6
See if you can reach an agreement in mediation
If you are right and the other party is just being stubborn, hold your ground. You don't have to give in, although there are benefits to reaching a compromise.
7
If you can't agree, get ready to try your case.
Go watch a docket of small claims - it is free and very entertaining. You will learn a lot from watching other litigants. Prepare your case by organizing a copy of your complaint, and the documentary evidence that supports your allegations, and printed copies of the relevant statutes and possibly caselaw.
In a residential deposit case, your evidence is the contract, the walk through checklist, maybe some photographs, invoices and payment documents - in other words, other papers that support your case. Once you have one "original" of all your documents, make three copies - one for the judge, one for the other party, and one for you. Your "originals" will go to the clerk to be entered in the court file. 3-ring binders and index sheets are a great way to organize this material and make it easy and simple for the court to review.
Dress up for court. Be respectful and polite and never, ever lose your cool.
Never, ever interrupt a judge, and be nice to the clerks.
8
The court can award you a judgment, but cannot collect the judgment
Collection is a problem for an attorney. If the defendant doesn't pay the money as ordered by the Court, ask for help from a collections attorney.
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