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Navigating a small claims lawsuit can be intimidating, even more so if your first language isn't English.
While small claims courts were established as "The People's Courts," some judges still use legal words (sometimes even Latin words) during the hearings, making the process intimidating even when English is your first language (p.s. Don't forget to check out our guide on legal jargon to help prepare for the hearing).
Nevertheless, we have found that most small claims courts in California provide free interpreters. Don't feel intimidated to request an interpreter, especially when the courts offer free interpreters for small claims hearings.
Special thanks to Franceska Solomon, Casandra Rojas, and Beca Roberts for completing the research for this article.
Did you know that JusticeDirect can help you navigate California small claims? Start Lawsuit.
Quick Facts About Interpreter Requests
Most counties offer free interpreters for small claims hearings. |
You don’t need to be a US Citizen to sue in a California small claims court. |
The best moment to request an interpreter is when filing your lawsuit. |
Most courts accept the INT-300 form to request an interpreter. Some courts let you submit your request online or even by phone. Once you submit the INT-300, ensure the court stamps the top right of the form as received so you have proof you submitted an interpreter request. |
The sooner you submit your request for an interpreter, the more likely the court will be able to find an interpreter for you. |
After you submit the INT-300, you should call the court at least 1 week before your hearing to confirm your interpreter request. |
California law sets rules for who gets an interpreter first in civil cases (small claims cases are a type of civil case). Be sure to request an interpreter early. Most courts will list a deadline on their website, but you should file your request anyway, even if you missed the deadline. |
Don't forget to also review our guide to navigating small claims lawsuits in California. |
What Happens If the Court Can't Provide an Interpreter
Your hearing will be rescheduled (most judges won't close your case or make you proceed without an interpreter), or
You can bring your own qualified interpreter to the hearing. You can use the California Courts Language Access Services database to search for interpreters by county. Select the language and county to find available interpreters and their contact information.
In our experience, it has been rare when a court isn't able to find an interpreter for one of our clients.
58 County Guide to Requesting an Interpreter
For all counties except the ones below, submit an Interpreter Request Form (INT-300) when filing your lawsuit. |
|---|
County | Information |
|---|---|
Amador | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter by emailing [email protected] |
El Dorado | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter by calling the court: South Lake Tahoe Branch (530) 573-3075 Cameron Park Branch (530) 621-5867 |
Inyo | Court Interpreter Services not available for small claims. Per the court website: “If you do not speak or understand English, you may bring a family member or friend to court with you to interpret. You should not bring a minor child or someone who is a witness to act as your interpreter. The court will also have a list of interpreters who may interpret for you; however, they may charge a fee. Free interpreters are only provided by the court for criminal proceedings. If there is no interpreter available, the court must postpone the hearing to allow time to obtain an interpreter. This postponement will only occur one time.” We called the court and verified that they do not provide court interpreters for small claims. However, depending on availability and language requested, court personnel may be able to assist. To verify availability, call the court before the hearing. Bishop Courthouse (760) 872-3038 Independence Courthouse (760) 872-3038 |
Los Angeles | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter online on the court’s website. If you need a Spanish interpreter, you don’t need to submit a request, as the court always has Spanish interpreters available. |
Marin | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter by emailing [email protected] |
Nevada | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter by emailing: Truckee Courthouse - [email protected] Nevada City Courthouse- [email protected] |
Orange County | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter online on the court’s website. |
Riverside | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter by emailing: [email protected] |
San Bernardino | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter by calling the small claims court: Joshua Tree (760) 974-3047 Fontana (909) 350-9322 Barstow (760) 718-3734 |
San Mateo | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter online on the court’s website. |
Santa Clara | In addition to accepting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, they also have an online form on the court’s website. |
Sonoma | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter by emailing: [email protected] |
Sutter | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter by emailing: [email protected] |
Tuolumne | In addition to submitting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, you can request an interpreter by calling the small claims court at (209) 533-5555. |
Trinity | After you submit the INT-300, your request will be forwarded to a judge for review and approval. According to the court, a judge will review your request as interpreter requests involve funding considerations. |
Yolo | In addition to accepting the INT-300 when you file your lawsuit, they also have an online form on the court’s website. |
If you work for a court and would like to update this information, please email us at [email protected].
Camila Lopez, Esq.
Legal Educator at JusticeDirect. Camila holds a law degree and is a certified mediator. Her passion is breaking down complicated legal processes so that people without an attorney can get justice.
Don't Lose This Guide
Camila Lopez, Esq.
Legal Educator at JusticeDirect. Camila holds a law degree and is a certified mediator. Her passion is breaking down complicated legal processes so that people without an attorney can get justice.