Evidence checklist
Cases are won by the party who is organised, not the party who is loudest. Use this checklist to build a package a judge can follow in seconds.
A judge may give your case ten minutes. The claimant whose evidence is indexed, dated and easy to follow has a decisive advantage over the one shuffling through loose paper.
Interactive checklist
Tick what you have. Your progress is shown below.
Building your package
Assemble everything in date order. Lead with the agreement (contract, quote or invoice), then the performance (photos, delivery records), then the breakdown (what failed), then your losses (receipts, replacement quotes), and finally your demand letter with proof it was delivered.
Copies and disclosure
Bring three full copies. Many courts require you to share your evidence with the other side before the hearing; surprise documents are often excluded. Check your court's disclosure deadline and meet it.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as evidence in small claims court?
Contracts, invoices, receipts, emails and texts, photos and video, bank records, written estimates, and witness statements. Anything that helps prove what was agreed, what went wrong, and the amount of your loss.
How should I organise my evidence?
Chronologically, in a labelled binder or a single PDF, with a one-page index. Bring at least three copies: one for the judge, one for the other side, and one for yourself.
Are text messages and emails admissible?
Yes, generally. Print them with dates, names and full context. Do not crop out parts that change the meaning; selective editing damages your credibility.
Do I need witnesses?
Only if they add something documents cannot. A witness who saw the work or heard the agreement can help, but courts weight clear documents heavily. Arrange witnesses in advance and confirm they can attend.
What evidence mistakes lose cases?
Disorganised piles, missing the demand letter, no proof of the amount, and surprise documents the other side never saw. Disclose your evidence properly and label everything.