A petition is a formal written request to a court or other official body, seeking some form of legal action or relief. It may be filed by a person, group, or organization.
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. You may also write your own complaint without using a court form.
Petitions MUST be signed in the presence of a Notary Public or a Family Court Clerk. Once your petition is completed and your signature notarized, you can either mail it to Family Court or submit it in person during our stated business hours. Paternity Petitions must be submitted with a copy of the Birth Certificate.
There is no required form to file a petition. You can file the petition in any format you choose. However, two convenient options are available for filing a petition: 1) filing online or 2) filing by mail using a standard petition form.
How do I organize an effective petition? Choose a topic and target. What is the situation you want to change, and who has the power to make that change? ... Keep the petition language short and simple. Collect signatures. Deliver your petition!
Small Claims Court helps individuals or corporations resolve disputes when the amount of the claim is $10,000 or less. All defendants must have an address in New York City. Get Small Claims Court information, including locations and hours of operation. Learn about case types handled by Small Claims Court.
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
The basic principle that each side pays their own legal fees is literally called the "American Rule". There are quite a few situations where that can be flipped, for attorneys fees, court costs, and other expenses.
Basically, you need to explain the reason you are filing, what you would like to see happen (the relief you are requesting) and provide specific examples of what occurred that makes you think the judge should give you what you are asking for.