The decision to pursue a case in court isn’t one that should be made lightly. Court proceedings can be costly, both monetarily and through time and effort. One of the first questions we get from new clients is ‘how much are court costs and fees’ because this is important to consider when determining your next legal steps. Whether you’re a landlord seeking reimbursements from a tenant that damaged your property or need to process a formal eviction, here’s what you need to know about court costs and fees.
Going to the courts to settle landlord-tenant disputes should be your last resort. Attempting to settle without litigation will always save you more time and money. However, if your tenant is refusing to pay for damages or occupying your property without paying rent, a court order may be necessary.
Your specific court costs and fees will largely depend on the specifics of your case, which is why it's so difficult to get an accurate estimate. As cases develop or get dragged out in court you accrue more costs associated with each stage of litigation. Court costs can range vastly from between $120 to $600.
What Court Costs and Fees Cover
Beyond expenses associated with hiring and maintaining counsel, you may face any number of fees and costs throughout the legal process. These charges are determined by the court system in your local area and can vary.
Some potential court costs and fees you should consider include:
Costs to file your matter
Process servers
The cost of Summons
Translation of documents
Postage Charges
Paying a court translator
Paralegal Time
The cost of mediators
Deposition and Court Reporter Costs
It’s important to remember that legal proceedings including civil lawsuits and evictions take a lot of time and effort behind the scenes. To best represent you, your legal team researches applicable laws and guidelines, processes and files documentation, and communicates with the defendant’s legal team and the courts on your behalf.
How to Save Money on Court Costs and Fees
If you need to take legal action against a tenant but have concerns about the costs associated with filing a lawsuit, there are a few steps you can take to control your expenses.
Be organized. Having your paperwork in order and all the necessary documents and evidence prepared for your legal team prevents future headaches and delays in your case. Filing all the necessary documentation in one go saves you time and money.
Trim the fat. Focus on what is truly necessary to prove your case and support your claims. For example, if you are suing for property damage prioritize photos and videos of the damage and repair estimates. The judge doesn’t need to see text threads of you and your tenant arguing or the unflattering social media posts they made about you.
Don’t miss deadlines. Filing for extensions could be costly. Make sure to do your part and provide any information requested by your legal team or the courts in a timely manner so your case isn’t delayed.
Still have concerns about your court costs and fees? The Onyx Group Legal is here to help! Give us a call today for a free consultation so we can discuss the details of your case.