{"id":374406,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/mississippi-law\/mississippi-small-claims-courts.html"},"modified":"2024-04-05T18:38:13","modified_gmt":"2024-04-05T23:38:13","slug":"mississippi-small-claims-courts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/mississippi-law\/mississippi-small-claims-courts.html","title":{"rendered":"Mississippi Small Claims Courts"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Mississippi Small Claims Courts<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/samuel-strom-j-d\/\">Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            April 05, 2024\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Mississippi&#8217;s Justice Courts hear small claims cases, which are certain civil disputes where the amount in controversy does not exceed $3,500.&nbsp;Parties to a small claims case do not need to hire an attorney. However, they can hire an attorney if they wish.<\/p>\r\n<p>If you have questions about Mississippi&#8217;s Justice Courts and small claims cases, consider browsing the following links:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-9-courts\/ms-code-sect-9-11-9.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Miss. Code Ann. Title 9, Chpt. 11, \u00a7\u00a7 9-33<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-11-civil-practice-and-procedure\/#!tid=NEF4643D0ABC811DBB5DDAC3692B918BC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Title 11, Chpt. 9, \u00a7\u00a7 101-147<\/a>: These links provide the laws regarding the Justice Court&#8217;s rules and procedures.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.msatjc.org\/preparing-for-court\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Preparing for Court<\/a>: The Mississippi Access to Justice Commission provides information for self-represented litigants with an upcoming court appearance. It also provides the small claims forms litigants may need in their case.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.desotocountyms.gov\/FAQ.aspx?QID=68\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<\/a>: DeSoto County provides answers to FAQs about the small claims court process.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>This article describes Mississippi&#8217;s Justice Courts and small claim process. For more information, consider contacting a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/mississippi\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil litigation attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Mississippi Small Claims Court Explained<\/h2>\r\n<p>Mississippi does not technically have a&nbsp;small claims court. As noted above, Mississippi&#8217;s Justice Courts hear all small claims cases.<\/p>\r\n<p>Adults, businesses,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/partnership.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">partnerships<\/a>, and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/corporation.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">corporations<\/a>&nbsp;may file small claims cases in the Justice Courts. They can sue any person, business, partnership, or corporation.<\/p>\r\n<p>Mississippi designed its small claims procedure to allow non-legal professionals to resolve their minor&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/civil-case.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil cases<\/a>&nbsp;in a quick and inexpensive way. The flexible and informal court proceedings at the small claims trial allow parties to represent themselves at the trial. However, any party that wishes to hire an attorney may do so.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>While most parties do not need to hire attorneys, a corporation filing a small claims case&nbsp;must retain an attorney.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Justice Court may award up to $3,500&nbsp;in a single small claims case. A plaintiff&#8217;s amount in controversy cannot exceed the jurisdictional limit of $3,500.&nbsp;If a claim exceeds $3,500&nbsp;the plaintiff must file their case in one of the following courts:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>County Court<\/li>\r\n<li>Chancery Court<\/li>\r\n<li>Circuit Court<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The&nbsp;Mississippi Judiciary&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/courts.ms.gov\/aboutcourts\/aboutthecourts.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">has information&nbsp;regarding its court system<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;about where to file a claim.<\/p>\r\n<p>Either party may request a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/jury-trial.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">jury trial<\/a>&nbsp;instead of a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/bench-trial.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">bench trial<\/a>. The party&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-11-civil-practice-and-procedure\/ms-code-sect-11-9-143\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">requesting a jury trial<\/a>&nbsp;must make their request before the scheduled hearing.<\/p>\r\n<h3>What Is a Small Claims Case?<\/h3>\r\n<p>In the state of Mississippi, a small claims court case is a minor civil case of&nbsp;$3,500&nbsp;or less&nbsp;where the plaintiff seeks money or the return of personal property. Examples of small claims cases include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/contract-law.html\">Contract disputes<\/a>&nbsp;where&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/plaintiff.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the plaintiff<\/a>&nbsp;seeks money from&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/defendant.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the defendant<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li>A dispute between a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/landlord-tenant-law.html\">landlord and tenant<\/a>&nbsp;involving the return of a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposits.html\">security deposit<\/a>&nbsp;or unpaid rent<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-does-the-landlord-need-to-do-to-evict-the-tenant.html\">Evictions<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/replevin.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Replevin cases<\/a>&nbsp;(e.g., a dispute between neighbors where one party claims the other party borrowed but did not return personal property, like a lawnmower)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Examples of civil suits the Justice Court cannot hear include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Domestic matters (e.g.,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce.html\">divorces<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support.html\">child support disputes<\/a>)<\/li>\r\n<li>Cases where the plaintiff requests the defendant take an action, like removing a structure<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The Justice Court also&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/jurisdiction.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">has jurisdiction<\/a>&nbsp;over&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/misdemeanor.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">misdemeanor<\/a>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal.html\">criminal cases<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets.html\">minor traffic infractions<\/a>. These types of cases are not small claims cases.<\/p>\r\n<h2>How To File a Small Claims Case<\/h2>\r\n<p>The plaintiff starts their small claims case by filing a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-11-civil-practice-and-procedure\/ms-code-sect-11-9-105\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">written statement<\/a>,&nbsp;sometimes called a&nbsp;statement of claim&nbsp;or&nbsp;complaint,&nbsp;with a court that has jurisdiction over the defendant. The written statement must set out the following information:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The names and contact information of the parties to the lawsuit (the plaintiffs and defendants)<\/li>\r\n<li>A description of the events giving rise to the cause of action<\/li>\r\n<li>The legal basis for the plaintiff&#8217;s claim<\/li>\r\n<li>The relief the plaintiff seeks (i.e., money or the return of property)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>The plaintiff may also attach evidence that supports their claim, such as receipts, contracts, or evidence of a debt.<\/p>\r\n<p>The plaintiff must pay the court clerk a filing fee before the court accepts their small claims case. The court may award the plaintiff their filing fee and other court costs if they win their case. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may request a fee waiver from the court.<\/p>\r\n<p>The court clerk can provide you with additional information about filing the statement. They cannot give any legal advice.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Where and When To File<\/h3>\r\n<p>The court must have jurisdiction over the defendant to hear a civil dispute. Therefore, the plaintiff must file their case in an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/venue.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">appropriate venue<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Often this means the plaintiff must file their small claims case in the Justice Court located in the county where the defendant lives. If the plaintiff sues multiple defendants, they may file the case in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-11-civil-practice-and-procedure\/ms-code-sect-11-9-103\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">any county where one<\/a>&nbsp;of the defendants lives.<\/p>\r\n<p>Mississippi law also allows a plaintiff to file their case in the county where their cause of action arose. For example, if&nbsp;the plaintiff claims the defendant damaged the plaintiff&#8217;s property and owes them money for repairs, often they can&nbsp;file the case in the county where the alleged damage occurred.<\/p>\r\n<p>Each civil cause of action has a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/statute-of-limitations.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">statute of limitations<\/a>, a period in which a plaintiff must file their claim. State law sets the statute of limitations, and it varies based on the type of claim the plaintiff brings. For example, a plaintiff in Mississippi who has a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/personal-injury-law-the-basics.html\">personal injury claim<\/a>&nbsp;must file it within three years of the date they sustained the injury. Read FindLaw&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/mississippi-law\/mississippi-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">Mississippi Civil Statute of Limitations Laws<\/a>&nbsp;article for more information.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Serving the Defendant<\/h3>\r\n<p>After the plaintiff files their claim, the plaintiff must ensure the defendant receives&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/service-of-process.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">notice of the small claims case<\/a>&nbsp;filed against them. To do so, the plaintiff must ensure someone&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/serve.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">serves the defendant<\/a>&nbsp;with, among other documents, the written statement and a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/summons.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">court-issued Summons<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Once the court accepts the plaintiff&#8217;s filing, it will issue a Summons and arrange for its service on all named defendants. The court will charge the plaintiff a service fee to serve the defendant. The court may use the fee to pay the sheriff&#8217;s office to serve the defendant. The court may charge them additional fees if the plaintiff sued multiple defendants.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the sheriff or their deputies are unsuccessful in serving the defendant, the court clerk can provide you with more information about how to serve the defendant. Other methods may include sending the forms via certified mail with a return receipt requested or hiring a private process server.<\/p>\r\n<p>Once the court, sheriff, or process server serves the defendant, the plaintiff must file a proof of service with the court. Failing to serve the defendant will prevent the court from hearing the case.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Responding to a Small Claims Case<\/h2>\r\n<p>Once the defendant receives the Summons and other court documents, they must file a response (called an&nbsp;answer) to the lawsuit. If they do not dispute the plaintiff&#8217;s claims, they can file a response indicating that.<\/p>\r\n<p>If they dispute the plaintiff&#8217;s claims, the defendant may file an answer explaining why they dispute it. This may include legal defenses to the claim, and they may attach evidence supporting their defenses.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the defendant has claims against the plaintiff, they may file a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/counterclaim.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">file a counterclaim<\/a>&nbsp;(also called a&nbsp;setoff). The claims generally must arise out of the&nbsp;same transaction or occurrence&nbsp;from which the plaintiff&#8217;s claim arises. If the counterclaim exceeds $3,500, the court may transfer the case to the Chancery or Circuit Court if the parties agree to the transfer.<\/p>\r\n<p>Regardless of how the defendant wants to respond, they must file their response within five days of the&nbsp;return date&nbsp;listed on the Summons. The return date is the small claims court date.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Before the Small Claims Hearing<\/h2>\r\n<p>The parties may try to settle their case before the small claims hearing. If the parties resolve the case, they must tell the court clerk about the settlement.<\/p>\r\n<p>While preparing for the small claims hearing, parties may secure evidence that supports their claims or defenses. For example, in a contract dispute, the parties may want to introduce copies of contracts, leases, or other communications as evidence.<\/p>\r\n<p>Parties may also secure witnesses to testify at the hearing. A party may&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/what-is-a-subpoena.html\">request a subpoena<\/a>&nbsp;from the court to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-11-civil-practice-and-procedure\/ms-code-sect-11-9-115\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">compel a witness<\/a>&nbsp;to appear at the hearing to testify. A subpoena is a court order compelling someone to appear or produce documents before trial.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Small Claims Hearing<\/h2>\r\n<p>The parties to the case must appear for their small claims court hearing. Failing to appear could negatively affect the party. For example, if the plaintiff fails to appear, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/dismiss.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">court may dismiss<\/a>&nbsp;their case. The court may enter a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/judgment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">default judgment<\/a>&nbsp;in the plaintiff&#8217;s favor if the defendant fails to appear for the hearing. If the plaintiff receives a default judgment, they will win their case, and the defendant will have to pay some or all of the plaintiff&#8217;s claim, fees, and costs.<\/p>\r\n<p>A Justice Court Judge will preside over the small claims court hearing unless a party requests a jury trial. Small claims court hearings are relatively informal compared to cases in the District Court or other courts. The judge will address the parties in open court, and they may take a more active role than they would in a more formal trial or hearing.<\/p>\r\n<p>The plaintiff will present their case once the court swears in the parties. Once they rest their case, the defendant can respond to the plaintiff&#8217;s case. Both parties may introduce evidence to support their claims or defenses and call witnesses to testify. If one party calls a witness to testify, the other party may&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/cross-examination.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cross-examine<\/a>&nbsp;the witness.<\/p>\r\n<p>If a party requested a jury trial, the jury will deliberate the case and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/verdict.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">return their verdict<\/a>. If a judge presided over the case, they may issue their decision at the end of the trial&nbsp;or&nbsp;issue their decision at a later date.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Appeals<\/h3>\r\n<p>Either party&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/appeal.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">may appeal<\/a>&nbsp;the small claims court&#8217;s judgment if they wish. The appealing party must file a Notice of Appeal and pay the court clerk&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/bond.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a bond<\/a>&nbsp;worth double the judgment&#8217;s amount to pursue an appeal. They must file the Notice of Appeal and pay the bond within&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/ms\/title-11-civil-practice-and-procedure\/ms-code-sect-11-51-85.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10 days of the judgment&#8217;s issuance<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Any party considering an appeal may want to contact a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/mississippi\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil litigation attorney<\/a>. Filing an appeal is time-consuming and expensive when&nbsp;compared to the small claims court process. The reviewing court will follow formal rules of procedure and evidence, and you must follow formal appellate procedure. A civil litigation attorney can help you prepare for the appeal.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Satisfying a Judgment<\/h2>\r\n<p>The small claims court&#8217;s judgment will determine who owes whom money or property. The person or entity owed money is the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/creditor.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">judgment creditor<\/a>, and the party that owes money or property is the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/debtor.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">judgment debtor<\/a>. The judgment creditor is responsible for collecting the money or property from the judgment debtor.<\/p>\r\n<p>The parties may discuss how the debtor will pay the creditor the money owed or return the property at issue. If the debtor does not pay the creditor the money owed, the creditor may request the court&#8217;s assistance in satisfying the judgment. Methods to enforce the judgment include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The creditor may file the judgment with the clerk of the Circuit Court and obtain&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/lien.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a lien<\/a>&nbsp;on the debtor&#8217;s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate.html\">real or personal property<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n<li>The creditor may request that the court&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/garnish.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">garnish the debtor&#8217;s wages<\/a>&nbsp;or bank accounts. If the court allows a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/garnishment-of-wages.html\">wage garnishment<\/a>, the debtor&#8217;s employer will withhold money from the debtor&#8217;s wages and send the withholdings to the court. The court will then distribute the money to the creditor to satisfy the judgment.<\/li>\r\n<li>The creditor may request that the sheriff&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/execute.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">execute on the debtor&#8217;s personal property<\/a>. This allows the sheriff to seize and sell some of the debtor&#8217;s property to satisfy the judgment.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Contact the court clerk for more information about these and other enforcement methods. Alternatively, consider contacting a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/mississippi\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil litigation attorney<\/a>&nbsp;who can help you file the appropriate paperwork to satisfy a judgment.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Contact an Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>If you plan on filing a small claims case or received notice of a lawsuit against you, contact a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/mississippi\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil litigation attorney<\/a>. They can provide helpful legal advice throughout your small claims case, including a litigation strategy, how to file a claim, and how to serve the defendants. An attorney will help&nbsp;you enforce a judgment in your favor or protect some of your assets if you lose your small claims case.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    You want an attorney to represent you in court or during appeals\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex court cases (such as contract disputes, real estate, family law, personal injury, or employment) generally need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>The court process for many cases, such as intellectual property or probate, can be complicated and slow. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes during litigation.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL34\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court.html\">\n                        What To Expect When Going to Court\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/can-i-sue-.html\">\n                        Can I Sue?\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/civil-court-basics.html\">\n                        Civil Court Basics\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Attorney Directory<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/alternative-dispute-resolution\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alternative Dispute Resolution Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/class-actions-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Class Actions  Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Personal Injury Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/products-liability-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Products Liability Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/consumer-protection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consumer Protection Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Defense Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Civil cases in Mississippi involving less than $3,500 can be settled in small claims court. Learn about summons, complaints, judgments, and much more regarding Mississippi small claims courts at FindLaw.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":374330,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-374406","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374406","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=374406"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374406\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=374406"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=374406"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=374406"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=374406"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=374406"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}