Home Checklists What to bring to your small claims hearing What to bring to your small claims hearing Pack this the night before. Judges and arbitrators decide on what you bring, so organized paper copies make a real difference.
How to use it Tick what you already have, then print or copy the list; your ticks are remembered in this browser. “Required” items are needed by law or by the process; “Recommended” and “Optional” ones help depending on your situation.
Your court papers showing the hearing date, time, courthouse and part or courtroom Required Printed copies of your evidence: contract, receipts, invoices, photos, texts and emails Required Don't count on showing things on your phone — bring paper Proof of the amount you're asking for: a paid itemized bill, or two itemized estimates Required Courts often ask for this to support a claim for repairs or damage Extra copies of each document — one for the court, one for the other side, one for you Recommended A one-page timeline of what happened, with dates Recommended Helps you tell the story briefly and in order Your demand letter and proof you sent it Recommended Shows you tried to settle before going to court Witnesses who saw what happened — or a subpoena if someone won't come voluntarily Recommended Photo ID Recommended Think in advance: judge or arbitrator Recommended An arbitrator's decision generally can't be appealed; waiting for a judge may take longer that day A free court interpreter, requested ahead of time if you need one Optional The lowest amount you'd accept to settle, written down for yourself Optional You may be offered mediation or a settlement before the hearing 0 of 11 checked Your ticks are kept in this browser only.
This checklist is general information, not legal advice. If a case is already in court or a deadline is close, talk to a lawyer or legal aid.