What to Bring to Small Claims Court in Nevada: Evidence and Hearing Prep

The Three-Copy Rule

Bring three complete sets of every document you plan to show the judge: one for the court, one for the defendant, and one for yourself. This applies to everything — contracts, invoices, photos, text message printouts, repair estimates, receipts, and email correspondence.

Judges expect organized paper evidence. Showing up with photos on your phone or a disorganized stack of loose papers makes your case harder to follow and gives the impression you're not prepared.

How to Organize Your Evidence

Number your exhibits. Label them sequentially — Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, and so on — or alphabetically (Exhibit A, Exhibit B). Each exhibit gets a cover sheet with its number and a one-line description of what it is.

Put them in chronological order. If you're suing over a contractor dispute, the sequence might be: the original contract (Exhibit 1), photos of incomplete work (Exhibit 2), your written complaint to the contractor (Exhibit 3), their response or non-response (Exhibit 4), and a repair estimate from another contractor (Exhibit 5).

Use a binder or folder. Three-ring binders with tabbed dividers work well. The judge can flip directly to the exhibit you're referencing. Three identical binders — one per set — is the standard.

What Counts as Evidence

Nevada's small claims hearings are informal compared to regular civil trials, but evidence still needs to be relevant and authentic.

Contracts and written agreements. The original or a clear copy. Highlight the relevant clauses — the payment terms, the work scope, the deadline that was missed.

Invoices and receipts. Show what was paid, what was owed, and when. Bank statements or credit card records that confirm payments work too.

Photos and videos. Print them. Date-stamped photos carry more weight. If you're claiming property damage, before-and-after photos are powerful evidence.

Text messages and emails. Print the full conversation thread, not just selected messages. The judge may want to see the context.

Repair estimates. If you're claiming the cost to fix something, bring a written estimate from a licensed contractor or repair professional. Multiple estimates strengthen your position.

Witness testimony. You can bring witnesses who have firsthand knowledge of the facts. A witness who saw the damage, watched the work being done, or was present during a conversation can testify. You can also subpoena a reluctant witness through the court.

Sparks Justice Court: Bring Exhibits to Mediation

At Sparks Justice Court, bring an original set and two copies of your exhibits to mandatory mediation. Print and organize the exhibits, include an exhibit list and a cover page for each exhibit, and redact personal identifiers and financial information.

Separately, file proof of service of the Small Claims Application and Order to Appear at least seven days before mediation. If mediation does not resolve the case, the court will set a small claims hearing before the assigned judge. Follow the court's local rules and any pretrial order for that hearing.

Mediation Before Trial

Several Nevada courts require or offer mediation before the trial hearing:

• Reno: Pre-trial mediation is mandatory. The court issues an Order to Attend Mediation with your complaint.
• Sparks: Mediation is mandatory. The court sets a mediation date and issues an Order to Appear.
• Henderson: Mandatory same-day mediation on the hearing date.
• Las Vegas: Voluntary mediation offered on the day of trial.

Bring your evidence to mediation too. If the other side sees that you're organized and have documentation, it increases the chance of reaching a settlement without going before the judge.

On the Day

Arrive early. Dress as if you're meeting a judge — because you are. When the judge asks you to present your case, walk through the facts in order. Reference your exhibits by number. Be concise: state what happened, what you're owed, and what your evidence shows. Don't argue or get emotional. Let the documents do the work.

The Nevada Small Claims Filing Guide includes a printable hearing preparation checklist and an evidence binder layout designed for Nevada's courtroom rules.

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