How to File Small Claims in California: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Introduction: Why small claims can work for you

If you want money back without a long, expensive lawsuit, small claims can be your fastest win. This guide shows exactly how to file small claims in California, from checking whether your dispute qualifies to collecting the judgment. You will get no nonsense steps, real forms to expect, and time saving tips that work in real cases.

This is for renters trying to recover security deposits, contractors chasing unpaid invoices, neighbors with property damage, and small business owners with unpaid bills. You do not need a lawyer to start, and in California individuals can seek up to $10,000, while businesses are usually limited to $5,000. Read on and you will know which forms to file, how to serve papers, how to prepare evidence, and what to do after you win.

What is California small claims court

California small claims court exists to resolve low dollar disputes quickly, cheaply, and without lawyers. If you are wondering how to file small claims in california, start by knowing what belongs there: unpaid loans, security deposit fights, property damage from a minor accident, faulty home repairs under a few thousand dollars, and small breach of contract claims.

Monetary limits matter. An individual plaintiff may seek up to $10,000. A business, corporation, or other entity is generally limited to $5,000. If multiple plaintiffs sue together, each plaintiff is subject to the same caps, so plan accordingly. The process is informal, evidence focused, and designed to get a ruling fast, not to substitute for a full civil trial.

Check if your claim qualifies

When learning how to file small claims in California, start by confirming jurisdiction, amount limits, and who you can sue. File in the county where the defendant lives, does business, or where the dispute happened. Individuals can sue for up to $10,000, corporations and other entities are usually limited to $5,000. If the defendant is a government agency, you may need to file a government claim first, often within six months.

Next, check the statute of limitations so you do not miss deadlines. Common examples are written contracts four years, oral agreements two years, and property damage three years. If you are unsure, call the small claims clerk for a quick eligibility check.

Gather evidence and build a tight case

Start with a checklist of concrete evidence. Include contracts or written agreements, invoices and receipts, cancelled checks or bank statements, clear photos or video with timestamps, text messages and emails, and short witness statements with contact info. Print digital chats with timestamps and back them up on a USB.

Organize everything into labeled exhibits, for example Exhibit A for the contract, Exhibit B for receipts. Put exhibits in a simple binder with a one page index. Bring at least three copies, one for the judge, one for the defendant, and one for yourself.

Write a short demand letter before filing. State the exact amount sought, the factual basis, include copies of key evidence, and set a firm payment deadline such as 10 or 15 days. Keep the tone professional, include delivery proof, and save the receipt.

Create a one page timeline that lists dates, actions taken, and references to exhibits so the judge can follow your claim at a glance.

How to file: forms, fees, and where to file

Start by filling out form SC 100 clearly. Put your full name as plaintiff, list the defendant with their full legal name and street address, and enter the exact dollar amount you demand. In the "Statement of Claim" give a one or two sentence timeline, for example: "On 3/10/24 I completed painting services; defendant paid $400 of $1,200 balance." Attach invoices or photos as exhibits and number them.

Know the limits and fees. Individuals can sue up to $10,000, businesses generally up to $5,000. Filing fees usually scale: about $30 for claims $1,500 or less, $50 for $1,500.01 to $5,000, and $75 for $5,000.01 to $10,000. Check your county court for exact fees and fee waiver options.

Choose the court where the defendant lives, where the contract was performed, or where the property is located. If the defendant is a business, file where it regularly does business.

E filing tips. Use your court’s approved provider such as eFileCA, TurboCourt, or Odyssey File and Serve. Upload PDFs, name exhibits clearly, pay e filing fees, and download the court stamped copy immediately. Keep proof of service ready.

Serve the defendant correctly

You must serve the defendant properly or the court may cancel your hearing. Acceptable methods include personal delivery by any adult, substituted service at the defendant’s usual home or workplace plus mailing, or service by certified mail when allowed. Use the county sheriff or a licensed process server; call the sheriff’s civil division or search for local process servers, confirm fees and availability. The server completes Proof of Service, usually form SC‑104, recording date, time, and who was served, then you file it with the court and keep a copy. Timelines: serve at least 15 days before trial in county, 20 days if out of county in California, 30 days if out of state.

Prepare for the hearing: evidence and witnesses

When learning how to file small claims in california, the hearing is where evidence and witnesses win your case. Bring originals and at least two copies of each document, organized in a simple binder with numbered tabs and an exhibit list. Highlight the exact lines you want the judge to read, for example the date, amount, or clause. Print photos on plain paper and label them Exhibit 1, Exhibit 2, etc. If you plan to show digital messages, also bring printed screenshots and a backup on a USB if the court accepts it.

Prep your witnesses the same way you would for a job interview. Give them a one page summary of what to say, have them practice short answers, and tell them to stick to facts not opinions. At the hearing, be on time, dress neatly, address the judge as Your Honor, speak slowly, and keep answers concise. Never interrupt the other side, and avoid emotional rants. Courts remember calm, organized presentations.

On the day of court: what to expect

Arrive early, check in at the clerk’s window, and hand the judge three copies of your complaint, evidence, and any receipts. The clerk will tell you the hearing order; cases are often called by plaintiff name, so listen for your name and be ready.

When the judge calls your case, stand, give a one sentence summary of your claim, then present exhibits in order. Expect direct questions: how much are you claiming, what proof do you have, did you try to settle? Answer clearly, stick to facts, and avoid emotional detail.

If the other side offers a settlement, get the terms in writing before you leave. Quick trial tips: label exhibits, cite dates, bring a calculator, and request the exact judgment amount. This practical approach helps whether you are learning how to file small claims in California or facing court for the first time.

After judgment: collecting or enforcing payment

If you win a judgment after following how to file small claims in california, collect by getting a written payment plan, seeking a writ of execution to levy bank accounts, requesting an earnings withholding order for wage garnishment, or recording an abstract of judgment to place a lien on real property. To levy, request the writ from the court clerk, then take it to the sheriff for enforcement.

Keep copies of the payment agreement, receipts, writs, and proof of service, log dates and amounts in a spreadsheet, and use that documentation if you ask the court to enforce the judgment or hire a collection agency.

Conclusion: Quick checklist and final tips

Wrap up checklist you can use right now, based on how to file small claims in California:

Fill out the SC 100 claim form and double check names and addresses.
Pay the filing fee and get a court date.
Serve the defendant properly, proof of service is crucial.
Organize evidence, photos, receipts, and a one page witness list.
Practice a 3 minute statement that explains the facts and the remedy you want.
Go to the hearing, speak clearly, and follow the judge’s directions.

Get professional help if your claim exceeds the small claims limit, involves complex contracts or legal questions, or you need help enforcing a judgment.