How to Complete the Small Claim Form in California (SC-100)

1. What is a Small Claim Form in California?
The small claim form in California refers to the Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (Form SC-100). This official form is used to initiate a small claims case in California’s Superior Court to resolve disputes involving monetary damages of up to:

$10,000 for individuals.
$5,000 for businesses or entities.

This form serves as a written statement detailing the claim, including the amount you are owed and the reason for the dispute.

2. When Do You Need to File Form SC-100?
You should file the SC-100 small claim form in California when you have a legal dispute involving monetary damages that fall under small claims court jurisdiction. Common reasons include:

Unpaid debts or loans.
Property damage (e.g., car accidents, rental disputes).
Breach of contract or agreements.
Refunds for faulty products or services.
Landlord-tenant issues (e.g., withheld security deposits).

Note: Small claims court does not handle cases involving divorce, guardianship, or criminal matters.

3. How to Obtain the California Small Claim Form (SC-100)
You can get the small claim form (SC-100) through the following methods:

Online: Download the form for free from the official California courts website: California Courts Forms.
Local Courthouse: Visit your local Superior Court’s Clerk’s Office and request a physical copy of Form SC-100.
Self-Help Centers: California court self-help centers provide resources and forms for small claims cases.

4. How to Fill Out the Small Claim Form (SC-100)
Completing Form SC-100 accurately is critical to avoid delays. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Table of Contents

Page 1: Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court

Item 1: Enter your full name, address, and contact information (plaintiff).
Item 2: Provide the defendant’s full name and address (individual, business, or landlord you are suing).
Item 3: Check the appropriate box if you are suing a person, a business, or both.
Item 4: State the exact amount you are claiming (e.g., $3,500 for unpaid rent).
Item 5: Explain why the defendant owes you money. Be clear and factual, including dates and events.
Item 6: Indicate when and where the incident occurred.
Item 7: Check “Yes” or “No” to confirm if you’ve asked the defendant to pay you before filing.

Page 2: Additional Information

Item 8: Provide details about how you calculated the amount owed (e.g., repair bills, contracts, or unpaid invoices).
Item 9: If someone helped you fill out the form, include their details here.
Item 10: Indicate if you are filing more than two claims over $2,500 in a calendar year.
Signature: Sign and date the form to certify that the information is accurate.

Tip: Attach additional pages if you need more space to describe the dispute or provide supporting evidence.

5. Where to File Your Small Claim Form in California
You must file your small claim form at the appropriate Superior Court location:

The county where the defendant lives, works, or conducts business.
The county where the incident occurred (e.g., property damage or contract violation).

To find your local court:

Visit the California Courts Directory and search by county.

6. How Much Does it Cost to File the Small Claim Form in California?
The filing fee for Form SC-100 depends on the amount you are claiming:

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

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

7. Serving the Defendant After Filing Your Claim
Once you file Form SC-100, the defendant must be notified about the lawsuit. This process is called service of process.

Methods of Service:

Certified Mail: The court clerk sends the claim to the defendant.
Personal Service: Hire a process server or ask the sheriff’s office to deliver the papers.
Substituted Service: If the defendant cannot be served personally, papers can be delivered to someone at their residence or workplace.

Service Deadline: The defendant must be served at least 15 days before the court hearing (or 20 days if they live outside the county).

8. Preparing for the Small Claims Hearing
To strengthen your case, prepare thoroughly for the court hearing:

Organize Evidence: Bring copies of contracts, invoices, photos, texts, emails, and receipts.
Practice Your Argument: Clearly explain your case, sticking to the facts.
Bring Witnesses: If someone can support your claim, ask them to attend the hearing or provide a written statement.
Arrive Early: Check in with the clerk 30 minutes before the hearing begins.

9. What Happens at the Hearing?
At the hearing:

The plaintiff (you) presents their case first. Provide evidence and explain why the defendant owes you money.
The defendant responds and may present their own evidence.
The judge will ask questions to clarify details.
After reviewing both sides, the judge will issue a ruling.

The decision may be given immediately, or the judge will mail it to you later.

10. Enforcing a Judgment if You Win
If the court rules in your favor, the judge will order the defendant to pay the judgment. If the defendant refuses to pay, you can:

Garnish Wages: Deduct money from their paycheck.
Levy a Bank Account: Seize funds from their bank.
Place a Property Lien: Secure payment by placing a legal hold on their property.

Consult the court clerk for assistance with judgment enforcement.

Conclusion
Filing a small claim in California starts with completing and submitting Form SC-100. By understanding the filing process, gathering strong evidence, and preparing for the hearing, you can confidently navigate California’s small claims court system. Whether you’re dealing with unpaid debts, property damage, or contract disputes, small claims court offers a straightforward way to achieve justice.

Martin taggart