How do I start my Small Claims or Commercial Small Claims case? You or someone else may start your case by filling out a Complaint Form (DC-283). The Complaint Form describes your claim to the Court. You may file by mail or you may file in person at one of the District Court courthouses.
An order to show cause (OSC) is a request to the court for a new hearing. It can ask for more time or stop the marshal from evicting you. If you do not have a lawyer, you will have to fill out the OSC yourself.
An Order to Show Cause is a method that a party may use to request that the court reopen their case, usually after a default judgment has been entered. A default judgment can be entered if a defendant fails to answer a summons, or fails to appear for trial or hearing.
In order to respond to a motion or an order to show cause, you must prepare answering papers. If you disagree with what is being asked for in the motion or order to show cause, you must prepare an affidavit in opposition (see Exhibit A).
It is mandatory that a Show Cause Notice (SCN) is issued if the department contemplates any action prejudicial to the assessee. The SCN would detail the provisions of law allegedly violated and ask the noticee to show cause why action should not be initiated against him under the relevant provisions of the Act/Rules.
The Small Claims Court has monetary jurisdiction up to $10,000.00. Claims for more than $10,000.00 may not be brought in Small Claims Court. They must be started in the Civil Part of the court or in a different court.