Choose Your Evidence

by Attorney Ralph Warner

Win your small claims case by bringing the right evidence to court -- here are some ideas to consider.

1. Receipts.
If you have a dispute over a service or product you paid for, bring your receipts to court to show how much money you spent. If your case involves damaged property, bring any receipts showing what you originally paid for it -- and what you had to pay to repair it.

2. Checks.
Lots of customers pay for goods and services by check. If you're one of them -- or if you take personal checks in your business -- those pieces of paper can be valuable evidence. A canceled check will help you prove that you actually paid for a particular item or service. If you're suing over a bounced check, bring the actual check that the bank returned (plus documents showing any fees or other charges you had to pay).

3. Photographs.
Photographs can help prove many things -- the condition of your wrecked car, the water damage from a leaking roof, or the view of a neighbor's unsightly shed from your kitchen window. If you can't bring the actual item into court, take pictures of it (and make sure that the date is printed on the photographs).

4. Written agreements.
If you have a contract or other written agreement with the other party, bring it to court. If you don't have an official written agreement, think broadly about the types of evidence that might help you prove that you had an agreement. For example, a letter discussing an agreement, an invoice, or a receipt might convince the judge that a contract was made, even if you don't have it all down in writing. Also, make sure to bring any warranty papers relating to a disputed item or service.

5. Medical bills.
If the other party injured you, bring copies of your medical bills and records. This will help you prove the extent of your injuries -- and how much you had to pay for treatment.