Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

can I

I am owed to much to go to small claims and not enough to hire a lawyer or just drop the case and I am social security so i cant afford a lawyer and i cant afford to not get my money back so can i file to sue this person myself and if so which form do i use


Asked on 10/05/03, 6:44 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Joseph Richardson Borton Petrini LLP

Re: can I

I would call your local legal aid clinic. Perhaps they can help you. As well, your local court house will have all the forms that you need to fill out.

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Answered on 10/05/03, 11:45 am
Terry A. Nelson Nelson & Lawless

Re: can I

If you are owed more than $5000 you can 'waive' the balance over that amount and sue in small claims. It probably make sense to do so with debts up to $7k - 10k. If it is over that amount, you can file a regular lawsuit as a 'Limited Jurisdiction' matter, but must know and follow all the procedural and evidence rules to avoid problems and losing your case. You may be able to find an attorney through Lawyer Referral Service to handle it 'pro bono' [free] or at reduced fees as a charity. I don't recommend people handle their own cases, other than in Small Claims, unless they really know what they are doing, and most people don't.

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Answered on 10/05/03, 3:45 pm


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