It instructs the reader in how to determine whether a claim has legal merit and will make a good action, how to document and prepare a claim and how to best present the winning parts of a case. Guidance is provided on how to act in court, notably in interaction with the judge and the opponent, and the inner workings of the court are described and interpreted. Instruction is given in how to defend a claim that is not valid. Detailed guidance is provided for the following types of cases: breach of contract, an insurance company's failure to pay the insured, landlord-tenant claims, defective goods and merchandise, problems with services performed, negligence, personal property not returned, return cost of one-half of furniture, claims in which a child is a party, claims against local government, and intentional damage and missing goods. The appendixes provide a small claims court flow chart and a table of variations of small claims courts by State. A glossary of terms and a subject index are also provided.