Q: Can you help me prepare for my small claims case against a contractor?Thank you,
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A:
Here are some tips: Appearance: 1. Dress respectfully. If you are in business, dress for work. 2. Address the judge as "Your honor" if he is a judge. You may get a commissioner in San Diego. hat title or just plain "Sir" works fine. 3. Never interrupt the judge or your opponent. 4. Stand when addressing the court unless the judge says to sit. 5. Have your documents ready, one copy for the judge, one for your opponent. Give the opponent copies as soon as you can. 6. Know what you are going to say. A few notes (ALL CAPS, large type face) to which you refer are OK, but do not read, word-for-word if possible. If you are so nervous you cannot remember, just tell the judge - he will be sympathetic.
Keep your presentation conversational, orderly. If the judge interrupts to ask a question, answer him. If your opponent interrupts, wait for the judge to respond. While listening to your opponent, if you have comments, make notes but do not interrupt. The judge will give you a chance to speak again.
At the end, always thank the judge whether yo win or lose!
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