How to Win a Small Claims Case in Florida
- 1). Be punctual for your trial and be courteous to the judge. Do not interrupt the judge when she is speaking or when she is addressing the person on the other side. If you feel it is absolutely necessary, raise your hand and wait for the judge to address you. Dress appropriately for court and be clean and presentable. You should do all of this even if you are convinced of the strength of your case---judges are human and can be irritated. Keep your answers concise and to the point. Judges see a lot of cases and may miss a detail if you are being long-winded.
- 2). Bring all relevant documentation you can to prove your case. Bring any contacts you have signed with the other party, proof of payment for any services rendered or any outstanding bills that the other party may not have paid. Be sure to keep any correspondence you have had with the other party, such as emails or letters promising payments, phone records outlining harassment, or letters sent to notify the other party of money owed. Proof of payment may be a copy of a check, a bank statement, a receipt from the other party or withdrawal records.
- 3). Ensure you have your witnesses organized before the trial. A witness is anyone who can vouch for your version of events. If the witness is not likely to show up when needed, you may serve him with a subpoena to make sure he turns up. If you do not subpoena a witness and he does not come to court, a judge can refuse to postpone the trial and you may forfeit your case because of it.
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