Is it worth taking someone to small claims court for $500?
Asked by: Mohammad Witting | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (64 votes)
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
Is it worth it to sue someone with no money?
Economic Sense: Suing someone with no money might not make economic sense. The legal fees and time involved may outweigh potential gains, especially if the defendant lacks recoverable assets. Garnishing Wages: If the defendant later gains employment or assets, you may be able to garnish wages or seize assets.
Should I threaten small claims court?
Writing a strong demand letter and threatening to file a lawsuit or go to small claims court can change that impression. Your demand letter should clearly explain why you believe that the other party should pay money to you or change their behavior.
What is the lowest amount a person can sue for?
While most courts don't have a strict minimum amount you can sue for, the practical minimum is usually determined by the small claims court filing fee, which can range from around $25 to $50, meaning you would need to be suing for at least that amount to make it worthwhile to file a lawsuit; however, the maximum amount ...
Can someone sue me for $500?
Many types of cases can be filed in small claims court, and it isn't uncommon to see someone suing for $500.
Should I Take Someone to Small Claims Court Over This?
What are the chances of winning in small claims court?
According to a 2017 study by the American Bar Association, plaintiffs (the people who file small claims cases) win about 60% of the time. However, the actual success rate in small claims cases can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case.
Should I let someone know I'm suing them?
After you file your lawsuit, you have to let the defendant know that you are suing them. Usually, the defendant knows about the case a long time before it starts. Hopefully you talked to the defendant and tried to settle the case before you filed.
Should you wear a suit to small claims court?
Dress conservatively. You are not required to wear a suit, but you should refrain from wearing shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, halter-tops, or shirts that show your midriff.
Should I send a demand letter before suing?
Write a Demand Letter
This is a step you must take before filing a small claims court case. If you ask for the money and the other side pays you, you won't need to go to court.
What happens if someone sues me but I have no money?
Despite your financial constraints, a court ruling against you would still result in a legal obligation to pay the determined amount. This could lead to wage garnishment, where a part of your future income is deducted to satisfy the debt, or even asset seizure, including bank account freezes.
Is suing someone worth it?
Before filing a lawsuit, prospective litigants should consider what they want from a case. Civil courts can only give you money or return property. A judgment cannot fix an underlying family problem or neighborhood feud. Lawsuits cost time and money, even if you get court costs awarded with a judgment in your favor.
How much money do you need to sue someone?
The Average Cost of a Lawsuit
On average, a lawsuit costs approximately $10,000 for a simple suit. However, numerous factors can influence the cost of your lawsuit.
Will a collection agency sue for $5000?
Unpaid, credit card balances between $5,000 to $10,000 increase the likelihood of legal action by creditors or collection agencies. While agencies typically pursue the full amount owed, debt buyers may accept reduced payments.
How to prove you were not served properly?
Surveillance: You can provide surveillance footage showing you were not served at the alleged date or that the service was improper. Mail Records: If there's no mail delivered to you or if you haven't signed the receipt. It can indicate improper service.
Can I sue for pain and suffering in small claims court?
In other states, a small claims judge can award an injured party only the dollar amount of the person's out-of-pocket losses (doctors' bills, lost time from work), but not additional amounts to cover the injured person's pain and suffering, no matter how legitimate.
How long does it take to hear back from small claims court?
The timeline for small claims cases depends on several factors, including the filing process, serving the defendant, and scheduling a hearing. Generally, small claims cases in California take about two to six months from start to resolution.
What happens if you don't have a suit for court?
Make sure that all clothing fits, and pants are pulled up properly to your waist. For WOMEN: Like the men, if you don't own a suit or dress jacket / blazer, you can also wear a button down shirt or blouse with a pair of slacks or skirt. Make sure your clothing is pressed and ironed.
How do you respond to a small claims suit?
After you've been served with a complaint. If you are the “defendant” (the person being sued) in a small claims case , you do not need to file anything with the court if you have been served with a Small Claims Affidavit of Complaint. You simply need to attend your small claims court date to defend yourself.
Can text messages be used in court for money owed?
Yes, text messages are admissible in court, but only if they were legally obtained. This means a person must voluntarily provide the court with the text messages.
What if you ignore someone suing you?
If you don't file an Answer, the plaintiff can file a “Motion for Default,” asking for an automatic win. The court usually grants the Motion for Default because you haven't officially acknowledged the lawsuit. The court enters a default judgment, essentially ruling in favor of the plaintiff without your participation.
Should you tell someone you're taking them to small claims court?
Next, you have to notify the other party that you are taking them to small claims court — in other words, you have to give your opponent a copy of your suit. You can use a sheriff to serve the papers, typically for a fee. You can also hire a process server.
What to do if someone won't pay you back?
- Send a Demand Letter.
- Can You Go to The Police If Someone Owes You Money?
- Using Empathy As a Way of Getting Paid Back.
- Ask For Repayment Directly.
- Offer a Payment Plan.
- Brainstorm Together Other Creative Ways to Get Paid Back.
- Think About Going to Mediation.
- When All Else Fails, Consider Going to Small Claims Court.
Can you go to the police if someone owes you money?
It is a civil matter, not criminal, so the police are not going to get involved. You have to sue and go after her and get a judgment. If she does not pay, you can then enforce it and go after money or assets.
What if you sue someone with no money?
If the court finds the defendant responsible, they are legally required to compensate you, even if they currently lack the funds. Winning the lawsuit means the defendant owes you the amount decided by the court, which you can pursue through various legal avenues.