Thinking about filing a small claims case in California?
Before you dive in, it’s crucial to have all your documents, details, and evidence ready.
Missing even a small piece of information could delay your case—or worse, cause it to get dismissed.
Use this simple checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared.
Tip: If the defendant is a business, check if they operate under a fictitious business name (DBA) or a corporation/LLC. You may need to list both correctly.
California small claims limits:
The stronger your evidence, the stronger your case. Gather and organize:
Pro Tip: Bring at least two copies of each document—one for you, one for the court, and possibly one for the defendant.
California courts want to see that you made a reasonable effort to resolve the issue before filing.
Need help writing a demand letter?
Our platform generates a professional demand letter automatically when you start your claim:
Learn more here
You’ll need to fill out the correct court forms, including:
Form Name | Form Number |
Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Court | SC-100 |
Other Plaintiffs or Defendants (if applicable) | SC-100A |
Fictitious Business Name Declaration (if suing under a DBA) | SC-103 |
Attorney Fee Dispute Attachment (only if applicable after arbitration) | SC-101 |
⚙️ Want help filling these out?
Our guided form system walks you through everything step-by-step:
Prepare and file your case here
Filing a small claims case requires paying a court fee based on how much you’re suing for:
Amount of Your Claim | Filing Fee |
$0 – $1,500 | $30 |
$1,500.01 – $5,000 | $50 |
$5,000.01 – $10,000 | $75 |
If you can’t afford the fee, you can request a court fee waiver with Form FW-001.
After you file, you must legally “serve” the defendant with the court documents.
Options include:
You cannot serve the papers yourself.
Want it done professionally?
We include service of process with our small claims filing packages!
See how it works
Here’s everything you’ll want ready before you file:
Instead of figuring it all out on your own, let us guide you through it—step-by-step.
Prepare and fill your forms
File your case with the right court
Serve the defendant properly
Track your case updates
Start your small claims filing today
Save time. Avoid mistakes. Get justice faster.
Countrywide Process
April 30, 2025