US-CaliforniaWhere should I file my small claims case?
You file a small claims case in California by completing Form SC-100, paying the filing fee (ranging from $30 to $75 depending on claim amount), and submitting it to the correct county courthouse where the defendant lives or does business.
What the Law Says
California law sets the framework for small claims cases—including eligibility, limits, procedures, and jurisdictional rules—through the Code of Civil Procedure.
Small claims court in California is part of the Superior Court system and handles civil disputes up to $10,000 for individuals (or $6,250 if you’re a corporation or LLC filing more than two claims in a calendar year). You must file in the county where the defendant lives or does business—or where the incident occurred, if applicable.
The filing fee depends on the amount claimed: $30 for claims up to $1,500; $50 for claims between $1,500.01 and $5,000; and $75 for claims between $5,000.01 and $10,000. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify based on income.
You must serve the defendant with the Claim (Form SC-100) and Notice (Form SC-100A) at least 15 days before trial (or 20 days if serving by mail). The court must hold your trial within 70 days of filing—but most hearings occur within 30–40 days.
Statutory TextThe small claims court is a division of the superior court for the hearing and determination of civil actions in which the demand does not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
— Code of Civil Procedure, § 116.210(a) — Jurisdiction
Statutory TextA claim may be filed by an individual in an amount not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per claim.
— Code of Civil Procedure, § 116.220(a) — Limit on claims
What to Do
Fill out Form SC-100 (Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court) and Form SC-100A (Notice of Court Hearing).
File the forms at the correct Superior Court clerk’s office (find your county’s small claims court online at courts.ca.gov/smallclaims).
Pay the filing fee (or submit a fee waiver application using Form FW-001 if you meet low-income guidelines).
Serve the defendant properly—at least 15 days before trial—with a copy of SC-100 and SC-100A (use certified mail, sheriff, or a third party over 18 who isn’t involved in the case).
Attend your hearing with evidence (receipts, contracts, photos, witness contact info) and be ready to explain your case clearly and calmly.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.