Some jurisdictions allow plaintiffs to file cases involving small claims online. If your jurisdiction allows this, you will usually have to visit a small claims website and register before you can file a claim. After registering, you will typically have to provide information about the defendant in the case as well as details about why you are filing and the amount of your claim. You may have to provide supporting documents or information as well. Finally, you will typically have to pay a fee for filing your claim and click submit to send it for processing.
In order to file a small claims case online, you’ll typically have to check to determine whether this method of filing is allowed in your jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions only allow parties to a small claims cases to file in person or through the mail. You may check with your local small claims court to learn whether online filing is available in your area.
If your jurisdiction does provide the option of filing small claims online, you will usually have to visit a website maintained by the local small claims court. In such a case, you may have to register to use the online system. For example, you may be asked to provide your name and address as well as other contact information. You may also have to provide identifying information, such as your birth date and a tax ID or driver’s license number, in order to file small claims online. You may have to choose a username and a password as well.
Once you’ve registered to file a small claims case online, you will likely have to enter information about your case to proceed with filing. For example, you may have to provide the name of the defendant in the case and contact information for him. Typically, the required contact information will include his name and mailing address, though you may have to provide a phone number as well.
As part of filing small claims online, you will likely be required to provide information about your case. For example, you may have to explain why you are suing the defendant and provide the amount for which you are suing him. In some cases, the law may restrict you to suing for the amount you feel you are owed while in other cases, you may sue for the amount you are owed, court costs, and additional damages.
After completing the information required for filing small claims online, you will usually have to pay a fee for filing. Typically, you can pay this fee using a credit card or debit card, but some court systems may allow you to pay with an e-check as well. Additionally, some jurisdictions charge extra fees for online filing.
The rest of the small claims filing process may vary. Typically, your case information will be reviewed and you will receive a notification of its acceptance. If your case filing is not approved, however, you may receive notification that something was missing or that your case cannot be heard in small claims court. In such a case, you may need to refile or submit your case to a different court.
