SMALL CLAIMS: General Information
Small Claims at a Glance
You can use the Small Claims court if you have a dispute with a person, company or government agency involving money. An individual (including a sole proprietorship) cannot ask for more than $10,000.00. Corporations, partnerships, and other entitles cannot ask for more than $5,000.00. You can file as many claims as you want for up to $2,500.00 each during a calendar year. But you can only file 2 claims in a calendar year that ask for more than $2,500.00.
The Self-Help Small Claims section explains:- How to find alternatives to filing a claim
- How to file and serve a claim
- What happens if you are sued
- How to pay the claim
- Consequences of failing to pay the claim
- How to get ready for trial
- What happens after the trial
- How to collect a judgment
- How to file an appeal
Assistance by Phone, in Person or Online
Resolving Small Claims Cases
[5-Parts Video] (Spanish & Russian are available)
The Small Claims Advisors can help you with procedural matters for Small Claims.
The Small Claims court staff can assist you in person or by phone with forms, filing documents, and procedural matters from Monday-Friday, 7:30am - 5:00pm at four court locations.
- Central Justice Center: First Floor, Room 100-A
- 700 Civic Center Dr. West, Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Harbor Justice Center - Laguna Hills Facility: Second Floor, Room 202
- 23141 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
- Lamoreaux Justice Center: First Floor, Room 101
- 341 The City Dr. South, Orange, CA 92868
- North Justice Center: Upper Level, Room 360
- 1275 North Berkeley Ave., Fullerton, CA 92838
- West Justice Center: First Floor
- 8141 13th St., Westminster, CA 92683
The court provides a variety of online services. View your case, access and fill out forms, check the court’s calendar and eFile your claim or countersuit.
Drop boxes or door slots are located at each of the courthouses below, with 24/7 access, for filing papers. Properly completed documents along with the fees for filing (if any) placed in drop boxes before 5:00pm on an open court day will be considered received on the same date.
Small Claims Courthouse Locations and Hours
You can go to any of the courts below to for assistance with your small claims case, however, you must file your Small Claims case and associated documents in the proper courthouse.
| Central Justice Center
700 Civic Center Dr. Santa Ana, CA 92701 (657) 622-7553 Small Claims Division - 1st Floor Self-Help Center - 1st Floor, Room 100-A |
Harbor Justice Center- Newport Beach Facility
All cases transferred to Harbor Justice Center-Laguna Hills Facility effective April 1, 2010 |
Harbor Justice Center - Laguna Hills Facility
23141 Moulton Parkway Laguna Hills, CA 92653-1206 (657) 622-8671 Small Claims Division - 2nd Floor Self-Help Center - 2nd Floor, Room 202 |
|
North Justice Center
1275 N. Berkeley Ave. Fullerton, Ca 92832-1258 (657) 622-6642 Small Claims Division - Upper Level, North Wing Self-Help Center – Upper Level, Room 360 |
West Justice Center
8141 13th St. Westminster, Ca 92683-4593 (657) 622-8691 Small Claims Division - 1st Floor Self-Help Center - Next to Main Entrance |
Small Claims Division Hours:
Mondays thru Friday: 7:30am - 5:00pm |
Small Claims Forms and Law
Small Claims forms are available online, in person, or can be requested by mail from any of the above locations.
Copy and Record Search Requests
Additional Resources
There are a variety of resources which provide you with information about Small Claims court.
These are just a few:- Resolving Small Claims Cases [5-Parts Video] (English, Spanish, & Russian)
- California Department of Consumer Affairs
- California Courts Self-Help Center
- Law Help California
- State Bar of California
- Legal Aid Society of Orange County-Small Claims Advisory Program
- Legal Aid Society of Orange County-I CAN! Legal
- Orange County District Attorney Real Estate Fraud Report Form
- Orange County District Attorney-Economic Crimes
- Orange County District Attorney-Bad Check Program
Legal Help
You may consult an attorney for legal advice on your Small Claims case, but an attorney cannot represent you in Small Claims court, except after a judgment has been entered.
For legal advice, you may contact the following lawyer referral services: