Des Moines, May 7, 2012–Iowans who choose to represent themselves in small claims court will find it easier to do so with the help of new, easy-to-use forms. The Iowa Supreme Court approved a large number of new forms to help Iowans navigate the ins and outs of a small claims court case, from beginning to end. The court also updated some existing forms by making them easier to understand and use.
"More and more people are going to court without the assistance of lawyers. Representing yourself is never an easy thing to do. However, the new forms should help," said Iowa Court of Appeals Judge David Danilson, who is co-chair of the committee that designed the forms. "These forms are all a person needs to complete a routine small claims case without the aid of a lawyer."
The small claim process is a low-cost, simple process for resolving civil disputes without going through extensive court proceedings. In a small claims case, a person can file a suit for nearly any civil claim against another party, such as for breach of contract, damages suffered in an accident, and landlord tenant disputes, so long as the claim is for $5000 or less. Small claims cases are tried before a judge, not a jury, and without strict regard to the technicalities of rules of procedure. More information about small claim procedures is available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at: http://www.iowacourts.gov/Representing_Yourself/Civil_Law/Small_Claims/.
The new and updated forms may be used starting today. Lawyers and litigants currently using the old forms may continue to do so through June 30. Beginning July 1, 2012, the new forms must be used exclusively in all small claims cases. The forms are available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at: http://www.iowacourts.gov/Court_Rules_and_Forms/Recent_Amendments__New_Rules/ .
# # #
