Section 24-9.—Preparation of Writ

The small claims writ and notice of suit must be on the form prescribed by the Office of the Chief Court Administrator. The plaintiff or representative states the nature and amount of the claim in concise, untechnical language and, for a claim seeking collection of a consumer debt, must state the basis for believing the statute of limitations has not expired. The writ must be signed under oath by the plaintiff or representative, swearing that the signer has read the claim and believes, to the best of the signer's knowledge, information, and belief, that there is good ground to support it. If the claim needs more room than the form allows, the plaintiff or representative attaches additional pages. The writ must also state the plaintiff's and defendant's place of residence or other address.

At filing, the plaintiff or attorney must verify the defendant's address using at least one of five listed methods completed within the six months before filing: municipal record verification, Department of Motor Vehicles verification, correspondence received from the defendant at that address, other specifically described verification from the defendant confirming the address is current, or a first-class letter mailed to the defendant at least four weeks before filing that was not returned by the Postal Service. The plaintiff must state under oath which method was used, the date of verification, and that it confirmed the address. No default judgment can enter without this verification, or if it is apparent the defendant did not live at that address when served.