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Frequently Asked Questions About Small Claims Court
by: Alaska Legal Services Corporation
Q.	What is a small claims case?

A.	A small claims case is an informal and simpler way to go into court. You will not need a lawyer for a small claims case.

Q.	What kind of cases can be filed?

A.	You can ask for money or personal property worth $10,000 or less.

Q.	What is the best way to find out about filing a small claims case?

A.	Get an Alaska Small Claims Handbook and other forms from the court or have them mail them to you. The handbook is quite detailed and provides all the information you will need to file or defend a small claim and to prepare for the trial. On this website, the Handbook is in two parts. You can click on the links below to download a copy of each part.

Links:	Part I, Alaska Small Claims Handbook
	Part II, Alaska Small Claims Handbook

Q.	What should I do to prepare for my trial?

A.	Carefully read and follow pages 21-23 of the handbook (these pages are in Part II of the Handbook). For preparation it discusses: collecting evidence, contacting witnesses, using subpoenas, and preparing an outline. For the trial, there is an outline of what you can expect to happen during the trial.

Q.	What happens after the trial?

A.	On pages 24-25, the handbook details what happens after a trial, including appeals. As stated in the handbook, remember, an appeal does not automatically give you a new trial.


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Related Resources

SC-95 / Small Claims Information Sheet This link opens a PDF file in a new window. If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.

This link opens a PDF file in a new window. If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.

(Separate Website)
By: Alaska Court System

SC-100 / Alaska Small Claims Handbook This link opens a PDF file in a new window. If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.

(Separate Website)
By: Alaska Court System

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	Last Reviewed On: 04/05/05

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