HOW DO I SUE IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT?

Go to Superior Court, Small Claims Court Clerk's Office.

You will need :

• The complete and proper legal names and address of the part you wish to sue. This party is called the "Defendant." You will be the "Plaintiff."

If a business is being sued, you have to visit the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs to find out if the business is incorporated or is using a "trade name" (not incorporated). If the business is not incorporated you must find out the name of the owner of the business, not the name of the business itself.

• If you suing someone as a result of an automobile accident and you do not know the owner of the automobile, the tag number is helpful for determining the identity of the owner. You may have to call the Department of Motor Vehicles, to obtain the owner's name. If it is not a District of Columbia car, you should contact that state's motor vehicle registration officer for more detailed information.
• It is important that you bring a copy of any written evidence that may help you prove your claim in court such as contracts, repair estimates, leaves, letters/written records, receipts, promissory notes, paid bills, or canceled checks.