Do I have to be at the hearing for small claims court?

Question

or can I appoint someone to do it for me?

I live in NY but it happened in Michigan. basically the guy owes me for rent and cable bills amounting to just under $500

Answer 1

If you are the only plaintiff, you must personally appear.

If their are more than one plaintiff, then one can appear, representing the interests of all plaintiffs. However, this may adversely affect the case, as the judge may want to cross-examine all plaintiffs.

If you are a company/corp, you can appoint an employee to represent you.

If you are a defendant, you better appear personally, unless you were sued as a company/corp; in ewhich case, you can appoint an employee to represent your interests.

Answer 2

Small claims courts are generally set up so that you cannot be represented by an attorney, and aside from companies (who can appoint an officer) that means you must represent yourself.

Answer 3

You can appoint someone , but have a much better chance of winning if you show up yourself. Someone went through all the trouble to get it to court, the least you could do is show up.

Answer 4

You may be able to appoint someone (but not an attorney) to represent you. It depends on the state. But it will go against you.

Answer 5

You can appoint someone but its bst that you be there depending on the nature of the case.

Answer 6

Even if you don't HAVE to go, it will look much better for your case if you are there in person.

Answer 7

if you don't show the other guy wins, unless your Attorney appears for you.

Answer 8

You have to attend.