California Small Claims Document Preparation, Filing & Service of Process

Small Claims Filing in California | Prepare, File & Serve with Ease

Need to file a small claims case in California? Our Prepare, File & Serve Package includes small claims document preparation, court filing (electronic or physical), and professional service of process-all in one seamless solution. Start your case today!

Prepare, File & Serve Now For Only
Start My Small Claim Case Now

$299.00

Fast, Affordable, and Reliable Small Claims Assistance in California

Filing a small claims case in California has never been easier. Whether you need to prepare court documents, file your lawsuit, or serve the defendant, our Prepare, File & Serve Package takes care of everything—so you can focus on presenting your case.

We provide comprehensive small claims assistance, ensuring that your case is properly prepared, legally filed, and professionally served.

What is Small Claims Court in California?

The California Small Claims Court provides an efficient way to resolve legal disputes without the need for an attorney. Small claims court allows individuals and businesses to recover financial losses, property damages, contract disputes, and other claims within the state's monetary limits.

Small Claims Court Limits in California

  • Individuals can sue for up to $12,500
  • Businesses and entities can sue for up to $6,250

Unlike other courts, attorneys are not allowed to represent you in small claims hearings. Instead, you will present your own case before a judge.Unlike other courts, attorneys are not allowed to represent you in small claims hearings. Instead, you will present your own case before a judge.

How Our Prepare, File & Serve Package Works

We take care of every step of the small claims process, ensuring your case is properly filed and legally served to the defendant.

Step 1: Prepare Your Small Claims Forms

To start a small claims case, you must complete the appropriate California Small Claims Court Forms:

  • Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100) – The primary form needed to file a case.
  • Supporting Documents – Contracts, receipts, estimates, communications, or other evidence to strengthen your claim.

Our Small Claims Preparation service ensures your forms are completed accurately, reducing errors and delays.

Step 2: Court Filing (Electronic or Physical)

Once your forms are completed, your case must be filed with the appropriate California Superior Court. We handle the filing for you, whether through:

  • Electronic Filing (eFiling) – Available in select courts for faster processing.
  • Physical Filing - For courts that require in-person or mail-in submissions.

Our system ensures your case is filed in the correct jurisdiction based on:

  • Where the defendant lives or does business
  • Where the dispute or contract originated
  • Where the damage or loss occurred

If a case is misfiled due to our jurisdictional determination, we will refile it at no additional cost.

Small Claims Filing Fees in California

The court charges a filing fee based on the amount you are suing for:

  • $0 – $1,500 → $30
  • $1,500 – $5,000 → $50
  • $5,000 – $12,500 → $75
  • If you’ve filed more than 12 cases in the last year → $100 per case

Court filing fees may be added to your judgment if you win your case.

Types of Service in California Small Claims

Personal Service

  • The defendant is handed the documents directly.
  • Must be completed at least 15 days before the court date (if the defendant is in the same county).
  • If the defendant is in another county, they must be served at least 20 days before the hearing. ty).

Substituted Service

  • If the defendant is unavailable, papers can be left with a responsible adult at their home or workplace.
  • An additional 10 days is added to the court deadline if using substituted service.

Step 4: Proof of Service Submission

Once the defendant is served, a Proof of Service (SC-104) must be filed with the court.

  • We can file the Proof of Service for you as part of our package.
  • If you prefer to handle this step, we will provide you with the executed Proof of Service, and you will be responsible for submitting it to the court.

Step 5: Attend Your Small Claims Hearing

On the court date, both parties present their cases. The judge will review the evidence and issue a decision, which is legally binding.
If the defendant fails to appear, you may win by default judgment, allowing you to proceed with collecting your award.

Step 6: Collecting Your Judgment

If you win, but the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you may need to enforce the judgment through:

  • Wage Garnishment – Up to 25% of the debtor’s wages can be collected.
  • Bank Levy –Freezing and seizing funds from the debtor’s bank account.
  • Property Lien - Placing a legal claim on real estate they own.
  • Till Tap or Keeper Levy – Seizing cash or business revenue.

Additionally, California law allows for an annual 10% interest rate on unpaid judgments. Learn more in our Judgment Collection Guide.

Why Choose Our Small Claims Filing Service?

If you win, but the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you may need to enforce the judgment through:

  • Our Prepare, File & Serve Package includes everything needed for your small claims case.
  • Fast & Reliable Filing –We handle your case accurately and efficiently.
  • Accurate Court Jurisdiction Selection -Ensuring your case is filed in the proper venue.
  • Professional Process Service – Timely and legally compliant service of court documents.
  • Affordable Flat Fees – Transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
  • Full Case Assistance –From preparation to service to collecting your judgment, we’re here to help.

Ready to File Your Small Claims Case in California?

If you win, but the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you may need to enforce the judgment through:

About Small Claims Filing

No attorney-client relationship is created through the use of our services. Countrywide Process, LLC does not provide legal advice, nor are we a law firm or a substitute for an attorney. Our role is strictly limited to document preparation and process service support. The purchase and use of these materials are subject to our Terms of Use.