What Is a Contract?

A contract is any agreement between individuals or businesses in which one side agrees to do something for the other in exchange for something in return. For example, Avery asks Blake to paint his kitchen for $3,000, and Blake agrees.

The agreement can be written, oral, or implied from the circumstances. Breach of contract cases end up in small claims court when one of the contract parties fails to perform according to the terms of the agreement.

Find out about other case types filed frequently in small claims court.

Unpaid Debt Cases in Small Claims

Small claims breach of contract cases often involve a failure to pay money owed. Hardly a day goes by in any small claims court when someone isn't sued for failing to pay a friend, relative, or a local small business.

In many situations, getting a money judgment for an unpaid debt involves no more than stating that the defendant made a commitment to buy certain goods or services, that the plaintiff provided the services, and that a legitimate bill for X dollars remains unpaid.