{"id":374735,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/nebraska-law\/nebraska-small-claims-courts.html"},"modified":"2024-01-17T11:13:54","modified_gmt":"2024-01-17T16:13:54","slug":"nebraska-small-claims-courts","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/nebraska-law\/nebraska-small-claims-courts.html","title":{"rendered":"Nebraska 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\">Nebraska 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                            January 17, 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>In Nebraska, each county court has a Small Claims Department, also known as the small claims court. Parties may only file civil actions involving disputes over amounts of money owed, damage to property, or the return of personal property. Judgments in small claims court may not exceed $3,900.<\/p>\r\n<p>The following links provide further information about Nebraska&#8217;s small claims court:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/supremecourt.nebraska.gov\/self-help\/small-claims\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Small Claims Self-Help<\/a>: The Nebraska Judicial Branch provides a self-help guide to its small claims court.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/supremecourt.nebraska.gov\/self-help\/small-claims\/filing-small-claims-case-nebraska\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Filing a Small Claims Case<\/a>: The Nebraska Judicial Branch also provides a self-help guide for people or entities who want to file a small claims case, along with court forms parties may need.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/supremecourt.nebraska.gov\/self-help\/small-claims\/filing-small-claims-case-nebraska\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Small Claims Court Defendants<\/a>: This guide provides information to defendants in a small claims case.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/supremecourt.nebraska.gov\/self-help\/small-claims\/collecting-your-money-after-judgment-information-judgment-debtor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Collecting Your Money After a Judgment<\/a>: This guide describes how someone who wins their small claims case trial can enforce a judgment. It also provides additional information to the debtor (i.e., the person or entity that owes money).<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/supremecourt.nebraska.gov\/self-help\/appeals\/appealing-or-setting-aside-county-court-civil-or-small-claims-judgment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Appealing or Setting Aside a Small Claims Judgment<\/a>: This guide from the Nebraska Judicial Branch provides information about how to appeal a small claims court&#8217;s judgment.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.supremecourt.ne.gov\/cc\/clerks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Nebraska County Courts<\/a>: This link provides a directory of Nebraska&#8217;s county courts.<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nebraskalegislature.gov\/laws\/statutes.php?statute=25-2804\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Neb. Revised Statutes, Chapter 25<\/a>: This link provides Nebraska&#8217;s small claims court laws.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>This article describes Nebraska&#8217;s small claims court process, including how to file a small claims case, respond to a claim filed against you, and the small claims trial.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Small Claims Explained<\/h2>\r\n<p>Any person 18 or older may file a small claims case in Nebraska. Entities such as businesses,&nbsp;partnerships, and&nbsp;corporations&nbsp;may also file small claims cases. The person or entity that brings a small claims case is the&nbsp;plaintiff. The person or entity against whom they file the case is the&nbsp;defendant. The plaintiffs and defendants in a lawsuit are known as the parties to the lawsuit.<\/p>\r\n<p>Parties to a small claims case in Nebraska cannot hire attorneys. A county judge presides over the small claims hearing; no jury trials exist. The hearings follow informal court rules. The small claims court&#8217;s informal nature allows litigants to pursue or defend against a claim without attorneys.<\/p>\r\n<p>Small claims court cases are resolved quicker&nbsp;and cheaper when&nbsp;compared to civil cases in the district court. This is one of the significant benefits of small claims court.<\/p>\r\n<p>A person or entity may not file more than two small claims in one week and no more than 10 small claims cases in a calendar year.<\/p>\r\n<h2>How To File a Claim<\/h2>\r\n<p>Plaintiffs must file a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/supremecourt.nebraska.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/Ch6Art14App1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Plaintiff&#8217;s Claim and Notice to Defendant form<\/a>&nbsp;to begin their small claims case. The claim form is available online or at your local courthouse. It identifies the parties to the case. The plaintiff must also indicate the amount of money&nbsp;or a description of the specific property in dispute&nbsp;they allege the defendant owes them and the basis for their claim.<\/p>\r\n<p>The Nebraska Supreme Court allows plaintiffs to file their claim form online, in person, or by mail. The court will charge the plaintiff a filing fee.<\/p>\r\n<p>Plaintiffs must file their case in a court with&nbsp;jurisdiction&nbsp;over the defendant. This often&nbsp;means the plaintiff must file the lawsuit in the county where the defendant lives. Other appropriate&nbsp;venues&nbsp;may include the county where the cause of action arose or where the defendant works.<\/p>\r\n<p>Once the plaintiff files their small claims court case, the court will schedule it on its docket. It will set a court date and assign a case number.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Serving the Defendant<\/h3>\r\n<p>It is essential that the plaintiff&nbsp;list the defendant&#8217;s correct&nbsp;address on the claim form. When the court accepts the filing, the plaintiff must indicate how to&nbsp;notify&nbsp;the defendant of the lawsuit. For example, they may have the court send the notice via certified mail. They may choose to have a process server, such as the sheriff&#8217;s office,&nbsp;serve the defendant in person.&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Either way, if the defendant&#8217;s address is incorrect, the defendant may not receive notice. In that case, it may lead to extra time and expense to the plaintiff&#8217;s case, or the court may dismiss it.<\/p>\r\n<p>The plaintiff must pay a service fee in relation to serving the defendant. The fee may vary depending on the chosen service method. If the plaintiff wins their case, they may recover the filing and service fees.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Responding to a Small Claims Case<\/h2>\r\n<p>A defendant who receives notice of a small claims case against them may do several things. For example, they may contact the plaintiff and try to work things out before the small claims hearing. They also can&nbsp;dispute the plaintiff&#8217;s claim. In that case, they may prepare their defense in anticipation of the hearing.<\/p>\r\n<p>If a defendant has claims against the defendant, they file a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/supremecourt.nebraska.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/CC-4-2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">counterclaim<\/a>,&nbsp;also called a&nbsp;setoff. For example, if the defendant believes the plaintiff owes them money or must return possible property, they may file a counterclaim. If the counterclaim&#8217;s value exceeds $3,900,&nbsp;the court will transfer the case to a county court docket.<\/p>\r\n<p>A defendant must file their counterclaim in the same court where the plaintiff&#8217;s claim is pending. They must serve the plaintiff with notice of the counterclaim, similar to the plaintiff&#8217;s burden described above.<\/p>\r\n<p>In addition, a defendant can transfer the case to the county court docket. The defendant must choose to transfer the case at least two days before the scheduled hearing and pay the requisite fees. A defendant may choose to do so if they want to hire an attorney to represent them. The plaintiff cannot object to the transfer.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Alternative Dispute Resolution<\/h2>\r\n<p>If the parties decide to try to settle their case before the hearing, they have several options. Of course, the parties may meet to discuss their claim and try to reach a suitable resolution. Nebraska also offers&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/supremecourt.nebraska.gov\/programs-services\/odr\/mediation-centers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">six mediation centers<\/a>&nbsp;for parties to resolve their case.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/adr\/mediation\/what-is-mediation-.html\">Mediation<\/a>&nbsp;is a form of alternative dispute resolution. It involves using a neutral mediator who attempts to help the parties reach an amicable resolution.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the parties agree to settle their case, they must inform the court. The court recommends the parties put the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/settlement.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">settlement agreement<\/a>&nbsp;in writing. The court will dismiss the case and enter a judgment in accordance with the settlement.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Small Claims Court Hearing<\/h2>\r\n<p>All parties must attend the scheduled small claims court hearing. If the defendant fails to appear, the court may enter a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/judgment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">default judgment<\/a>&nbsp;in favor of the plaintiff. If the court does so, the plaintiff wins the case. The court may dismiss the case if the plaintiff does not appear for the hearing.<\/p>\r\n<p>Both parties will have an opportunity to present their side of the case at the hearing. They will both have the opportunity to present evidence. This may include introducing contracts, photographs, or more to the court. They may also&nbsp;secure&nbsp;witnesses to&nbsp;testify&nbsp;at the hearing. If a witness informs a party that they do not want to&nbsp;testify, a party may issue a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/what-is-a-subpoena.html\">subpoena<\/a>. A subpoena is a court order that compels a witness to appear and provide testimony.<\/p>\r\n<p>On the day of the hearing, the plaintiff&nbsp;presents their side of the case first. Once the plaintiff finishes their arguments, the defendant presents their side of the case. If one party calls a witness to testify, the other party can&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>After the trial, the judge will determine the winning and losing party. The judge may enter judgment at that point or&nbsp;choose to issue a written judgment at a later date.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Enforcing a Judgment<\/h2>\r\n<p>Following a money judgment, the person who is owed money is the&nbsp;judgment creditor. The person who owes money is the&nbsp;judgment debtor. The judgment creditor collects either&nbsp;money&nbsp;or the property&nbsp;from the debtor. The court does not collect the money for the creditor.<\/p>\r\n<p>A judgment creditor has several ways to collect on the money judgment. They may discuss payment with the debtor and agree to a payment method. For example, they may agree to a lump sum or an installment plan.<\/p>\r\n<p>If the debtor cannot or chooses not to satisfy the judgment, the judgment creditor may request assistance from the court. A creditor may contact the court clerk for information about the court&#8217;s assistance. For example, the creditor may&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/garnishment.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">garnish<\/a>&nbsp;the debtor&#8217;s wages or bank account by filing a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/supremecourt.nebraska.gov\/forms?title&amp;field_form_number_value&amp;field_form_type_tid=All&amp;field_form_category_tid%5B0%5D=224&amp;field_language_tid=288\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">garnishment form<\/a>. If they garnish a debtor&#8217;s wages, the debtor&#8217;s employer pays a portion of the employee&#8217;s wages to the court, and the court then distributes it to the creditor.<\/p>\r\n<p>The parties must inform the court when the debtor satisfies the judgment. For more information about garnishment and other methods of enforcing a judgment, consult&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/supremecourt.nebraska.gov\/self-help\/small-claims\/Collecting-Your-Money\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this article by the&nbsp;Nebraska Judicial Branch<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Appeals<\/h2>\r\n<p>Either party may&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/appeal.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">appeal<\/a>&nbsp;a small claims court judgment. You must file a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/supremecourt.nebraska.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/CC-9-2.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Notice of Appeal<\/a>&nbsp;within 30 days of the judgment. A district court judge will hear and decide the appeal.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Questions? Contact an Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>Although parties to a small claims case may not hire an attorney to represent them in their small claims litigation, an attorney may still provide valuable legal advice to small claims litigants. If you are considering filing a small claims lawsuit, an attorney can provide legal advice about the strengths and weaknesses of your case, and they may assist you in filling out the required court forms to file the case. Contact a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/nebraska\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil litigation attorney<\/a>&nbsp;if you have additional questions about Nebraska&#8217;s small claims process.<\/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 Nebraska involving less than $3900 can be settled in small claims court. Learn about summons, complaints, judgments, and much more regarding Nebraska small claims courts at FindLaw.com. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":374655,"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-374735","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374735","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=374735"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374735\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/374655"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=374735"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=374735"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=374735"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=374735"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=374735"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}