Ask a lawyer:
What happens if you don't show up to court after being sued in the small claims court?

If you are sued in the Small Claims Court and fail to appear in court, the court may issue a default judgment against you. This means that the court will rule in favor of the plaintiff, and you will be ordered to pay the amount of money that the plaintiff is claiming.

The Small Claims Court is a specialized court designed to provide a quick and inexpensive way to resolve small claims. It is intended to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial resources. However, it is important to note that even though the Small Claims Court is designed to be informal, it is still a court of law, and you should take it seriously.

If you are sued in the Small Claims Court, you should take the following steps:

• Read the summons and complaint carefully. The summons will tell you the date, time, and location of the court hearing. The complaint will explain why the plaintiff is suing you.

• Respond to the summons and complaint. You must file a response to the summons and complaint within the time frame specified in the summons. This response will tell the court that you are aware of the lawsuit and that you intend to defend yourself.

• Appear in court. You must appear in court on the date and time specified in the summons. If you fail to appear, the court may issue a default judgment against you.

• Present your case. If you appear in court, you will have the opportunity to present your case to the judge. You should be prepared to explain why you believe that the plaintiff's claim is not valid.

Case Laws

• The Small Claims Court Act, 2016

  • This Act establishes the Small Claims Court and outlines its jurisdiction, procedures, and rules.

  • The Act provides that a party who fails to appear in court may be subject to a default judgment.

  • Source: The Small Claims Court Act, 2016 ↗

Conclusion

It is important to take any legal action seriously, even if it is in the Small Claims Court. Failing to appear in court can have serious consequences, including a default judgment against you. If you are sued in the Small Claims Court, you should take the necessary steps to defend yourself.

Answered by mwakili.com

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