📊 Section 1: Jurisdiction Checker Calculator

Use this interactive tool to determine if your case qualifies for California Small Claims Court and find the correct venue for filing.

🛠 Small Claims Jurisdiction Calculator

Understanding Jurisdiction Limits

Individual Limit: $12,500 - Natural persons, sole proprietors, and partnerships can sue for up to $12,500 per claim, with a maximum of 2 claims over $2,500 per calendar year.
Business Entity Limit: $6,250 - Corporations, LLCs, and other entities are limited to $6,250 per claim but have no limit on the number of claims per year.

Venue Rules (Where to File)

California Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.370 determines where you must file your small claims case:

Important: Filing in the wrong court can result in dismissal. If you're unsure about venue, contact the court clerk or file where the defendant resides - this is always proper venue.

📋 Section 2: Filing Checklist

Complete this checklist before going to the courthouse. Having everything prepared will save time and prevent delays.

Required Documents

SC-100: Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court

Main form to file your case. Available at courts.ca.gov or courthouse.

Defendant's Full Legal Name and Address

For businesses: exact registered name with Secretary of State. For individuals: current address where they can be served.

Copy of Demand Letter (if sent)

Proof you attempted to resolve the dispute before filing. Include certified mail receipt if applicable.

Filing Fee Payment

$30-$100 depending on claim amount. Cash, check, or money order accepted. Credit cards at some courts.

FW-001: Fee Waiver Request (if applicable)

If you cannot afford filing fees, complete this form. Granted if you receive public benefits or income is below 125% poverty level.

Proof of Service Requirements

After filing, you must serve the defendant with a copy of your claim. Service must be completed at least 15 days before the hearing (25 days if defendant is outside the county).

Choose a Service Method

Personal service (recommended), substituted service, or certified mail with return receipt.

Server Must Be 18+ and Not a Party

You cannot serve papers yourself. Use sheriff, process server, or any adult not involved in the case.

Complete Proof of Service Form

Have server complete SC-104 or proof of service and file with the court before your hearing date.

SC-100 Form Instructions

Item 1 (Plaintiff Information): Your full legal name, address, and phone number. If you're a business, use the exact registered business name.
Item 2 (Defendant Information): Defendant's full legal name and address. For businesses, search the CA Secretary of State for exact registered name.
Item 3 (Claim Amount): Total amount you're claiming. Cannot exceed $12,500 (individual) or $6,250 (business).
Item 4 (Basis for Claim): Explain in plain language what happened. Include dates, amounts, and why defendant owes you money. Be specific but concise.
Filing Tip: Many California courts now offer online filing through their websites. Check your local court's website for e-filing options to save a trip to the courthouse.

📂 Section 3: Evidence Preparation Guide

Strong evidence wins cases. Organize your documents before your hearing and bring multiple copies of everything.

Document Organization

Create a case binder or folder with the following sections:

📄 Contracts & Agreements

Written agreements, invoices, receipts, work orders

  • Original signed contract
  • All amendments or addendums
  • Email confirmations
  • Text message agreements

💬 Communications

All written exchanges with defendant

  • Emails (print full headers)
  • Text messages (screenshots)
  • Letters sent/received
  • Your demand letter + proof of delivery

💰 Financial Records

Proof of payments and damages

  • Canceled checks (front and back)
  • Bank statements
  • Credit card statements
  • Receipts for replacement costs

📷 Photos & Videos

Visual evidence of damage or defects

  • Date-stamped photos
  • Before/after comparisons
  • Video documentation
  • Print photos on plain paper

Photo and Video Rules

Print Physical Copies: Bring printed photos - courts may not have equipment to display digital files. Print clearly on standard paper, label with dates.
Authenticate Your Evidence: Be prepared to testify that you took the photo/video, when it was taken, and that it accurately represents what it shows.
Video Length: Keep videos under 2-3 minutes. Judges have limited time. Edit to show only relevant portions but bring the full video in case defendant disputes context.

Witness Preparation

Witnesses can strengthen your case but must appear in person (written statements have limited value).

Creating a Timeline

Judges appreciate a clear chronological summary. Create a one-page timeline of key events:

Contract/Agreement Date
When you entered into the agreement with defendant
Payment/Performance Date
When you paid money or performed your obligations
Problem Discovery Date
When you discovered the breach, damage, or issue
Communication Attempts
Dates you contacted defendant to resolve the issue
Demand Letter Sent
Date your formal demand was sent and response deadline
Pro Tip: Bring 3 copies of everything: one for the judge, one for the defendant, and one for yourself. Label exhibits clearly (Exhibit A, B, C, etc.) and reference them in your testimony.

⚖ Section 4: Court Day Guide

What to expect on your hearing day and how to present your case effectively to the judge.

What to Bring

Government-issued photo ID

Driver's license, passport, or state ID

Your copy of the filed SC-100

The stamped copy from when you filed

3 copies of all evidence

Organized in a folder or binder

Witness list and witnesses

Anyone testifying on your behalf

Written summary/outline of your case

Brief notes to help you present clearly

Calculator

For any damages calculations during testimony

How to Present Your Case

Small claims hearings typically last 10-15 minutes. Be prepared to present efficiently:

  1. Opening (30 seconds): "Your Honor, I'm [name] and I'm suing [defendant] for [amount] for [brief reason - e.g., breach of contract, unpaid debt, property damage]."
  2. Tell your story chronologically (3-5 minutes): Explain what happened in order. Reference your exhibits as you go. "As shown in Exhibit A, we signed a contract on [date]..."
  3. Present your evidence: Hand the judge your exhibits. Explain each one briefly.
  4. State your damages: "My total damages are [amount], calculated as follows..." Break down how you arrived at your number.
  5. Conclude (15 seconds): "For these reasons, I'm asking the court to award me [amount] plus my filing costs of [amount]."

Judge's Questions to Expect

"What is your relationship with the defendant?" Explain how you know them - customer, landlord, neighbor, business transaction, etc.
"What did the defendant agree to do?" Describe the agreement or obligation in specific terms.
"How did you calculate your damages?" Be ready to explain each component of what you're claiming.
"Did you try to resolve this before filing?" This is where your demand letter comes in. "Yes, Your Honor, I sent a demand letter on [date] as shown in Exhibit B."
"Do you have any witnesses?" If yes, introduce them. If no, explain that your evidence speaks for itself.

Courtroom Etiquette

DO:

  • Arrive 15-30 minutes early
  • Dress professionally (business casual minimum)
  • Stand when addressing the judge
  • Say "Your Honor" when speaking to the judge
  • Stay calm even if defendant lies
  • Wait your turn to speak
  • Turn off your cell phone

DON'T:

  • Interrupt the judge or other party
  • Argue with the defendant directly
  • Get emotional or raise your voice
  • Bring food or drinks into courtroom
  • Chew gum
  • Bring children if possible
  • Make faces or gestures during testimony
If Defendant Doesn't Show: If defendant was properly served and doesn't appear, you'll likely win a default judgment. Still present your case briefly - the judge needs evidence to award damages.
Settlement Offers: The court may offer mediation before your hearing. Consider settlement if offered - a guaranteed payment today may be better than waiting for judgment and collection.

💰 Section 5: After Judgment - Collecting Your Money

Winning your case is only half the battle. If the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily, you'll need to enforce your judgment.

Judgment Basics

First Step: Send the judgment debtor a letter requesting payment. Include a copy of the judgment and set a deadline. Many people pay once they receive a formal judgment.

Collection Methods

💳 Wage Garnishment

Collect up to 25% of debtor's disposable earnings directly from their employer.

Best for: Employed debtors with steady income

Process: File Application for Earnings Withholding Order (WG-001) with levying officer

Form: WG-001, WG-002

🏦 Bank Levy

Freeze and collect funds from debtor's bank accounts.

Best for: Debtors with known bank accounts

Process: File Writ of Execution, give to sheriff with bank information

Form: EJ-130 (Writ of Execution)

🏠 Property Lien

Attach judgment to debtor's real property. Gets paid when property sells or refinances.

Best for: Property owners, long-term collection

Process: Record Abstract of Judgment with county recorder

Form: EJ-001 (Abstract of Judgment)

🚗 Vehicle Lien

Place lien on debtor's vehicle through DMV.

Best for: Debtors with valuable vehicles

Process: File with DMV using judgment and vehicle information

DMV Form REG 488

📝 Debtor Examination

Subpoena debtor to court to answer questions about assets under oath.

Best for: Finding hidden assets, uncooperative debtors

Process: File Application and Order for Appearance

Form: SC-134 (small claims), AT-138/EJ-125 (civil)

💼 Business Property Levy

Seize business equipment, inventory, or cash registers.

Best for: Business defendants with physical assets

Process: Writ of Execution with specific property instructions

Form: EJ-130

Collection Process Step-by-Step

1. Wait 30 Days
Judgment isn't final until 30 days after mailing (appeal period)
2. Request Payment
Send formal letter demanding payment within 10-15 days
3. Order Debtor Examination
If debtor doesn't pay, subpoena them to reveal assets
4. Obtain Writ of Execution
File EJ-130 with court to enforce judgment
5. Execute Collection Method
Give writ to sheriff/levying officer with specific instructions
Collection Costs: You can recover reasonable collection costs from the debtor. Keep receipts for sheriff fees, filing fees, and process server costs - add these to the amount you're collecting.
Judgment-Proof Debtors: Some debtors have no assets or income to collect. If debtor is unemployed, has no bank account, and owns no property, your judgment may be uncollectible now. However, the judgment is valid for 10 years and can be renewed - people's situations change. File your lien and wait.

Recording Your Satisfaction of Judgment

When the debtor pays in full, you must file an Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment (Form EJ-100) within 15 days of receiving final payment. Failure to do so can result in penalties.

Payment Plans: If debtor offers to pay in installments, get the agreement in writing. You can file SC-109 to have the court approve a payment plan, which allows you to immediately enforce if they miss payments.