[VA] Suing auto shop in small claims court, he has a lawyer; what next?

I would go to the deciding office and ask if you still can appose this or vacate it. Or I would now motion the civil court to bring this “back down” to small claims on the bases that it meets at least one of these:

The small claims court in New Jersey may hear any of the following claims if the amount in controversy does not exceed $3,000.00:

  1. breach of a written oral contract
  2. return of money used as a down payment
  3. property damage caused by a motor vehicle accident
  4. damage to or loss or property
  5. consumer complaints for defective merchandise or faulty workmanship
  6. payment for work performed
  7. claims based on bad checks
  8. claims for back rent
  9. return of a tenant’s security deposit
  10. The above list is not exhaustive but does contain most of the common claims. However, the small claims court cannot resolve disputes concerning professional malpractice, domestic dispute issues, or probate matters.

https://smallclaims.uslegal.com/small-claims-laws-by-state/new-jersey-small-claims-law/

Also that this could create undue hardship financially to hire an attorney & that the asking amount is only $700.00. I cannot find any law stating you cannot have an attorney?

https://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/forms/10151_sc_non_motorveh.pdf

There are people who represent themselves in civil. It is difficult & deadlines are extremely important.

/r/legaladvice Thread Parent