What to expect at your eviction trial

Get ready for your trial

Once you know your trial date, it’s important to get ready. When you’re in the courtroom, things will happen quickly. You need to be organized so you can answer the judge’s or other side’s questions as quickly as possible.

Get familiar with courtroom basics

If this is the first time you've been part of a trial or hearing, read this information for how to prepare for a day in court.

If possible, watch an eviction trial. These are open to the public and watching one will give you a better idea of what to expect. You can call your county courthouse to find out when eviction trials are scheduled. 

Get your testimony and evidence ready

When your case is called, you will probably get to talk first and tell the judge why your tenant should be evicted. 

At this point, you'll make your case, or testify (give testimony), to the judge. This can be easier if you write down your testimony in advance with all of the important facts and details you need the judge to hear in a way that's easy for you to look at while you're talking to the judge. 

If you have evidence - things like photos, emails, or papers that will help you prove you have a legal reason to evict your tenant - bring those with you. Make copies so you can give one copy to the judge and one copy to the other side (your tenant or their attorney).

How to testify in court

• When you start the clerk may ask you to spell your name.
• Ask the judge, "Your Honor, may I begin?"
• Start by saying something like, "Your Honor, I believe my tenant should be evicted because..."
•  Then describe the facts and law that support your eviction request
• For each fact present your evidence. Give one copy to the judge and one to the other side. 

If you have witnesses

A witness is someone who can help back up your story because they actually saw or heard something that's important to your case.

You may have a witness whose testimony can help prove your case against your tenant, but the only way you can get the story out is by asking the witness questions. It is helpful write down the questions before you go to court.

Witnesses will usually wait outside the courtroom until it's their turn to testify so they can't hear what other people may have already said. Say to the judge, “I would like to call [full name of witness], as a witness, your Honor.”  Court staff will then get the person and direct them to the witness stand. 

• Begin by asking introductory questions

  Usually you'll start by asking the witness their name, address, job, how they know you, etc. 

• Show first-hand knowledge

  Ask questions that show the witness actually saw or heard something themselves they'll be testifying about. People who only heard a story from someone else about your situation aren't helpful witnesses.

• Ask questions that will help your case

  After you've introduced the witness and established they have personal knowledge of the facts they are testifying about, move on to ask about what they know that proves why your tenant should be evicted. Once you've asked all of your questions, finish by saying, “I have no further questions for this witness."

If the judge asks you to try to agree

The day of your trial, the judge may ask you and the other side to step outside the courtroom to discuss your case to see if you can agree without a trial. The court may even have mediators to help you agree. 

The judge's decision

Once you and your tenant have had a chance to present your case the judge will make a decision. Listen carefully so you know what to do next.

The court clerk will give or mail you a copy of the Judgment that says what the judge decided.