File and Serve in CA Small Claims Court!
Accurately file your California Small Claims Court case, serve the other party, and convince the Judge.
Answer simple questions and your Small Claims case will be ready to file in 20 minutes!
See what our users are saying!
Why do you want to file a Small Claims case?
If any of these describe your situation, get started now!
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Someone borrowed money from me and didn't pay me back.
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I was not paid for the product or service (project, work, or job) I provided.
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They agreed to provide a service (project, work, or job), but it was not completed as promised.
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I paid for a product, but it isn't as promised, or I never received it.
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My tenants/roommate did not pay rent/utilities as agreed.
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The landlord did not return the security deposit as expected.
File and Win a CA Small Claims Court Case
Avoid Mistakes
Understand how much you can sue for, and the pros and cons of suing, so you know you’re making the right choice.
Save Time
Receive completed court forms, and step-by-step instructions to file & serve your case – all without having to navigate complicated court websites.
Understand Expectations
Know what to do before, during, and after your Small Claims hearing. Be fully prepared so you can convince the Judge at your court hearing.
It’s as Easy as
Learn
Understand how much you can sue for, what a Judge would look for, and identify relevant facts so you can build a complete case from the start.
File
Answer simple questions and get completed court forms with filing and service instructions without having to navigate complicated court websites.
Present
Lawyers win with trial presentations, and so can you! Go to your CA Small Claims Court hearing with the JusticeDirect Trial Presentation™ so you can convince the Judge.
Pricing
COMPLETE
$99
Preview completed JD Trial Presentation™ before you pay!
Guided Legal Education
Completed Court Forms
File & Serve Instructions
Priority Email Support
JusticeDirect Trial Presentation™:
Court Preparation Information
Customized Opening Statement
Detailed Case Timeline & Evidence
Table Calculating Money Owed
Copies of All Relevant Documents
3 Copies: You, Defendant, & Judge
After Court Hearing To-Dos
BASIC
$0
Guided Legal Education
Completed Court Forms
File & Serve Instructions
File in CA Small Claims Court to Get Your Money Back
Small Claims Court is a great option if the amount you are owed is less than the court limits. It’s less expensive than other courts and involves simpler procedures. There are three key steps to a Small Claims case:
(1) File your case: submit completed court forms to officially begin the lawsuit.
(2) Serve the other party: notify them about the lawsuit and when they need to go to court.
(3) Go to court: present your case to the Judge and get a formal judgment deciding who owes you money and how much.
FILING A SMALL CLAIMS CASE IN CA ➜
FAQs
When can I go to Small Claims Court in California?
- Your case has to be about money, and the amount of money can’t be too big. It has to be under $10,000 if you are suing as a person, or $5,000 if you’re suing as a business.
- If your case does not fit into these dollar amounts, you can still send a Demand Letter for free.
How long does a Small Claims case take?
- Figuring out the forms and processes for filing a case can take hours and weeks. With JusticeDirect you will receive completed court forms in as little as 20 minutes.
- After filing your case, the court will set a hearing date for you, which is usually 2-4 months from when you filed.
- Once the hearing is over, it typically takes the court 5-10 business days to make a decision.
How much does it cost to sue someone in Small Claims Court in California?
- Usually, the filling fees are $30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 for claims between $1500.01 to $5,000, and $75 for claims above $5,000. If you’ve filed more than 12 cases in the last 12 months you may have to pay $100.
- Many court filing-related fees are reimbursable if you win your case!
- JusticeDirect will keep you informed throughout the process so you know your exact costs and fees.
What forms do I have to file for Small Claims Court?
- You will have to file the SC-100 at the minimum. Depending on your scenario, you may want to file additional forms for accommodations like a foreign language translator or physical disability needs.
- JusticeDirect generates the SC-100 for you and guides you through which additional forms you may need.
What happens after I file my case?
- Before your case hearing, you need to “serve” the other party, which is letting them know they have been sued and they need to appear in court. We will present to you different options to choose for service. The cost of service is also reimbursable if you win!
- Most importantly, you will need to prepare for your court hearing!
How do I get ready for my court hearing?
- Being well prepared for your Small Claims hearing will increase your chances of winning. For example, you can attend another Small Claims hearing to see what it’s like. You will also want to collect all the evidence to present to the Judge.
- With the JusticeDirect Trial Presentation™, you will receive a checklist on exactly what to do before, during, and after your court hearing. Most importantly, you will have all your important information organized and presented in a compelling format, so you can go to court prepared and convince the Judge!
Want to learn more about Small Claims Court?
Check out these resources!
Filing a Small Claims Court Case in California
Serving the Defendant for Small Claims Court
Prepare for Small Claims Court with JusticeDirect
