SynthCounsel
Start
Practice Area · Small claims

Small claims court is designed for regular people. But even simplified court procedures require proper documentation, calculated damages, and filing deadlines. We handle the paperwork.

Where you might be

01

Someone owes you money

Unpaid invoices, security deposit disputes, property damage — small claims court is designed for exactly these cases. Most states cap at $5,000–$10,000.

02

You got sued in small claims

You received a small claims summons and need to respond. Missing the hearing means an automatic judgment against you.

03

A contractor did bad work

You paid for a service and didn’t get what was promised. Document the damage, calculate your losses, and file.

04

You need to collect a judgment

You won your case but the other side hasn’t paid. You may need to file supplemental proceedings to collect.

Toolkit

Demand letters

Before filing, most courts want you to try to resolve the dispute. Generate a properly structured demand letter that shows you’re serious.

Small claims complaint

File your claim with a clear statement of facts, legal basis, and damages. Formatted for your court’s requirements.

Filing deadlines

Statute of limitations varies by claim type and state. Calculate whether you’re still within the filing window.

Damages calculator

Document and itemize your damages with supporting evidence references. Courts want specificity, not round numbers.

The path

  1. 01

    Send a demand letter

    Many courts require proof that you tried to resolve the dispute before filing. A well-written demand letter also often settles the case without court.

  2. 02

    Calculate your damages

    Be specific. "They owe me about $3,000" is weak. "Unpaid invoice of $2,450 plus $340 in late fees per contract Section 7" is strong.

  3. 03

    File your complaint

    SynthCounsel generates a properly formatted small claims complaint with your facts, legal basis, and itemized damages.

  4. 04

    Serve the defendant

    Service rules vary by jurisdiction. SynthCounsel generates the proof of delivery (certificate of service) after you complete service.

  5. 05

    Prepare for the hearing

    Organize your evidence, timeline, and key points. Small claims hearings are typically 15–30 minutes — every second counts.

The best-prepared party usually wins in small claims court. Get your demand letter, complaint, and evidence organized before you walk in.