Small claims court

Bridget · Post by **Bridget** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:14 am

Has anyone here ever had an experience with small claims court. I am suing a roofer for $2730 deposit we gave him as a deposit to put a roof on our house last year. He didn't do the roof and we can't a refund from him. I would like to know whart to expect. I have watched a lot of Judge Judy but how realistic is that show? My son also said to put a lein on any of his future IRS refunds til it is paid. :-5

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:39 am

I had a very good experience, someone hit me in a grocery store parking

lot and their insurance company wouldn't pay... judge awarded me

full payment and court costs. Just be as calm and straightforward as you

can, don't interrupt the judge and tossing in a couple of "Your Honor's"

couldn't hurt.

Any documentation you can take will help. Cancelled checks, whatever

that shows when you paid this deposit. Pictures of the roof in poor

condition (if it still is) or if you had it fixed by someone else, that

documentation also.

I wouldn't wait for IRS lien if it was me. Takes too long. Hope that after

the judgement this guy will pay up.

And if the guy doesn't even show up (happens sometimes) then you win

by default.

Good luck.

:-6

actionfigurestepho · Post by **actionfigurestepho** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 11:14 am

Valerie's right about the documentation! Without it it's just your word against his. If you had any written or email communication with him, print and bring that in. If you have phone message slips, bring those in.

Was there a reason he didn't complete the roof, or he didn't refund the deposit? Do you have a copy of the contract?