The small claims process | California Courts | Self Help Guide
The small claims process is an easier way to take someone to court. It’s for when you think the other side owes you less than $12,500 (or $6,250 if you’re suing as a business). Select any step to see instructions and get forms
Small claims in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide
Small claims court allows you to sue a person, business, or government agency that you think owes you money. Generally, you can only sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court (or up to $6,250 if you’re a business).
File your Plaintiff’s Claim | California Courts | Self Help Guide
Read this page to figure out where to take your forms to start your small claims case. At the courthouse, you’ll file the forms by giving the original and all the copies to the clerk. The clerk will give you a case number, court date, and stamp the forms.
Where to file your small claims case - California Courts
You can find courthouse addresses and contact information on Find My Court. Sometimes larger counties have multiple courthouses where you can file a small claims case. If there are multiple courthouses where you live, you may need to ask a clerk or check the court's website to make sure you're filing in the right one.
Start a small claims case | California Courts | Self Help Guide
Here's a simple view of the steps to start a small claims case. The person who starts the case is the plaintiff. The person who is sued is the defendant. The steps can vary a bit depending on your situation. For example, the defendant could sue you back or you could reach an agreement before your court date.
Before you start a small claims case - California Courts
Before you start a small claims case. How much money you can ask for? Do you have a legal reason you can sue? Who should you sue and how do you find them? Figuring out the answers will help you decide if your case is right for small claims. If it is, knowing the answers will help you as you fill out the small claims forms.
Small claims index | California Courts | Self Help Guide
Find a specific page or step-by-step instructions within our small claims case information.
Fill out forms to start a small claims case - California Courts
Contact your court clerk’s office, check your court’s website, or talk to the Small Claims Advisor to ask if they have any local forms you need to use. Fill out and attach other forms In some cases, you need to fill out and attach other forms to form SC-100.
Small claims forms | California Courts | Self Help Guide
All California courts use the same basic set of forms for small claims. You can find the most commonly-used forms on this page. If you are not sure which forms to use, find out from your court or small claims advisor. Some courts have special local forms too.
Resources for small claims cases - California Courts
Small Claims Advisors and court Self-Help Centers. Most courts have a Small Claims Advisor or Self-Help Center that offers free help with small claims cases. LawHelpCA. Offers a lookup tool to help find legal aid offices, lawyer referral services, and other free and low-cost services in your county or nearby. County Law Library