I filed paperwork to take one of our non-paying clients to small claims court. Today I got a court date in the mail, but it said that I didn't have to show up to court unless the defendant responded.
Can someone school me on how small claims court works? The lady at the counter explained the process to me, but she was obviously very busy and was talking very quickly. I'm admittedly in the dark about the court process. I've never even been called for jury duty (I realize that I just jinxed myself).
Depends on your jurisdiction. Check out the court website, it might have some info there as to how the process works. Where I live, if the other party responds, you are scheduled for a trial date and referred to mediation to try and work things out first. If they do not, the court automatically enters default and then you can apply for the entry of a judgment against them.