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Small Claims Court, known as a people’s court, settles legal disputes about money owed or the return of property totaling $5,000 or less. This is often called suing someone. Cases are sometimes heard by a judge, but there is normally no jury.

The Clerk’s staff can provide forms but cannot provide you with any legal advice.

To file a suit against another person or business you must fill out and sign a Statement of Claim form and a Summons Notice to Appear form.

Both forms can be found online at www.CollierClerk.com. Click on Court Divisions, then on Small Claims. You can also go in person to the Civil Department of the Collier County Courthouse, 6th floor.

A computer program, Turbo Court, is available to people representing themselves in Small Claims cases in Collier County.

This program provides forms and allows users to conduct simple legal actions. Turbo Court is an interactive electronic forms program which provides public access to simple legal forms online.

For a fee, the public can access Turbo Court forms to fill in and print out FL Supreme Court-approved forms to assist them in filing certain civil actions, including Small Claims and Family Law proceedings.

The nice thing is that you do not actually have to fill out any forms yourself. The program asks you questions and based upon your answers, does all the work.

You can find the Turbo Court program by clicking the FORMS button on the main page at CollierClerk.com.

Then you must attach any written documentation to the completed forms and provide copies for the court and each individual or party being sued.

After filing a claim, a summons to appear in court must be issued to the defendants. These can be served (delivered) by the Sheriff or by certified mail (Florida residents only, for a small fee).

The plaintiff (you) is responsible for locating the defendant and following up if the claim is filed with another Sheriff’s Department outside of Florida.

A mandatory pre-trial conference will be scheduled within 50 days from the date the Small Claim is filed, when your case will be mediated (decided), without a judge present. Either the case will be resolved with a Mediation Agreement, or will be set for trial.

At trial, a judge will hear both sides of the story, review the evidence, and hear any witness testimony. Upon reaching a decision, you will be sent a copy of the ruling.

For more information about filing a Small Claim call 252-2646 or e-mail SmallClaimsHelp@collierclerk.com

For more information about the Clerk’s Office, contact Bob St. Cyr, Director, Community Outreach, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Collier County, 3301 Tamiami Trail E., Naples, FL 34112, 252-6879 (phone) 252-8838 (fax) Robert.StCyr@CollierClerk.com (e-mail).