How to Fill Out and File Small Claim Court Forms in California

1. What Are Small Claim Court Forms in California?
Small claim court forms in California are official court documents used to initiate, respond to, or manage a small claims case. These forms are essential for filing your claim, serving the defendant, and ensuring a smooth court process.

The most commonly used form is the SC-100 (Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court), but other forms may be required depending on your case.

2. Key Small Claim Court Forms in California

Form Name	Form Number	Purpose
Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court	SC-100	Used to file a claim and start your case.
Proof of Service	SC-104	Confirms the defendant was served the claim.
Request to Waive Court Fees	FW-001	Requests a waiver for court filing fees.
Defendant’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court	SC-120	Allows the defendant to file a counterclaim.
Request to Postpone Trial	SC-150	Requests a new hearing date.
Authorization to Appear	SC-109	Allows someone to appear on your behalf.
Notice of Appeal	SC-140	Filed if the defendant wants to appeal.

3. How to Obtain Small Claim Court Forms in California
You can obtain small claim forms through the following methods:

California Courts Website: Download free forms directly from the official California courts website: California Courts Forms.
Local Courthouse: Visit your local courthouse’s Clerk’s Office for physical copies of small claims forms.
Self-Help Centers: Court self-help centers provide free assistance and copies of necessary forms.

4. How to Fill Out the SC-100 (Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court)
The SC-100 is the most important form to file a small claims case. Follow these steps to complete it accurately:

Table of Contents

Page 1: Plaintiff’s Claim

Item 1: Write your full name, address, and phone number (you are the “plaintiff”).
Item 2: Write the defendant’s full legal name, address, and phone number. If you are suing a business, use its registered legal name.
Item 3: Check the appropriate box indicating who you are suing (e.g., a person, business, or government agency).
Item 4: Enter the exact amount you are claiming (e.g., $3,500 for unpaid rent).
Item 5: Briefly explain why the defendant owes you money. Be clear, concise, and factual.
Item 6: Indicate the date and location of the incident or dispute.
Item 7: Confirm whether you asked the defendant to resolve the issue before filing the case.

Page 2: Additional Information

Item 8: Explain how you calculated the amount of your claim. Attach additional pages if needed.
Item 9: Provide details if someone else is completing the form for you.
Item 10: State whether you have filed other claims exceeding $2,500 in the same year.

Sign and Date: Sign the form to certify all information is accurate.

5. Steps to File Your Small Claim Court Forms in California

Step 1: Complete the Required Forms

Fill out the SC-100 (Plaintiff’s Claim) form completely.
Gather supporting documents, such as contracts, receipts, photos, or witness statements, to attach as evidence.

Step 2: File Your Forms at the Courthouse

Submit the completed SC-100 form to the Clerk’s Office at the courthouse where you are filing.
Pay the filing fee, which depends on the claim amount:

Claim Amount	Filing Fee
Up to $1,500	$30
$1,501–$5,000	$50
$5,001–$10,000	$75

Fee Waiver Option: If you cannot afford the fee, file FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees) for a fee waiver.

Step 3: Serve the Defendant

The defendant must receive a copy of the filed SC-100 form and any supporting documents.
File SC-104 (Proof of Service) with the court after serving the defendant.

6. How to Serve Small Claim Forms to the Defendant
Properly serving the defendant is crucial to moving your case forward. Options include:

Certified Mail: The court clerk can send the papers for a small fee.
Process Server: Hire a professional process server.
Sheriff or Constable: Pay a fee to have law enforcement serve the defendant.
Substituted Service: If personal service fails, papers can be delivered to someone at the defendant’s residence or business.

The Proof of Service (SC-104) must be filed with the court to confirm the defendant was properly notified.

7. What Happens After Filing Small Claim Forms?

The court will schedule a hearing date, typically within 30–90 days.
The defendant may respond by filing SC-120 (Defendant’s Claim) if they want to countersue you.
Both parties must attend the hearing with all evidence and documents ready.

8. Additional Small Claims Forms You May Need

SC-150 (Request to Postpone Trial): If you cannot attend the scheduled hearing date.
SC-109 (Authorization to Appear): Allows someone to appear in court on your behalf (e.g., a representative for a business).
SC-140 (Notice of Appeal): Filed if the defendant disagrees with the court’s decision and wants to appeal.

9. Tips for Filing Small Claims Forms Successfully

Double-Check Details: Ensure all information, including names and addresses, is accurate.
Keep Copies: Make at least three copies of all forms—one for you, one for the defendant, and one for the court.
File on Time: Serve the defendant within the required timeframe (15–30 days before the hearing).
Stay Organized: Keep all forms, receipts, and evidence neatly organized.

10. Conclusion
Filing small claim court forms in California starts with the SC-100 (Plaintiff’s Claim) and requires careful attention to detail, accurate information, and proper service to the defendant. By understanding the process, gathering supporting documents, and filing all required forms correctly, you can confidently pursue your case in small claims court.

Martin taggart