Service
Small claims
Ask the court for money someone owes you. People can claim up to $12,500; businesses up to $6,250.
SC-100SC-104
Want to do it yourself, free? Our free worksheet walks you through SC-100 item by item. You type your own answers and copy them onto the court's form. Nothing leaves your device. Open the free SC-100 worksheet
Know these rules first
- You must ask the other side to pay before you file.
- You can file only 2 claims over $2,500 in California per calendar year.
- Suing a government agency? You must file a written claim with that agency first.
- Lawyers can't represent anyone at the small claims trial.
- The person who files can't appeal their own claim.
From form SC-100, revised January 1, 2026, checked November 2026.
What happens
- Answer our questions: who owes you, how much, how you figured the amount, and what happened.
- Our Legal Document Assistant prepares SC-100 and checks it. You read and sign.
- It's filed and you get a trial date. The court's filing fee is about $30 to $75, or $0 with an approved fee waiver.
- Someone 18 or older who isn't in the case serves the papers at least 15 days before trial (20 days if the other side lives outside the county), then fills out SC-104.
- Before trial, we send you a checklist: copies, receipts, photos and witnesses.
Questions about your case itself? The court has free Small Claims Advisors who can help.
Questions people ask
Will I win?
The judge decides. We can't predict results or give legal advice.
Can you serve the papers for me?
Not yet. We plan to offer serving once our process server registration is complete, and we'll post the price first. Until then, a friend over 18 who isn't in the case, or the Sacramento Sheriff, can serve them.
What if I'm the one being sued?
This service is for the person filing. If you're being sued, the court's Small Claims Advisor can explain your options for free.