Filing Court Papers (Defendants)

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Court forms are available at California Courts – Forms. Select “Small Claims” from the pull-down menu. Forms are also available at the Court Clerk’s office. Completed Sample Forms are available here. Starting September 2, 2021 all litigants in Small Claims Court can appear virtually or telephonically for FREE. Read the details from the court here. 

Once you have completed Small Claims paperwork, you need to file it with the appropriate court clerk. There are four ways to file in Small Claims Court; In person, by mail, online, or by drop-off box. Click here to learn where to file your case.

What are my options for filing court papers? 

There are currently four options to file court papers at the correct courthouse: 

• In person 
• By mail
• Online
• Drop-off box 

How do I file in person?   

File in person, at the correct courthouse, hand your forms to the court clerk and pay the proper fee(s). You can pay by cash, check, money order, cashier’s check, or credit card.  

How do I file court papers by mail? 

To file your forms by mail: 

1. Place the completed forms in an envelope. 
2. Include a check or money order for the amount of the filing fee. Make the check payable to “Los Angeles Superior Court.” Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope, so the court can mail a copy of your filed forms back to you. 
3. Add postage and mail your paperwork directly to the correct court. 

The following forms require an original court seal and must be picked up at the courthouse where the forms were fax filed: 

• EJ-130 Writ of Execution  
• DL-30 Certificate of Facts of RE Unsatisfied Judgment 
• DL-17 Notice of Unsatisfied Judgment of $750 or Less 
• EJ-001 Abstract of Judgment 
• SC-107 Subpoena 
• WG-010/EJ-175 Notice of Hearing on Claim of Exemption 
• EJ-195 Notice of Renewal of Judgment 
• EJ-190 Application for and Renewal of Judgment

How do I file online?

As of November 2022, fax filing has been replaced with eFiling. eFiling enables litigants to file documents with the Los Angeles Superior Court anywhere 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Litigants will be required to select a third-party Electronic Service Provider to help file legal documentation with the Los Angeles Superior Court. Find more information on Small Claims eFiling here.

Court forms are available at California Courts – Forms. Select “Small Claims” from the pull-down menu. Forms are also available at the Court Clerk’s office.

County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. Last change: Dec. 28, 2023.