Common small-claims cases include tenant-landlord disputes, fender benders, and problems with neighbors or faulty merchandise — all of which you can handle on your own. In fact, the purpose of small-claims court is to let you sue without a lawyer. "It is designed to make it easy for you," says Mark Warda, an attorney and the author of How to Win in Small Claims Court in Florida (Sphinx Publishing, $19, www.amazon.com). Some states even have a person at the courthouse who will help you fill out the necessary forms.
When your case comes to trial, you should be prepared to bring in witnesses and paper evidence. There are many books that can guide you in assembling what you need, and the court may have on-line or printed guidelines. Sometimes a judge will specifically tell you ahead of time what will be required to prove your case. (The biggest mistake people make is not following these instructions, Warda says.) The amount you can sue for is usually capped at $3,000 or $5,000, depending on the state.

TIP: Before you file, notify the person or company you plan to sue via letter, offering a chance to settle. "It's always good to settle," says Warda, because even if you have a strong case there's always a chance you could lose on a technicality.

WHAT YOU CAN SAVE: $500 to $2,000.

WHAT YOU RISK: If the defendant has an attorney and you don't, you could end up paying his attorney's fees as well as the initial filing fee if you lose. And there are no second chances. In small-claims court, you generally can't appeal your case.

GET A LAWYER IF: The defendant has one or you are unsure of your rights in a complicated case.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court (national edition), by Ralph E. Warner and Linda Allison (Nolo, $27, www.amazon.com).

Winning in Small Claims Courts, by William E. Brewer (Career Press, $18, www.amazon.com).

Sphinx Publishing also offers How to Win in Small Claims Court in Texas ($17, www.amazon.com), California ($19, www.amazon.com), and New York ($19, www.amazon.com).