AI small claims court hearing prep coach
Suing in small claims court? Enter your facts once and get a case strategy that spots the issues the judge must decide, a full prep packet with an evidence checklist and opening statement, and a mock cross-examination so you rehearse the questions before they count.
Build your case
Draft savedPick your claim type and state, then add the amount and what happened.
What happened, when, and what you are owed. Stick to the facts and the numbers; this is what the judge will test.
Contracts, receipts, invoices, photos, messages, the demand letter you sent, witness names: anything you can put in front of the judge.
0 characters · One or two sentences is enough. Plain facts, in your own words.
Shortcut Ctrl+Enter · Autosaves as you type
Your output
1. Enter your state, claim type, amount, and what happened
2. Generate the case strategy first
3. Then generate the full prep packet
Mock hearing room
Not startedThe AI plays the judge: one question at a time, a short note on each answer, up to 8 exchanges. Fill in your intake first so the questions fit your case.
No mock hearing yet. Press “Start mock hearing” when your intake is ready.
Saved prep sessions
Name a session to save this exact intake plus your generated strategy, packet, and mock transcript, on this device. Reload it anytime to keep preparing.
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Past outputs
Saved on this device when you generate. Tap one to reload it.
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Real situations this fits
- A contractor took your money and left the work unfinished, and you need your contract, receipts, and photos turned into a case the judge can follow
- Your landlord kept your security deposit and you need your move-out photos and cleaning receipts organized around what the deposit was for
- Someone owes you money and stopped answering, and you need a clear timeline of what you lent, what was promised, and what was paid back
- Your property was damaged and the other side disputes the cost, and you need estimates and photos lined up against the amount you are claiming
- You want to rehearse answering hard questions out loud before the real hearing, with feedback on each answer
- You need an evidence checklist and a one-minute opening statement drafted from your own facts
What actually matters
The judge decides one issue: know it cold
A small claims hearing turns on one question: what is owed, and can you prove it. Everything you prepare must answer that question and nothing else. Arguing that the other side was rude, when the issue is whether the work was done to the contract, wastes your hearing time. The case strategy mode exists to lock onto that one issue first.
Evidence beats adjectives
“He did terrible work” persuades no one. A signed contract, a dated receipt, a photo of the unfinished work, a text thread where the other side promised a refund, an estimate from someone else to fix it: those decide cases. Gather every document before the hearing, bring the originals plus copies for the judge and the other side, and check whether your court wants exhibits filed ahead of time.
Short answers win
Hearings run 15 to 60 minutes and judges keep a tight docket. Answer in facts: what happened, when, who was there, and what it cost. Do not argue with the other side, do not guess, and say you do not remember when you do not. Practice keeping answers under a minute; the mock hearing room is built for exactly that.
Never miss the hearing
A no-show is usually an automatic loss, and most courts will not reopen it for a weak excuse. If the date truly does not work, contact the court clerk before the hearing, not after. Treat the hearing date like a court date, because that is what it is.
FAQ
What happens at a small claims court hearing?
A hearing is a short, usually informal proceeding before a judge or magistrate. Both sides give testimony under oath, each side can present documents and witnesses, and the judge asks questions. You get a written decision afterward. Most small claims hearings run under an hour. The mock hearing room above lets you rehearse the question-and-answer rhythm before the real one. This is general information, not legal advice.
How long does a small claims court hearing last?
Most hearings run 15 to 60 minutes, though it varies by court and case complexity. Judges keep a tight docket, so short, direct answers matter more than long explanations. Practice keeping answers under a minute.
Can I bring a witness to my small claims court hearing?
Usually yes. Most courts let you bring witnesses with firsthand knowledge of the events. Check your hearing notice or ask the clerk for the procedure and any deadline to name witnesses. Tell your witnesses to stick to what they personally saw or heard.
What do I say at a small claims court hearing?
Answer the judge's questions with short, specific facts: what happened, when, and who was there. Do not argue with the other side, do not guess, and say you do not remember when you do not. A one-minute opening statement framing your side helps; the prep packet mode drafts one from your facts.
How do I win a small claims case?
No tool can promise an outcome, and this one does not. Hearings turn on evidence and credibility: a clear timeline, documents that back your testimony, and calm, consistent answers. The person who filed generally has to prove what they are owed with receipts, contracts, photos, or messages. Prepare for the exact issue the judge must decide; that is what the case strategy mode is for.
What evidence do I need for a small claims court hearing?
Anything that proves your version of events: the contract or agreement, receipts and invoices, photos, texts or emails with the other side, the demand letter you sent, and witness statements. Bring the originals plus copies for the judge and the other side, and check your court for any deadline to file exhibits. List what you have in the evidence section above; the packet turns it into a checklist.
How much can I sue for in small claims court?
It depends on your state: limits range from $2,500 in Kentucky to $25,000 in Delaware and Tennessee, with most states between $5,000 and $10,000. Enter your state and amount above and the tool shows the reference limit for your state, but limits change and can vary by court, so verify the current limit with your court clerk before you file. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is this legal advice?
No. This tool prepares you for a hearing from the facts you enter: strategy, a prep packet, and mock practice. It does not assess your case, predict the outcome, or cite law. For a close case or a large amount at stake, review with an attorney or legal aid before the hearing.