California Small Claims Document Preparation

Small claims court is the people's court — California's simplified procedure where litigants represent themselves to resolve money disputes up to $12,500 (natural persons) or $6,250 (corporations and other entities). Attorneys are barred from representing parties at the initial hearing (CCP §116.530), and the filing fee is low (typically $30-$75 depending on the amount claimed, with fee waiver available).

Jurisdictional limit

As of January 1, 2024, the limit is $12,500 for a natural person and $6,250 for a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity (CCP §116.221). A natural person may not file more than two claims above $2,500 in the same calendar year statewide (CCP §116.231) — this throttles plaintiffs who would otherwise repeatedly split larger disputes into multiple small claims to avoid superior court.

Process timeline

1. Demand letter (optional but recommended). A pre-suit demand letter signed by the plaintiff often resolves the dispute and is required by some statutory schemes before suit.
2. SC-100 — Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER. File at the courthouse where the defendant lives, where the contract was performed, where the injury occurred, or where the property is located.
3. Service. Defendant must be served at least 15-20 days before the hearing (CCP §116.330), by sheriff service, registered process server, or anyone over 18 not a party. SC-104 proof of service is filed with the court.
4. Defendant's response. Defendant may file SC-120 (Defendant's Claim) to assert a counterclaim, must be filed at least 5 days before the hearing.
5. Hearing. Informal, before a judge or commissioner. No attorneys (except for parties who appear pro se and happen to be attorneys for themselves). Both sides present evidence, witnesses, and documents.
6. Judgment. Court issues SC-130 (Notice of Entry of Judgment). Defendant who loses has the right to appeal to superior court within 30 days; plaintiff who loses on their claim cannot appeal.
7. Collection. Winning plaintiff uses post-judgment forms (SC-133 memorandum of costs, EJ-001 abstract of judgment, WG-001 wage garnishment, etc.) to collect.

Forms we prepare