Online Small Claims Court Guide
A step-by-step guide to navigating the small claims process in the USA.
Eligibility & Claim Limits
$
Case & Party Details
Action Items & Evidence
Your Personalized Guide
Disclaimer: This tool provides general information and a checklist for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Court rules and procedures vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.
This claim appears to be eligible.
The small claims limit in ${state} is $${limit.toLocaleString()}. Your claim of $${amount.toLocaleString()} is within this limit.
`; eligibilityResult.classList.remove('border-red-500', 'bg-red-50'); eligibilityResult.classList.add('border-green-500', 'bg-green-50'); } else { eligibilityResult.innerHTML = `This claim may NOT be eligible.
The small claims limit in ${state} is $${limit.toLocaleString()}. Your claim of $${amount.toLocaleString()} exceeds this. You may need to file in a higher court or reduce your claim amount to proceed in small claims.
`; eligibilityResult.classList.remove('border-green-500', 'bg-green-50'); eligibilityResult.classList.add('border-red-500', 'bg-red-50'); } } stateSelect.addEventListener('change', checkEligibility); claimAmountInput.addEventListener('input', checkEligibility); // --- Tab Navigation --- const tabButtons = document.querySelectorAll('.tab-button'); const tabContents = document.querySelectorAll('.tab-content'); const nextBtn = document.getElementById('next-btn'); const prevBtn = document.getElementById('prev-btn'); let currentTab = 1; const totalTabs = 4; function updateDisplay() { tabButtons.forEach(button => button.classList.toggle('active', parseInt(button.dataset.tab) === currentTab)); tabContents.forEach(content => content.classList.toggle('active', parseInt(content.id.split('-')[1]) === currentTab)); prevBtn.style.display = currentTab > 1 ? 'inline-block' : 'none'; nextBtn.style.display = currentTab < totalTabs ? 'inline-block' : 'none'; if (currentTab === totalTabs) generateSummary(); } tabButtons.forEach(button => { button.addEventListener('click', () => { currentTab = parseInt(button.dataset.tab); updateDisplay(); }); }); nextBtn.addEventListener('click', () => { if (currentTab < totalTabs) { currentTab++; updateDisplay(); } }); prevBtn.addEventListener('click', () => { if (currentTab > 1) { currentTab--; updateDisplay(); } }); // --- Summary & Checklist Generation --- function generateSummary() { const getVal = (id) => document.getElementById(id).value.trim(); const state = getVal('claim-state'); const amount = getVal('claim-amount'); const plaintiff = getVal('plaintiff-name') || '[Plaintiff Name]'; const defendant = getVal('defendant-name') || '[Defendant Name]'; const summary = getVal('case-summary').replace(/\n/g, '') || 'Not provided.'; const rawEvidence = getVal('evidence-list'); const evidenceItems = rawEvidence ? rawEvidence.split(',').map(item => `
Case Overview
Plaintiff: ${plaintiff}
Defendant: ${defendant}
Jurisdiction: ${state}
Claim Amount: $${parseFloat(amount || 0).toLocaleString()}
Case Summary:
${summary}
Pre-Trial Checklist
Evidence & Deadlines
Filing Deadline/Statute of Limitations: ${deadline}
Evidence to Organize:
- ${evidenceItems}