What is the difference between a Small Claims and a Civil case?

Small Claims cases involve claims for amounts of $5,000 or less. Civil cases include claims for amount of $25,000 or less. Civil cases also can involve attorneys. If you file a Civil case but do not hire an attorney, you are held to the standard of an attorney when pursuing your case. Further clarification can be found in the Small Claims Handbook as to things that may disqualify you from filing a Small Claims case.

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1. Is there a cost to file a Small Claims or Civil case?
2. What is the difference between a Small Claims and a Civil case?
3. Where can I get the Small Claims/Civil paperwork?
4. Do I have to pay the filing fees in full when I turn in the paperwork?
5. How do I know in which Court to file a Small Claims case?
6. I want to sue someone, but I don’t know where he/she lives. Is that a problem?
7. Can the clerk tell me whether I have a case worth pursuing?
8. I would like to file a lawsuit but cannot afford an attorney, what are my options?
9. Is a trial the only way to resolve my case?