1.       collect the evidence

If you have a bounced check and want to get the amount of money indicated on the check paid and bring an action before a court, the first thing that you have to do before anything is collect your evidence. The following are important piece of evidence:

a.       The check

b.      Bank statement

c.       Background contract if any

2.       Decide where to bring the action

Decide where to bring the action or in other words you have to think about jurisdiction. For instance if the parties are in Addis Ababa and

a.       If the amount you claim is less than Birr 500,000 the case should be brought before Federal first instance court (Lideta)

b.      If the amount is more than Birr 500,000 then Federal high court (Lideta)

3.       Decide on the procedure

Once you have decided where to bring the action, then you have two options to proceed with the case

a.       Ordinary procedure

b.      Summary procedure

4.       Ordinary procedure

Under the ordinary procedure the defendant is permitted to present a defense and there is high likelihood that the case will be delayed. Under the ordinary procedure the defendant is allowed to

a.       Reply to the claim in writing

b.      Present oral argument

c.       Present evidence

5.       Summary procedure

If you opt for the summary procedure then there is high likelihood that the case be resolved quickly. In summary proceeding:

a.       The defendant has to show that he has reason to defend the claim

b.      If he does not appear and contest or appear and his reasons to defend are fond to be unsatisfactory by the court and then the court render judgment

c.       If the defendant is allowed to defend the proceeding is the same as the ordinary procedure.

6.       Download statement of claim

Download the statement of claim from here if you want to present the case under the summary procedure.