How to Sue Someone: A Step-by-Step Guide (No Lawyer Needed)

Yes, You Can Sue Someone Without a Lawyer

Someone wronged you. They owe you money. They broke a contract. They damaged your property. And they're ignoring you.

You're not stuck. You absolutely can sue someone without hiring a lawyer. Small claims court exists specifically for this. It's designed for regular people to resolve disputes quickly and cheaply.

This guide walks you through the entire process of suing someone in 2026. No legal background required.

Before You Sue: Ask Yourself These Questions

1. Do They Actually Owe You Money?

This sounds obvious, but be honest with yourself. Do you have a legitimate claim? Common situations where suing makes sense:

• Someone borrowed money and won't pay it back
• Your landlord kept your security deposit illegally
• A contractor took your money but didn't finish the work
• A company sold you a defective product and won't refund you
• Your employer owes you unpaid wages
• Someone damaged your property

2. Can You Prove It?

You'll need evidence. Texts, emails, contracts, receipts, photos, or witnesses. If it's your word against theirs with zero documentation, your case gets harder. But don't give up. Many people win with less evidence than they think.

3. Is the Amount Worth It?

Small claims court costs $30-$100 to file. Your time investment is maybe 5-10 hours total. If someone owes you $500 or more, the math almost always works in your favor.

Step 1: Send a Demand Letter

Before you file anything, send a formal demand letter. This is a written notice telling the person exactly what they owe and giving them a deadline to pay.

Why demand letters are powerful:

• 70% of demand letters resolve the dispute without court
• Many states require one before you can file
• It shows the judge you tried to resolve things first
• It often scares the other party into paying

A good demand letter includes:

• A clear statement of what happened
• The exact amount owed
• A deadline (usually 14-30 days)
• A statement that you'll file in court if they don't pay

PettyLawsuit generates a professionally formatted demand letter in minutes. You tell us what happened, and we handle the rest. It sends instantly when you're ready.

Step 2: Identify the Right Court

In most cases, you'll file in small claims court. Here's how to find the right one:

• Check your state's claim limit: Every state has a maximum amount you can sue for in small claims. Limits range from $2,500 to $25,000 depending on the state.
• File in the right county: Usually where the person you're suing lives or where the dispute happened.
• Search online: Google "[your county] small claims court" to find your local courthouse.

Step 3: File Your Claim

Visit your courthouse (or their website if online filing is available) and fill out the claim form. You'll need:

• Your full name and address
• The defendant's full name and address
• The amount you're suing for
• A brief description of the dispute

Pay the filing fee ($30-$100 depending on your state and claim amount). Many courts now accept online filing, making this even easier.

Step 4: Serve the Defendant

The person you're suing must receive official notice of the lawsuit. This is called "serving" them. Common methods:

• Certified mail (cheapest, done through the court)
• Process server (a professional delivers the papers)
• Sheriff's office (available in some jurisdictions)

Important: You cannot serve someone yourself. You need a third party or the court to do it.

Step 5: Prepare Your Case

Organization wins cases. Here's what to bring to court:

• Your demand letter and proof it was sent
• Any contract, agreement, or lease
• Receipts and invoices
• Photos of damage, defective products, etc.
• Screenshots of texts, emails, or messages
• A written timeline of what happened
• Witnesses if you have them

Make two copies of everything: one for the judge, one for yourself.

Step 6: Show Up and Present Your Case

Small claims court is informal compared to regular court. No jury. No complicated procedures. Just you, the judge, and the other party.

Tips for presenting your case:

• Be on time. Arrive 15 minutes early.
• Dress neatly. Business casual works fine.
• Stick to the facts. Tell the judge what happened in chronological order.
• Stay calm. Don't argue with the other party. Let the judge handle them.
• Be concise. Judges hear dozens of cases. Respect their time.

Step 7: Get Your Money

If the judge rules in your favor, congratulations. The defendant is legally ordered to pay you.

If they don't pay voluntarily, you can:

• Request wage garnishment
• Put a lien on their property
• Have the court levy their bank account

How Much Does It Cost to Sue Someone?

Small claims court is intentionally cheap:

• Filing fee: $30-$100
• Serving papers: $0-$75
• Total: Usually under $150

Compare that to a lawyer: $200-$400 per hour. For most disputes under $10,000, small claims court is the obvious choice.

What If They Don't Show Up?

If the defendant doesn't appear in court, you'll likely win by default. This happens more often than you'd think. Just showing up puts you ahead.

Ready to Take Action?

Most people spend weeks thinking about suing someone. The ones who actually do it often wish they'd started sooner.

Start with a demand letter. PettyLawsuit helps you create one in minutes, and it sends instantly when you hit send. 70% of the time, that's all it takes.

Over 2,500 people have used PettyLawsuit to fight back. Start your case today.