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Onah Attorneys Inc • Johannesburg
Small Claims Court – Big Results for Claims Up to R20,000
For disputes up to R20,000, the Small Claims Court is fast, informal and nearly free — no attorneys appear at the hearing, and judgments arrive in weeks, not years. What decides these cases is preparation: the demand, the evidence bundle and the story. We prepare your claim to win — the statutory letter of demand, your documentary proof, and coaching for the hearing — at a fixed cost that respects the claim size.
Call 011 042 8039Free Case AssessmentWhen you need small claims court assistance
Unpaid loans to friends, family or clients up to R20,000
Deposits landlords refuse to refund
Defective goods and services below the CPA-litigation threshold
Damage to property — accidents, contractors, neighbours
Unpaid invoices for freelancers and small businesses
Claims against you in the Small Claims Court
Splitting larger claims strategically (or not — we advise honestly)
Enforcing Small Claims Court judgments
How we handle your matter
Claim viability
We confirm the claim type qualifies (companies can’t sue there; the state can’t be sued), quantum fits the R20,000 cap, and the defendant is worth pursuing.
Letter of demand
The Act requires a written demand giving 14 days — we draft it to double as your case summary the commissioner reads first.
Summons pack
We prepare the summons request and an indexed evidence bundle: contract, proof of payment, photos, messages, quotes.
Hearing preparation
You appear alone by law — so we rehearse your three-minute version, anticipated questions and the documents to hand up.
Judgment enforcement
A judgment nobody enforces is paper. We convert it: warrants of execution, emoluments attachment, and transfer to the Magistrates’ Court where needed.
Fees — transparent, agreed upfront
A complete Small Claims package — demand, summons preparation, evidence bundle and hearing coaching — is a single modest fixed fee. Enforcement steps are quoted per step against recovery value.
Key legislation:
- Small Claims Courts Act 61 of 1984
Frequently asked questions
What is the Small Claims Court limit?
R20,000 currently. Claims above it can be abandoned down to the limit to use the forum — sometimes worth it for speed against a solvent defendant.
Can I use a lawyer in the Small Claims Court?
Attorneys cannot appear at the hearing — but nothing stops professional preparation of your demand, summons and evidence, which is where these cases are actually won.
Who can sue in the Small Claims Court?
Natural persons — individuals and sole proprietors. Companies and CCs cannot institute claims there (but can be sued). Claims against the state are excluded.
How long does a small claims case take?
Typically 6–12 weeks from demand to judgment depending on the court’s roll — dramatically faster than any other civil forum.
What happens at the hearing?
The commissioner questions both sides inquisitorially — no formal cross-examination. Clear chronology plus documents wins; emotion and clutter lose.
The defendant ignores the judgment — now what?
We enforce: a warrant of execution against movables, or emoluments attachment against salary via the Magistrates’ Court. Enforcement turns judgment into money.
Speak to an Attorney Today
Get straight answers about small claims court assistance from a firm that fights to win. First consultation — no obligation, full confidentiality.
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