Small claims court may be appropriate if you have a monetary claim for
damages within the limits set by your state (usually $1,000 to $5,000).
These courts are more informal and involve less paperwork than regular
courts. The filing costs are usually low and the system is often faster
than the other courts. If you file in small claims court, you should be
prepared to act as your own legal advocate, gather the needed evidence,
research the law, and present your story in court.

Should You Choose Small Claims Court?

Check the many "how-to" books in the library for general information.

Check with the clerk in the small claims court, local consumer agency,
or legal aid office for more information in your area.

Are you willing to collect information and do research on your own?

Is there a time limit on when you must file suit?  Ask the small claims
court clerk or look it up in your local law library.  You must file your
case before this time limit (usually within a year).

Are you able to prove that the person against whom you are making the
claim owes you money? You must be able to prove legal liability and that
you have suffered a financial loss as the result of someone else's
action.

2. What is "elderlaw"?