How do I make a small claims court case across state lines?

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How do I make a small claims court case across state lines?

I live in OR, worked together with two partners from different states to

write a book, and we got some money from Kickstarter. One partner had a

Asked on March 5, 2017 under Business Law, Oregon

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

1) You can sue across state lines, but not in small claims court: small claims does not reach across state lines. You'd have to file in "regular court," which will greatly increase the cost and procedural complexity. 
2) You can't sue in any event without a physical address: a lawsuit is started by "serving" the papers (the summons and complaint) on someone at a physical address. It is doing that which gives the court jurisdiction, or power, over the defendant (person being sued). Without a phsyical address, the court will have no power over him and you can't bring the lawsuit.


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