- 1). Gather your supporting evidence. Before your day in court, locate anything that will support your claims or defense. Supporting evidence can be anything from pictures of damage to your car, to a police report or an unpaid bill. Place all your paperwork in an envelope or folder in the order you wish to present it to the judge. It is important to gather all appropriate paperwork that documents and supports your case. This includes any correspondence you have had with the plaintiff or defendant, such as requests for payment or signed slips from certified-mail delivery.
- 2). If possible, bring a witness, or witnesses, to speak on your behalf. In some cases, paperwork isn't enough and your case may benefit from a first-hand account by an observer. Your witnesses must be credible and able to confirm your case in a truthful manner. Instruct your witnesses to stick to the facts only, and to answer any questions simply and honestly. Tell your witnesses the correct location, date and time of their court appearance, and give them a reminder call ahead of time.
- 3). Dress in a neat, clean and professional manner. Avoid the mistake of going to small claims court dressed in overly casual clothes. Show the judge that you respect the court and are taking your appearance there seriously. Avoid wearing shorts, open-toed shoes or revealing tops.
- 4). Rehearse. Prepare by practicing what you want to say and how you want to say it. You don't want to sound as if you are reading a script, but knowing ahead of time what you want to present will make it easier when you are nervous in front of the judge. Explain briefly why you are there, why you feel the other person is at fault or why you are not at fault.
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