how to file a lawsuit in indiana without an attorney

File your complaint with the appropriate clerk of court. Once you've completed your complaint and any other documents, take the entire packet together with any copies to the clerk's office. You'll have to pay a fee to initiate your lawsuit, which can be as much as several hundred dollars.

Full Answer

How do I start a lawsuit without an attorney?

Filing Without an Attorney. Individuals can file bankruptcy without an attorney, which is called filing pro se. However, seeking the advice of a qualified attorney is strongly recommended since bankruptcy has long-term financial and legal outcomes. Corporations and partnerships must have an attorney to file a bankruptcy case.

How do I file a lawsuit in South Carolina?

Step 1: Establish legal standing. In order to file a lawsuit in Indiana (or any other state), you must have legal standing. To establish legal standing, you must show that: You have the legal capacity to file a lawsuit. Children under age 18 and adults who are mentally incompetent don’t have the legal capacity to file a lawsuit.

How do I file a civil case without an attorney?

Once filed, the lawsuit begins. Filing a lawsuit is the first step of litigation. Before filing a complaint, you should calculate the claim amount and total damages you think you may be entitled to. A civil complaint for under $6,000 is heard as a small claims case. Complaints with claims of higher amounts may be seen in the other county courts ...

Can I write my own complaint without a court form?

Steps for Filing a Lawsuit in Lake County, Indiana. Consultation with your attorney: Before you file a lawsuit in a Lake County, Indiana court, you need to meet and confer with a local lawyer. You lawyer in Lake County, Indiana can advise you on whether or not your lawsuit has merit, and how likely it is to succeed.

How much does it cost to file a lawsuit in Indiana?

Civil tort: $157. Domestic relations: $177. Estate: $177 (supervised or unsupervised administration)

How do I file a lawsuit in Indiana?

How to File a Civil Lawsuit in IndianaStep 1: Establish legal standing. In order to file a lawsuit in Indiana (or any other state), you must have legal standing. ... Step 2: Hire a personal injury lawyer near you. ... Step 3: Determine where to file your lawsuit. ... Step 4: File and serve your complaint.

How much does it cost to take someone to small claims court in Indiana?

FILING FEES & COST INFORMATIONCASE DESCRIPTIONFILING FEESSmall Claim (Paper Filing)$97.00Small Claim (Electronic Filing)$87.00Trust$177.00Change of Venue/Transfer to Indiana CountySame as Cost to File New Case18 more rows•Jul 1, 2021

How do I start a lawsuit?

You start a lawsuit by filing a complaint. In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit.

How do I file a suit online?

e-Filing. e-Filing application enables electronic filing of legal papers. Click here for e-Filing.ePay. ePay is a way of paying for court through an electronic medium, without the use of cheque or cash. ... Virtual Courts. Eliminating presence of litigant or lawyer in the court and adjudication of the case online.Sep 14, 2016

Who can serve process in Indiana?

Anyone over the age of eighteen (18) years old and is not a party to the case, is legally able to serve papers in the state of Indiana.

What is the statute of limitations for small claims in Indiana?

TIMELINE TO FILE: Indiana's statute of limitations for small claims filings is ten (10) years if you have a written contract, six (6) years if there is an oral contract, two (2) years for a personal injury claim, and two (2) years if property damage is alleged.Jan 30, 2014

Do I need an attorney for Small Claims Court Indiana?

The Small Claims Court allows every citizen to bring a lawsuit in an informal manner and does not require that a party hire an attorney.

How long does Small Claims Court take?

A small claim can take as little as 6 weeks if it is undefended and you pro-actively support the small track procedure. However you can expect it to take up to 6 months if your claim is disputed and a hearing is required.

Who initiates a lawsuit?

A plaintiff (Π in legal shorthand) is the party who initiates a lawsuit (also known as an action) before a court.

What are the 5 steps to initiate a lawsuit?

The following process explains the steps of a civil lawsuit.Step 1: Consult With Representatives. If you are considering going to court, talk to your potential representatives before filing a lawsuit. ... Step 2: File Complaint / Pleading. ... Step 3: Discovery. ... Step 4: Trial. ... Step 5: Verdict. ... Step 6: Appeal.Dec 26, 2019

Who can file a lawsuit?

To file a lawsuit in court, you have to be someone directly affected by the legal dispute you are suing about. In legal terms, this is called having “standing” to file the lawsuit. For example, in a case for personal injury, you have to be the one to have actually suffered the injury in the accident.