (2026 Updated)

The small claims limit changes a lot by state. In Kentucky, you're capped at $2,500. In Tennessee or Delaware, you can claim up to $25,000. Getting this wrong before you file can waste your time and money. This guide covers the dollar limit for every state.

demand-letter

Free Demand Letter Template: How to Write One That Gets Results

You're owed money. You've asked nicely. You've sent a text, maybe two. You've been ignored, brushed off, or given an excuse that doesn't hold up. And now you're sitting there wondering what your next move is. Here'

small-claims-court

How to Sue a Contractor for Bad Work or Unfinished Jobs

You hired a contractor. You paid them, at least partly. Now you're staring at work that's half-finished, flat-out wrong, or so bad you had to hire someone else to fix it. If you want to sue a contractor for bad work, you're not being

security-deposit

Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit? Here's Exactly What to Do

Your lease is up. You cleaned the place. You patched the nail holes. You left it better than you found it. Now you're waiting. The deposit doesn't come. Your landlord goes quiet. Or worse, they send back a check for $47 with a vague list of

security-deposit

How to Get Your Security Deposit Back (State-by-State Guide)

Getting your security deposit back shouldn't be hard. But many landlords count on you not knowing your rights. They hold your money. They give vague excuses. Or they just go quiet. Most tenants shrug and move on. Not you. This guide covers what your landlord must do by

small-claims-court

Suing Someone for Money Owed: Is It Worth It? (Yes, Here's How)

Should You Sue Someone for Money Owed? The Short Answer: Yes. Someone owes you money. Maybe they borrowed it and went quiet. Maybe they didn't pay for work you did. Maybe it's rent, a deposit, or payment for something you sold. Your first instinct is probably

demand-letters

What Is a Letter of Demand? (And Why It's the First Step to Getting Paid)

A letter of demand (also called a demand letter) is a formal written document that tells someone they owe you money. It gives them a deadline to pay. It's the official step between "hey, you owe me" and filing a lawsuit. If someone has been ignoring

demand-letters

How to Write a Demand Letter for Payment (That Actually Gets You Paid)

Someone owes you money and they're not paying. You've texted. You've called. Maybe you've even been polite about it for months. Nothing. It's time to write a demand letter for payment. A demand letter is a formal written request. It

demand-letters

California Demand Letter Requirements: What to Include Before Filing Small Claims

If someone owes you money in California and you're thinking about small claims court, there's one step to take first. Send a demand letter. California courts don't require a specific format for your demand letter. But they do expect you to show that you

unpaid-wages

Employer Won't Pay You? How to Get Your Unpaid Wages

Your Boss Owes You Money. Now What? You did the work. You showed up. You put in the hours. And your employer just didn't pay you. Maybe they claim cash flow issues. Maybe they cut your last check short. Maybe you quit and they "forgot" your

small-claims-court

How to Sue a Company Without a Lawyer: Your DIY Legal Guide

A company screwed you over. Maybe a contractor took your deposit and vanished. A gym kept charging you after you canceled. A mechanic billed you for repairs that never happened. You're owed money. You know you're owed money. And you're wondering: can you sue

company-news Featured

eFile Small Claims in California: PettyLawsuit Is a Certified EFSP

PettyLawsuit is now a certified Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP) in California courts. That means you can efile small claims in California right through our platform. No printing. No trip to the courthouse. If you've been wondering how to file small claims online in California, good news. You

small-claims-court

Small Claims Court Help: Free Resources and Tools

If you need small claims court assistance, you're doing the right thing. Most people who get burned by a contractor, a landlord, or a business just eat the loss and move on. They vent to friends. They leave a bad review. And they give up. That's

small-claims-court

How to Sue Someone for Money They Owe You

Someone Owes You Money. Here's What to Do. You lent someone money. Or a contractor took your deposit and disappeared. Or a company owes you a refund they keep "processing." Whatever happened, you're short on cash and the other person isn't losing

small-claims-court

How to File Small Claims Online in Every State (2026)

You Can File Small Claims Online (In Many States) Good news: those days of driving to the courthouse and waiting in line are fading fast. More and more states now let you file small claims cases entirely online. Some have had this for years. Others are just catching up. But

small-claims-court

How to File a Lawsuit Against Someone (Without a Lawyer)

Someone owes you money and won't pay. A contractor did bad work and vanished. Whatever happened, you're done waiting. You want to act. So how do you file a lawsuit against someone? And can you do it without a lawyer? Yes. Millions of Americans go to

small-claims-court

Taking Someone to Court: Your Complete Beginner's Guide

Someone wronged you. Now you want to do something about it. Maybe a contractor took your money and ran. Maybe your landlord kept your deposit for no good reason. Maybe a friend borrowed money and stopped answering your calls. Whatever happened, you're thinking about taking someone to court.

small-claims-court

How to File in Small Claims Court: Everything You Need to Know

Filing in small claims court sounds scary. But it's one of the easiest parts of the legal system. It was built for regular people, not lawyers. If someone owes you money or broke a contract, this is how you fight back. This guide covers everything you need to

small-claims-court

How to Sue Someone: A Step-by-Step Guide (No Lawyer Needed)

Yes, You Can Sue Someone Without a Lawyer Someone wronged you. They owe you money. They broke a contract. They damaged your property. And they're ignoring you. You're not stuck. You absolutely can sue someone without hiring a lawyer. Small claims court exists specifically for this.

small-claims-court Featured

How to Take Someone to Small Claims Court: Complete 2026 Guide

You Don't Need a Lawyer to Take Someone to Small Claims Court Someone owes you money and won't pay. A landlord pocketed your security deposit. A contractor left the job half-finished. A company ghosted your refund request. You've been polite about it. You'