How to Sue in Small Claims Court

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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. 

What is Small Claims Court?

Small Claims Court is a simple court where you can try and resolve disputes cheaply and quickly. Small claims rules and procedures are simpler than other courts. The hearing is informal. There is no jury. Parties represent themselves without lawyers. Small Claims Court handles civil cases asking for $12,500 or less.

Here are some examples of problems you can handle in Small Claims Court:

• Your landlord will not return your security deposit.
• Someone damaged your car and will not pay for the repairs.
• Your new TV will not work and the store will not repair it.
• Your tenant damaged your property and the security deposit will not cover the full repair costs.
• Your friend will not pay back the money you loaned them.

If you file a case, you are called the Plaintiff. The person you sue is the Defendant. You start your case by filling out an SC-100 Plaintiff’s Claim form and filing it with the court clerk. Be sure you name the Defendant correctly or you may not be able to collect your judgment.

How much can I sue for?

An individual or a business owned by an individual can file two cases each calendar year for as much as $12,500.  For each additional case filed in the same calendar year, you can only sue for $2,500 or less. 

All other businesses including partnerships, LLCs, LPs or corporations can file two cases each year for as much as $6,250. For each additional case filed in the same calendar year, you can only sue for $2,500 or less. 

Government agencies are limited to $6,250 and can sue up to that amount as many times as necessary.

Can I sue for more than the maximum?

No. You can reduce the amount of your claim or sue in a higher court. You cannot split your claim into two cases to meet the limit.

Are there time limits to file my case?

Yes. If your case is not filed in time, the Judge can dismiss it. You must file your case before:

• Written contract – four years from the date the contract was broken;
• Oral contract – two years from the date the contract was broken;
• Personal injury – two years from the date of injury or from the date you discovered you were injured;
• Property damage – three years from the date the damage happened;
• Fraud – three years from the date you discover you were defrauded.

Where do I file my case?

You may file your case at the court nearest to where the contract was signed, the person you are suing lives, or the business is located. You can also file where the damage or injury occurred. Click here to find the right court location to file your case.

How much does it cost to file?

The filing fee is based on the amount of your claim. If you file less than 12 claims in one calendar year the following fees apply:

• $30 for a claim up to $1,500
• $50 for a claim of $1,500.01 to $5,000
• $75 for a claim of $5,000.01 to $12,500

How often can I sue?

You can file two claims over $2,500 in a calendar year.

You can file unlimited claims under $2,500.

However, if you file more than 12 claims in a calendar year, each additional case will cost $100 to file. (If you win a case that costs $100 to file, the court will only award you the regular court costs – $30, $50 or $75.)

How soon is the court date?

A court hearing should be scheduled within 20 to 70 days. The length of time may be extended by the court. Make sure you request a court date that allows you enough time to serve the court papers to the Defendant.

How do I notify the Defendant?

A copy of your Plaintiff’s Claim must be given to the person you are suing. An SC-104 Proof of Service must be filled out and filed with the court to prove that the Defendant was served. If you use a Sheriff or Registered Process Server, they file the SC-104 Proof of Service with the court for you. 

Can the Defendant sue me?

Yes. The person you are suing can counter-sue you. They do this by filing an SC-120 Defendant’s Claim and having a copy given to you.

Can I postpone my court date?

Yes. If you have not served the Defendant you can request an SC-150 Postponement free of charge. If you have served the Defendant or you are the Defendant you can request a Postponement and pay a $10 fee. The Request for Postponement should be filed at least 10 days prior to your court hearing. In most cases the court will only grant (1) Postponement per Plaintiff and Defendant.

How do I notify the other party if I want to postpone?

If you want to postpone the court date, do the following:

1. Get the SC-150 and SC-112A forms.
2. Fill out the SC-150 and make a copy for all other Plaintiff(s) and Defendant(s) in the case.
3. Have someone over 18 years of age and not a party to the case drop a copy in the mail to all other Plaintiff(s) and Defendant(s) and complete the SC-112A Proof of Service by Mail.
4. Get the original SC-150 Postponement form that you completed and the SC-112A Proof of Service by Mail form completed by the person that placed the forms in the mail.  You will mail both the original SC-150 and SC-112A forms to the Court along with a check for $10, if applicable, made payable to Los Angeles Superior Court at least 10 days before your court date.

NOTE: If you have not served the Defendant, there is no fee to request a postponement.

Preparing for court

Whether you are appearing in person, by telephone, or virtually, you must submit copies of your evidence to the court and to any other parties at least (10) days prior to your hearing.  

You must complete and file this form LASC CIV 278 and use LASC CIV 279 mailing labels. You will have to provide proof that the other parties were sent copies of your evidence. You get this from the Post Office at the time you mail these forms. 

You will need to bring evidence to court that proves to the Judge that you are owed money. Be sure and bring two copies of any evidence you will present, one copy for the Judge and one for the other party if you are appearing in person. Here are some examples of evidence you can start gathering for your day in court:

• Receipts or cancelled checks that prove you are owed money.
• Bills or repair estimates.
• Photographs of property damage.
• Written contracts, agreements or other documents that prove your case.
• You can also bring witnesses to court.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen or don’t speak English?

You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to file or defend a case in Small Claims Court.

If you do not speak English, bring someone to court who can interpret for you. If you need an interpreter and are willing to pay for the service, check here. The court provides interpreters at no cost. To see the languages available, check here. If the Court does not have an interpreter in your language, bring someone who speaks your language and English fluently.

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: May 28, 2024.