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What will happen on my first court date?

Be sure to get to court on time. You will need to pass through a security gate which can have long lines, especially in the mornings. Cases are first assigned to a resolution part. The court encourages both sides to resolve the case by coming to a settlement agreement that is written up in a stipulation. You can tell the clerk in the courtroom that you are there and that you do not have a lawyer. Most cases in Housing Court are resolved by settlement agreements—voluntary agreements worked out by the two parties. If you and the tenant do not have lawyers, you can ask for help from the judge’s court attorney. Th at attorney can help by arranging a settlement conference where you, the tenant and the court attorney talk about how to resolve the case.

Topics
What happens in court if I sue my tenant? 10 Tips
Related Glossary Terms
Court Attorney Resolution Part Stipulation
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