Small Claims DeskSmall Claims Forms, CA

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California · Small Claims Court

California Small Claims Forms

California small claims cases are filed in Small Claims Court, and each county uses its own current forms. California uses mandatory, fillable statewide Judicial Council forms published at courts.ca.gov. The case is started with the Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100); related forms include Proof of Service (SC-104), Defendant's Claim (SC-120), Notice of Motion to Vacate Judgment (SC-135), and Notice of Appeal (SC-140). No county may require a different local claim form.

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A person reads it and answers by email. No charge, and no obligation to buy anything.

The forms you need

To open a small claims case in California you file the court's claim form and a service/summons form:

Terminology and layout vary by county in California. The blank forms are free; getting the wording right is what keeps your case from being sent back. We supply your county's current forms, completed with your claim.

Get your county's forms

Small claims is filed at the county level. Pick your county for its court, fee, and forms — or start your claim and we'll ask where you'd sue.

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Common questions

What forms do I need for small claims in California?

The court's claim form plus a summons/service form, filed in Small Claims Court. Some counties add a return-of-service form.

What is the California small claims form called?

It depends on the county and court — often a Statement of Claim, Complaint, or Petition. We use your court's exact term.

Where do I get California small claims forms?

From the county court that will hear your case. We keep the current version for each supported county.

Your small claims filing packet — $49

Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:

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Answer a few questions first. See your claim written out before you pay anything.

Not sure this fits your situation? Ask us about it — we answer by email, and it costs nothing.

Related tools

Reviewed by Small Claims Desk · Last reviewed 2026-08-20 · Sourced from California judiciary self-help resources and each county's clerk of court and Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 116.110-116.950 (The Small Claims Act). See how we verify.