Disputes involving neighbors and family members are particularly well suited for mediation because of the relationships between the parties. If not, the clerk may know of a publicly funded program in your county. Small Claims Advisor - A small claims advisor gives free advice to small claims disputants. The law requires each county to provide a small claims advisory service. Some advisors are available only by phone, while others may be visited in an office setting.
Some advisory services provide recorded advice by phone.
All small claims advisors provide information regarding the procedural rules, and some will also assist you in preparing your case. To locate your local advisor, contact the local small claims clerk or look in your telephone directory. Publications - Small claims court procedural rules and basic consumer laws are summarized in a publication entitled Consumer Law Sourcebook for Small Claims Court Judicial Officers. While the three-volume Sourcebook is written for judges and small claims advisors, some disputants find it useful. Most county law libraries make reference copies available to the public.