Small Claims
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For information regarding the hours and services provided by the Pro Per Clinic.
Download Small Claims Form Packets.
Small Claims Court handles Civil cases asking for $10,000.00 or less. It is a special court where disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively. Rules are simplified and the hearing is informal. There are no lawyers, no rules of evidence, and no juries. You don’t need to be a United States citizen to file or defend a case in Small Claims Court.
Some examples of problems that can be handled in Small Claims Court are:
- Your landlord will not return your security deposit
- Your car was damaged and the person responsible will not pay for repairs
- Your new TV does not work and the store will not repair it
- Your tenant damaged your property and the security deposit will not cover the full costs of repair
- Your friend will not pay back the money you loaned them
To determine where you should file your claim.
To learn about going to Small Claims court, using instructions and guides to help you with your case.
Requests for Remote Appearances
A. For Small Claims Actions, Unlawful Detainer Cases, Civil Harassment Restraining Orders, and Other Evidentiary Hearings, parties must appear in person, unless the party or attorney requests and receives express written authorization to appear remotely by the judicial officer who is to hear the matter.
a. A party may request to appear remotely by filing and serving a Notice of Remote Appearance Form RA-010 and submitting the Order Regarding Remote Appearance RA-020 with the Court no later than 5 court days before the Small Claims Actions, Unlawful Detainer Cases, Civil Harassment Restraining Orders, or Other Evidentiary Hearings.
b. In response to notice of remote appearance, any party may file and serve an Opposition to Remote Proceedings Form RA-015 no later than 3 court days before the hearing in question.
c. A party must deliver a copy of any written Notice or Opposition under (a) or (b) to the department in which the proceeding is to be held.
Small Claims Fees & Forms
Small Claims Self-Help and Resources
Local Help and Resources
Small claims and alternative dispute resolution services are provided by Dispute Resolution Services of the San Joaquin County Bar Foundation (DRS).
All members of the public are encouraged to use the following services provided by DRS.
Beginning June 23, 2022, Small Claims Clinics will resume. Clinics are held every second Thursday of the month, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Margaret K. Troke Public Library (502 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton, CA 95207). Services are free.
Reservations are required due to limited seating. Call (209) 473-6463 to reserve a spot.
Sign-in starts at 5:00 p.m., followed by an orientation and breakout sessions with Small Claims Advisors. Small Claims Advisors can help with the small claims process but cannot give legal advice. Location is ADA accessible so please let advisors know if you need assistance when calling for a reservation. Street parking available.
If you need help with a small claims case, contact the SJCBA Small Claims Advisors today at (209) 473-6463. More info at https://www.sjcbar.org/public/small-claims.
Small Claims Advisory Line
The public can call (209) 473-6463 at any time of the day to receive information regarding Small Claims Court forms and procedures, as well as referrals to other community resources. Trained advisory staff will respond to inquiries by telephone or email.
Alternative Dispute Resolution Services
Same day, in court mediation services with trained mediators will be available for parties of small claims, civil harassment, and unlawful detainer cases in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Programs Act of 1986. The program is voluntary and will be low- or no-cost to the community.
For more information about the services available, call (209) 474-8794 or visit http://disputeresolution.sjcbar.org.
On-line Help and Resources
- The California Judicial Council has developed a video called Resolving Your Small Claims Case in the California Courts that can explain the process of small claims court and the mediation process. Click here to WATCH THE VIDEO. Oprima aquí para el video.
- The Small Claims Court, A Guide to Its Practical Use