When suing in small claims court, you want to make sure to sue the RIGHT LEGAL ENTITY (aka make sure you sue the right business and name the business correctly).

Many businesses operate using DBA's (also known as trade names, assumed names, and fictitious business names). You want to make sure you find the real legal entity behind the business. For example, if you hired ABC Painting, it is important you understand if ABC Painting is a corporation, LLC, or sole proprietorship.

A sole proprietorship is a type of business owned by one person (normally) in which there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business entity. For example, ABC Painting may actually be John Smith dba ABC Painting.

If you don't sue the right business, the judge may close your case or you won't be able to collect.