Beginner’s Guide to Filing Small Claims in California
Filing a small claims case in California doesn’t require a lawyer or legal background—it just takes the right information, preparation, and a clear understanding of the process. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid invoices, property damage, or a broken agreement, California small claims court offers a fast, affordable way to seek justice.
This beginner-friendly guide will walk you through the essential steps and show you how to make the process as smooth as possible.
What Is Small Claims Court?
Small claims court is a division of the California Superior Court that handles straightforward civil disputes involving $12,500 or less (for individuals) or $6,250 or less (for businesses).
Common small claims disputes include:
- Unpaid services or wages
- Property damage
- Breach of contract
- Landlord-tenant issues
- Refunds for poor or incomplete work
Attorneys are not allowed to represent either side in most small claims cases, so the court system is designed to be accessible for everyday people.
Step 1: Make Sure Your Claim Qualifies
Before you begin, check the following:
- Amount of your claim: Does it fall within the $12,500 limit?
- Filing deadline: Is your case still within the statute of limitations? (Usually 4 years for written contracts, 2 years for oral agreements.)
- Type of dispute: Does your claim involve a request for money only, not other remedies like custody or evictions?
- Who you’re suing: Do you have the correct legal name and address of the defendant?
Not sure what you need before filing? Use our free checklist to make sure you’re ready:
Step 2: Try to Resolve the Dispute First
Before taking legal action, California courts expect you to try settling the issue informally.
Start by reaching out to the other party with a clear, professional request. If that fails, send a formal demand letter outlining what you’re owed, the reason for the demand, and a deadline to resolve the issue.
Need help writing a demand letter? Our platform generates one for you automatically when you start the claims process.
Learn more here:
Step 3: Gather Your Evidence
You’ll need to prove your claim with solid documentation. This might include:
- Written contracts or agreements
- Invoices and receipts
- Photos or videos
- Text messages, emails, or call logs
- Witness statements
- Proof of payment or damages
Also, collect the defendant’s full legal name, address, and any business information if applicable.
Step 4: Complete Form SC-100
Form SC-100, “Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court,” is the main form used to start your case. On this form, you’ll:
- Describe what happened and why you’re suing
- State the amount of your claim
- Explain why the court you chose is the proper location
- Provide contact information for both parties
- Confirm that you tried to resolve the dispute before filing
Need help with this form? Our self-guided interview helps you fill it out step-by-step and ensures it’s filed with the correct court.
Get started here now:
Step 5: File Your Claim
Once you complete your SC-100, you’ll file it with the appropriate California Superior Court. You can usually file:
- In person at the courthouse
- By mail
- Online (available in some counties)
Filing fees range from $30 to $75, depending on the size of your claim. If you can’t afford the fee, you may request a fee waiver.
Step 6: Serve the Defendant
After filing, you must serve the defendant with a copy of the claim. You cannot serve them yourself. Acceptable methods include:
- A friend or family member (over 18 and not involved in the case)
- A professional process server
- The county sheriff (in certain areas)
Service must be completed at least 15 days before your hearing (20 days if the defendant is outside the county).
Don’t want to handle this yourself? We include professional service of process in our small claims package:
Step 7: Prepare for Your Hearing
On your court date:
- Show up early and dress respectfully
- Bring at least 2 copies of all your evidence
- Be ready to explain your story clearly and concisely
- Focus on the facts—what happened, how much you’re owed, and what you’ve done to resolve the issue
- Stay calm and respectful in front of the judge
If the defendant doesn’t show and you’ve properly served them, you can request a default judgment.
Step 8: Enforce the Judgment (If You Win)
If the court rules in your favor, the judge will issue a judgment ordering the defendant to pay you.
If they don’t pay voluntarily, you can take additional steps to collect, such as:
- Wage garnishment
- Bank account levy
- Property lien
California judgments also earn 10% annual interest until paid.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Filing your first small claims case can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Countrywide Process makes it easy to:
- Prepare and file Form SC-100
- Automatically generate a demand letter
- Serve the defendant properly
- Keep your case on track from start to finish
Conclusion
The California small claims process is designed to be accessible and efficient for people who need to recover money without hiring a lawyer. With the right preparation and support, you can file a claim with confidence—even if it’s your first time.
Whether you’re dealing with an unpaid invoice, a contractor dispute, or a refund issue, small claims court may be the solution—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Start your small claims filing here: And check off what you need before you begin:
