Small Claims Answer - Preparation Worksheet - District of Columbia
D.C. SMALL CLAIMS DEFENSE AND COUNTERCLAIM WORKSHEET
Preparation guide—not an official court form. In most D.C. small claims cases, a defendant does not file a written answer, plea, or defense. The defendant appears at the hearing and explains the defense. A set-off or counterclaim must be asserted in writing. A defendant who demands a jury must also submit the verified answer required by Small Claims Rule 6.
CASE AND HEARING
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Case name | [Plaintiff] v. [Defendant] |
| Case number | [Number] |
| Initial hearing date and time | [Date and Time] |
| Hearing location / remote instructions | [Information] |
| Amount plaintiff requests | $[Amount] |
The Small Claims Branch hears claims seeking money damages of $10,000 or less. Review the Statement of Claim and every attached document before the hearing.
RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF’S CLAIM
☐ I disagree with the entire claim.
☐ I agree that I owe $[Amount], but dispute the remaining $[Amount].
☐ I agree with the amount but need to explain proposed payment terms at the hearing.
Why the claim is disputed:
[State the facts in date order. Identify payments, communications, contract terms, defects, credits, identity issues, or other facts supporting the response.]
DOCUMENTS AND WITNESSES
| Evidence | What it proves | Bring / obtain by |
|---|---|---|
| [Contract, receipt, message, photograph, account record] | [Issue] | [Date] |
| [Witness name and contact information] | [Expected testimony] | [Date] |
WRITTEN SET-OFF OR COUNTERCLAIM
Small Claims Rule 5 requires a written filing if the defendant wants to assert a set-off or counterclaim against the plaintiff.
☐ No set-off or counterclaim.
☐ Set-off or counterclaim requested in the amount of $[Amount].
Facts supporting the set-off or counterclaim:
[Brief, complete statement of what the plaintiff did, when it occurred, and how the amount was calculated.]
Relief requested: $[Amount], plus [Costs / Interest if legally available].
Confirm the filing format, fee, service method, and timing with the Small Claims Clerk before the initial hearing.
OPTIONAL JURY DEMAND INTAKE
Under Small Claims Rule 6, a party may demand a jury on an issue triable of right by serving a written demand at or before the initial hearing, unless the court allows more time for good cause. The required fee or fee-waiver authorization must accompany the demand. A defendant’s demand must also include a verified answer stating the facts supporting the defense. A properly demanded jury case is certified to the Civil Actions Branch for expedited trial.
☐ No jury demand planned.
☐ Jury demand planned; obtain the current filing requirements and prepare a verified factual answer.
HEARING CHECKLIST
☐ Calendar the initial hearing and arrive or connect early.
☐ Bring the Statement of Claim, this worksheet, organized exhibits, and witnesses.
☐ Bring copies in the quantity required by the court.
☐ File any written set-off, counterclaim, or jury demand using current clerk instructions.
SOURCES AND REFERENCES
About this template
- Last updated
- July 26, 2026
- Citations checked
- July 26, 2026
- Jurisdiction
- District of Columbia
- Category
- Litigation & Court Documents
Legal authority
- D.C. Superior Court Small Claims Rules 5 and 6
- D.C. Code §§ 16-3901 to 16-3910
These are the filings that drive a lawsuit through the system: complaints, answers, motions, briefs, discovery requests and responses, and post-judgment papers. Each has its own format requirements under federal and state procedural rules, and each has a deadline that cannot be missed without consequences. Clean, procedurally correct filings move a case forward; sloppy ones invite motions to strike, amended responses, and avoidable delays.
Not legal advice
This template is provided for informational purposes. We recommend having an attorney review any legal document before signing, especially for high-value or complex matters.
Checked against the law it cites
A reviewer verified this template's legal citations against the official source on July 26, 2026.
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