Help & FAQ

Small claims court is a division of California Superior Court that handles disputes involving limited amounts of money. It is designed to be simple, fast, and affordable. Attorneys generally cannot represent parties, so the process is made accessible for everyone.

Individuals can claim up to $10,000. Businesses and other entities can claim up to $5,000. If your claim exceeds these limits, you may need to file in a different court or reduce your claim to fit within the small claims limit.

No. In fact, attorneys are generally not allowed to represent parties in California small claims court. The court is designed for self-represented litigants. However, you can consult with an attorney before or after your hearing for advice.

After filing your claim, you must "serve" (deliver) copies of the court papers to the defendant. You cannot serve the papers yourself. Common methods include having someone over 18 deliver them in person, using a registered process server, or sending them by certified mail through the court clerk. You will need to file a Proof of Service (SC-105 or SC-150) with the court.

The forms you need depend on your situation. If you are starting a new claim, you will need SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim). If you are responding to a claim, you may need SC-120 (Defendant's Claim). After serving the defendant, you will need SC-105 or SC-150 (Proof of Service). Use our form catalog to browse all available forms or the guided workflows for step-by-step help.

Browse our form catalog or use a guided workflow. Select a form, then answer questions one at a time. The app explains each field in plain language and automatically fills in the official court PDF. When you are done, download the completed PDF, print it, and file it at your local courthouse.

Yes. If you use the app without an account, your progress is saved in an anonymous session that expires after 72 hours. If you create a free account, your submissions are saved permanently and you can return to them at any time.

Yes. Your progress is automatically saved as you fill out each field. Without an account, your session lasts 72 hours. With a free account, your work is saved indefinitely. Just return to the site and your in-progress forms will be waiting for you.

After completing a form, click the "Download PDF" button. The app generates an official court PDF with your answers filled in. You can then print the PDF and file it at your local courthouse. You can also email the PDF to yourself.

After filing your claim and serving the defendant, the court will schedule a hearing date (usually within 30-70 days). Both parties appear before a judge or commissioner, present their evidence, and the judge makes a decision. The app provides "Next Steps" guidance after you complete each form to help you understand what to do next.

Court filing fees range from about $30 to $75, depending on your claim amount. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for a fee waiver using form FW-001. Our app is completely free to use -- the only cost is the court filing fee itself.

No. This app helps you fill out court forms but does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult an attorney or visit your local court self-help center. Many courthouses offer free assistance for self-represented litigants.