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. Small Claims eFiling

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 in Person or Online

EDUCATIONAL VIDEOS ON SMALL CLAIMS:

Resolving Small Claims Cases [5-Parts Video]

SMALL CLAIMS ADVISORS:

The Small Claims Advisors can help you with procedural matters for Small Claims.

SUPERIOR COURT OF ORANGE COUNTY SMALL CLAIMS COURT STAFF:

The Small Claims court staff can assist you in person with forms, filing documents, and procedural matters Monday – Thursday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the Central Justice Center .

SUPERIOR COURT OF ORANGE COUNTY SELF-HELP CENTERS:

Self-Help Center staff is available to provide procedural guidance and information regarding forms for Small Claims matters. For current information on services, locations, and hours of operation, please visit: www.occourts.org/self-help.

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

As of May 26, 2020, and until further notice, all Small Claims filings will only be provided at Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

SUBMISSION OF ALL SMALL CLAIMS RELATED FILINGS

All filings for small claims matters can be submitted by any of these ways:

• In person at the Center Justice Center (700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701).
• By electronic filing using the Civil eFile website https://www.occourts.org/directory/small-claims/efiling.html .
• 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-wavier request .

Small Claims Forms and Law

FORMS:

Small Claims forms are available online, in person, 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
• OC District Attorney Real Estate Fraud Report Form 
• 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:

• Orange County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
• State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service