Small Claims Court

Civil Claims Involving Less Than $12,500

Small Claims involve one party or individual (the plaintiff) seeking damages from another party or individual (the defendant) with a value less than $12,500 (or up to $6,250 if you are a business). If you have a claim for more than this amount, you may sue in the Civil Division or sue in the Small Claims Court and give up your right to the amount over $12,500. Informal rules are followed in the courtroom and the process moves quite quickly.

More information can be found at the Small Claims section of the California Self-Help website.

Fees

Current fees assessed through this department can be found on the Schedule of Fees.

Forms

Forms typically used in this department can be found on the California Courts Website. These include the:

Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Defendant, Form SC-100
And could include a number of other forms listed on the small claims form section of the California Courts Small Claims Self-Help website

Local Procedures

A Small Claims case usually follows these general procedures:

The Plaintiff files a Small Claims form with the court, typically the Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Defendant form SC-100
The defendant is served with the papers which give notice they are being sued and the date of the hearing. This service can be conducted by almost anyone over 18 years of age except the plaintiff (a sheriff, a process server, a friend or relative, etc), and can be done by mail through the court.
The person who serves the claim upon the defendant must complete a Proof of Service Form, SC-104
The hearing date is set
The hearing is held and evidence is heard, after which the judge issues a ruling/decision.
The decision of the judge can be appealed by either party and for various reasons