Self-Help Small Claims
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 $12,500.00. Corporations, partnerships, and other entities cannot ask for more than $6,250.00. 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.
Is Small Claims court right for your situation? An easy online interview called Guide and File will walk you through information, options, and resources available for your legal problem and includes the necessary Small Claims forms.
Did you know that 22% of parties who initiate or respond to a Small Claims Case choose to e-file their documents? If you want to save time and money, you, too can e-file.
For Self-Help Services’ hours of operation and services, please see below.
The Self-Help Small Claims section explains:
Assistance In-Person or Online
SMALL CLAIMS ADVISORS:
The Small Claims Advisors can help you with procedural matters for Small Claims.
SELF-HELP SERVICES HOURS OF OPERATION:
| Courthouse | Location | Clerk's Office Hours | Self-Help Services Hours | Self-Help Document Review Hours |
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700 Civic Center Drive West Santa Ana, CA 92701 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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 In-person Self-Help Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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In-person Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
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341 The City Drive South Orange, CA 92868-3205 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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In-person Self-Help Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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In-person Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
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3390 Harbor Blvd. Costa Mesa, CA 92626-1554 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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 Live Self-Help Kiosk Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
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8141 13th Street Westminster, CA 92683 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
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1275 N Berkeley Ave Fullerton, CA 92832 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
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4601 Jamboree Rd Newport Beach, CA 92660 |
Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
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Live Self-Help Kiosk Review Monday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. |
SUPERIOR COURT OF ORANGE COUNTY WEBSITE:
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.
Small Claims Courthouse Location
All Small Claims hearings will be heard at Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.
Submission of All Small Claims Related Filings
All filings for small claims matters can be submitted as follows:
- In person at the Civil Clerk's Division, Central Justice Center (700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701) Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- By electronic filing (eFiling). Go to the eFiling for Small Claims page for more information.
- By using a Guide and File interview service online. Select Small Claims on the File at Home page.
- By drop-box located by the front entrance of the Central Justice Center. Provide a phone number for the court to contact.
- By US Mail to 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
When filing by drop-box or US Mail, be sure to include an additional copy of the forms you are filing, a self-addressed envelope with postage, and the filing fee or fee-waiver request.
Small Claims Forms and Law
FORMS:
All court forms are available on the Find Your Court Forms page where you can select the Small Claims topic to find the form you are looking for. Small Claims can also be picked up in person at any courthouse Self-Help Center or can be requested by completing the online request form.
LAWS:
- Code of Civil Procedure (Small Claims Sections 116.210-116.950)
- California Rules of Court for Small Claims (Rule 3.2100-3.2120)
- Superior Court of Orange County Local Rules of Court (Rule 341-348)
Copy and Record Search Requests
Find information on how to view records and request copies of documents.
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]
- California Department of Consumer Affairs
- California Courts Self-Help Center
- Law Help California
- State Bar of California
- Legal Aid Small Claims Advisory
- OCDA Economic Crimes
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: