Small Claims Court Exhibit Guide
A step-by-step guide to organizing your evidence for small claims court. Learn which documents to bring and how to present them effectively.
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Label Your ExhibitsImportant: This guide is an informational resource prepared to the best of our knowledge and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation. You remain responsible for all due diligence and ensuring that your filings conform to applicable court rules. For legal advice about your specific case, consult with a licensed attorney or your local court's self-help center.
Small claims court is designed to be accessible to people without lawyers, but organized evidence can make the difference between winning and losing. Judges appreciate when litigants present clear, labeled exhibits that are easy to follow. This guide will help you gather and organize the documents you need to support your case.
Document Checklist
Contracts & Agreements
- Written contracts or agreements
Any signed documents showing what was promised
- Invoices or estimates
Documents showing agreed-upon prices or services
- Receipts for payments made
Proof of any money you paid
- Warranties or guarantees
Documents showing what was guaranteed
Communications
- Text messages
Screenshots with dates visible, showing relevant conversations
- Emails
Printed copies with headers showing date and sender
- Letters sent or received
Include envelopes showing postmarks if relevant
Visual Evidence
- Photographs
Clear photos showing damage, condition, or relevant items
- Videos (on USB drive)
Short clips that clearly show what you need to prove
- Diagrams or sketches
Hand-drawn or printed diagrams explaining what happened
Financial Documentation
- Bank statements
Showing payments made or money owed
- Credit card statements
Proof of charges or payments
- Repair estimates
Written estimates from professionals for damages
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- 1Bringing a disorganized stack of loose papers that the judge cannot follow
- 2Forgetting to make copies for the other party and the court
- 3Including irrelevant documents that distract from your main points
- 4Not having original documents when copies are questioned
- 5Presenting text messages as tiny screenshots that are hard to read
Organization Tips
- Number each exhibit clearly (Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, etc.) in the corner
- Create a simple list of your exhibits to reference during your presentation
- Arrange exhibits in chronological order or by topic
- Use tabs or dividers if you have many documents
- Highlight key portions of long documents so the judge can find them quickly
Courtroom Preparation
- Bring 3 copies of everything: one for you, one for the judge, one for the other party
- Arrive early to find parking and locate your courtroom
- Dress professionally - business casual is appropriate
- Turn off your cell phone before entering the courtroom
- Stand when the judge enters and address them as "Your Honor"
- When presenting evidence, say "I would like to show the court Exhibit 1, which is..."
Frequently Asked Questions
How many exhibits should I bring to small claims court?
Quality matters more than quantity. Most successful small claims cases have 5-10 well-chosen exhibits. Focus on documents that directly prove your case - the contract, proof of payment, photos of damage, and key communications.
Can I bring witnesses to small claims court?
Yes, you can bring witnesses who have personal knowledge of the dispute. However, you should also have written statements from them in case they cannot attend. Witnesses should be prepared to answer questions from the judge and the other party.
What if the other party disputes my documents?
Bring original documents when possible. If you only have copies, be prepared to explain where the original is. Certified copies from banks or government agencies carry more weight than regular photocopies.
Do I need exhibit labels for small claims court?
While some small claims courts are informal, labeled exhibits make you look prepared and professional. It helps the judge follow your case and reference specific documents. ExhibitPrep makes it easy to add exhibit labels to your PDFs.
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