Small Claims

Read about where to file your lawsuit or case. Information on jurisdiction and venue.

If you cannot afford the filing fee or other court costs, you may qualify to have these fees and costs waived by the court.

Plan what you are going to say, prepare the proof to take to court, take copies of all your court papers and your Proof of Service, and take people to support your story (witnesses).

This section will give you general guidelines for how to best prepare yourself for court.

Whatever the reason, you have the right to represent yourself, to be your own lawyer in all cases in California.

State offices, district attorneys (DA), and government regulators.

ADR is usually less formal, less expensive, and less time-consuming than a trial.

This guide offers suggestions to help you get results when you have a problem with the purchase of goods or services. It explains the proper way to make a complaint, and also discusses using government agencies, consumer groups, lawyers and small claims court. A sample complaint letter and a list of compliant-handling agencies are included.

Learn about going to small claims court, using instructions and guides to help you with your case. Also learn about trying to resolve your dispute out of court, and get answers to frequently asked questions.

If you are an individual and want to file a lawsuit for $1, or less, you have the option of filing a small claims case or a limited civil case. If you are a business, you can file in small claims court for $5, or less.

Negotiation, alternative dispute resolution, mediation, litigation, and arbitration.

Small claims cases require that you ask the other side for payment before you go to court (unless there is a good reason why you cannot). You can ask in person, by phone, or in writing. You will have to tell the court you did this and how on your court form.