This summary is not the rule. The rule text controls.
If two or more small claims cases are connected to each other, the judge can choose to hear them all at the same time. This usually happens when the cases involve the same people, the same event, or issues that overlap in some way.
Combining related cases saves time for everyone involved. Instead of holding separate hearings that cover similar facts, the judge can look at everything together and make decisions more efficiently. This can also help avoid situations where two different hearings might result in confusing or conflicting outcomes.
If you are part of a small claims case that gets grouped with another one, you will still have the chance to present your side of the story. The judge simply hears the related matters in one sitting rather than scheduling multiple separate hearings.
