Checklist: What You Need to File a Small Claims Lawsuit in California
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.
1. The Full Legal Name and Address of the Defendant
- Whether you’re suing an individual, a company, or a landlord, you must have their full legal name.
- You’ll also need a current, physical address (no P.O. Boxes) for serving court papers.
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.
2. The Exact Amount You’re Claiming
- Add up everything you’re asking for—unpaid invoices, property damage costs, refund amounts, etc.
- Include interest or additional fees if allowed by your agreement (optional but helpful).
California small claims limits:
- $12,500 or less if you’re an individual
- $6,250 or less if you’re a business suing
3. Evidence to Support Your Claim
The stronger your evidence, the stronger your case. Gather and organize:
- Contracts, agreements, or written promises
- Receipts, invoices, estimates, or bills
- Photos, videos, or repair reports
- Text messages, emails, letters, or chat logs
- Witness statements, if available
- Payment records or bank statements
Pro Tip: Bring at least two copies of each document—one for you, one for the court, and possibly one for the defendant.
4. Proof That You Tried to Settle First
California courts want to see that you made a reasonable effort to resolve the issue before filing.
- Formal demand letter asking for payment or resolution
- Email exchanges or text messages showing your efforts
Need help writing a demand letter?
Our platform generates a professional demand letter automatically when you start your claim:
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5. Completed Court Forms
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:
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6. Filing Fee
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.
7. Plan for Serving the Defendant
After you file, you must legally “serve” the defendant with the court documents.
Options include:
- A neutral third party (over 18 years old)
- A professional process server
- The sheriff’s department (where available)
You cannot serve the papers yourself.
Want it done professionally?
We include service of process with our small claims filing packages!
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Quick Recap: California Small Claims Checklist
Here’s everything you’ll want ready before you file:
- Full legal name and address of defendant
- Amount you are suing for
- All supporting documents and evidence
- Proof of your attempt to settle
- Completed small claims forms (SC-100, SC-100A, SC-103, SC-101 if needed)
- Filing fee or fee waiver request
- Plan for service of process
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