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Prepare for your day in courtcourthouse image by Michael Shake from Fotolia.com
Determine if the individual or business against whom you are filing your claim resides or does business in DC. Be sure the money you are claiming is under the qualifying $5,000 amount. - 2
Complete needed formsHand and document at the meeting image by Dmitry Goygel-Sokol from Fotolia.com
Complete an original statement of claim that has the name and address of the
plaintiff and defendant. Get needed forms through the small claims and conciliation branch of the DC courts. Make one copy of your completed statement of claim for each defendant in your case. - 3
File papers and pay your filing feefile image by Jan Will from Fotolia.com
File your papers along with your filing fee as specified by the DC small claims division. Cash, money order or cashier's checks are accepted. - 4
Send papers by registered mail or use a process serverpink mail envelope image by JoLin from Fotolia.com
Serve the defendant with your documentation and the statement of claim within 60 days. Use a process server or send via certified/registered mail. If you use a process server, you must file an affidavit of service five days before the scheduled court date. - 5
Bring all documentation to courtsigning a contract image by William Berry from Fotolia.com
Prepare for your court date, which will be 21 to 30 days from the date of filing your statement of claim at the court. Contact witnesses in your case. Gather all relevant documentation such as receipts and contracts to support your case.
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