Legal Aid Resources
The Small Claims Court is designed to hear disputes valued at $5,000.00 or less. The parties represent themselves; they generally cannot have an attorney represent them. It is meant to go faster than a lawsuit in Superior Court and some rules of evidence are relaxed.
Many disputes are heard within two months of filing the claim and the hearing itself often lasts only fifteen minutes. The judge may announce his/her decision right there or mail it within a few days.
When you appear for trial, you may be asked to mediate your claim. This involves a third party who will help you resolve your case with the opposing party outside of court. For more information on mediation click here.
Some rules governing Small Claims Court can be found at Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.120 through 116.950. Online search: CA LAW. You may also visit your local library to find these codes.
To contact us,
call 800 834-5001 or 714 571-5200,
Mondays-Thursdays 9AM-6PM and Fridays 8AM-4PM
Small Claims Court Advisory Program
Frequently Asked Questions about Small Claims
Senior Citizens Legal Advocacy Program
Search
our web site of information on small claims
Detailed Information from the State of California
The Do's & Don'ts of Using the Small Claims Court (State Dept. of Consumer Affairs)