Small Claims Court Evidence Checklist
Your evidence makes or breaks your case. Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before your hearing.
Golden rule: Make three copies of everything — one for the judge, one for the defendant, one for yourself. Organize documents chronologically and label each one clearly. Judges appreciate organized, easy-to-follow evidence.
Contracts and agreements
Written contracts or agreements (signed copies)
Email confirmations of terms or pricing
Text messages confirming agreements
Invoices or estimates you received
Purchase orders or receipts
Warranty or guarantee documents
Financial records
Bank statements showing payments or transfers
Canceled checks (front and back)
Credit card statements showing charges
Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle transaction records
Cash receipts
Invoice records showing amounts owed
Photos and visual evidence
Photos of damage (multiple angles, with timestamps)
Before-and-after photos
Video evidence
Screenshots of online listings or advertisements
Screenshots of relevant social media posts
Written communication
Text message threads (printed, with dates visible)
Email correspondence
Letters sent or received
Demand letter and proof of delivery
Notes from phone conversations (with dates)
Third-party documentation
Repair estimates (get 2-3 from different providers)
Actual repair receipts
Medical bills or records
Police reports
Building inspector reports
Expert opinions or appraisals
Witnesses
List of witnesses with contact information
Written witness statements (signed and dated)
Confirm witnesses are available for the hearing date
Got your evidence? Start here.
A demand letter is usually the first step — and it often resolves the dispute without needing court at all.
Read the demand letter guide