However, you can talk to a lawyer beforehand. Small claim courts are informal. They do not have complicated ways of doing things. No one is allowed to make objections. And there are no juries.
Cases move quickly.
You do not have to be a United States citizen to use the small claims court. You do have to be at least 18 years old and mentally competent. When you file your claim, the court clerk generally will set the hearing date. In larger communities, small claims court is held some evenings or on Saturday once a month. Also, many counties have a small claims advisor who can answer your questions, and explain the process.