What if the claim is settled before hearing?
You must contact the clerk if you decide not to go through with the formal hearing (trial). Write or call the clerk as soon as you decide not to go through with the hearing. Tell the clerk the case number of your claim and the reason for cancellation. In general, it is the plaintiff’s responsibility to notify the clerk whenever a claim is cancelled. Courts generally look to plaintiffs for payment of court costs where claims are cancelled. Thus, where a defendant offers to pay the entire damage claim, plaintiff should ensure that such payment includes reimbursement for all court costs that have been incurred, for example, the filing fee, the costs of serving notice, etc. Of course, a plaintiff may accept a payment which does not include such costs in order to settle the claim.

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1. What is small claims court?
2. What cases can the court handle?
3. Who can sue or be sued?
4. Where do I file my claim?
5. How do I file my claim?
6. What does it cost?
7. I’ve been sued! What do I do now?
8. What if the claim is settled before hearing?
9. How do I prepare my case?
10. What is mediation?
11. How does mediation work?
12. Why mediate?
13. What if I do not appear at the hearing / trial?
14. What if I win or lose?
15. How do I get my money?