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Response to Request to Make Payments - Small Claims

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Response to Request to Make Payments

SC-221

Response to Request to Make Payments

Read both sides of Form SC-220, Request to Make Payments, before you fill out this form.

① I am a judgment creditor in this small claims case.

My name is:

Mailing address:

Phone:

② The judgment debtor who asked to make payments in this case is:

(Name):

Clerk stamps here when form is filed.

Fill in the court name and street address:

Superior Court of California, County of

Fill in your case number and case name:

Case Number:

Case Name:

③ I agree to accept the payment plan in the Request.

④ I agree to accept a different payment plan (check and complete all that apply):

a. Payments of $

on the day of each (month, week, other):

Starting (date): until (date of final payment):

amount of final payment: $

b. Other payment schedule (specify):

c. The total amount of payments is $ , which includes interest on the unpaid balance of the judgment. The actual amount of that interest may be different if the payments are made late or early. Attach a page that shows how you calculated the interest and write “SC-221, Item 4c” at the top.

d. The total amount of payments is the same as the judgment. If all payments are made in full and on time, no interest will be owed on the judgment, and the judgment will be paid in full.

e. Other (specify):

Important!

If any payment is not made in full and on time, you may notify the court to cancel the payment plan and the entire unpaid balance will become due and collectible.

⑤ I do not agree to accept payments because (explain):

If your answer will not fit in the space below, check this box and attach your answer on a separate sheet of paper. Write "SC-221, Item 5" at the top.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the information above is true and correct.

Date:

Type or print your name

Sign here

Judicial Council of California

New July 1, 2010, Optional Form

Code of Civil Procedure, § 116.570, Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.2107

Response to Request to Make Payments

(Small Claims)

SC-221

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What this Response to Request to Make Payments — Small Claims is

A Response to Request to Make Payments — Small Claims is a formal written reply a defendant uses to respond to a plaintiff's request for payment in small claims court. The document explains whether you admit, deny, or partially admit the debt, sets out any defenses or counterclaims, and proposes a payment arrangement if applicable. It becomes part of the court record and may affect hearings, judgments, and collection options.

Why a clear, timely response matters

Submitting a complete response protects your procedural rights, preserves defenses, and gives the court the factual record it needs to rule. A proper reply can prevent default judgments, trigger mediation, or create terms for enforceable payment plans.

Why a clear, timely response matters

Who completes a Response to Request to Make Payments — Small Claims

Complete the form accurately, sign where required, and file or serve copies according to the court's local rules to preserve your rights.

  • Individual defendants — people personally named in the claim who need to admit, dispute, or propose payment terms.
  • Business representatives — officers or authorized agents responding for a company or sole proprietorship.
  • Attorneys and paralegals — legal professionals preparing a formal court response and filing on behalf of a client.

Step-by-step: complete and file your response

Follow these four steps to prepare a valid response, serve the opposing party, and file with the court.

  • 01
    Review the Request: Confirm case number, claim amount, and filing deadlines.
  • 02
    Complete the Form: Fill required fields, attach supporting documents, and sign.
  • 03
    Serve the Plaintiff: Provide a court-acceptable method of service and complete proof of service.
  • 04
    File with Court: Submit original and required copies per local rules and pay any filing fees.

Where to file and how the process flows

Small claims responses are routed to the court that issued the original request; follow the court's filing preferences and deadlines.

  • Local Court Clerk: File the original response with the clerk's office to ensure the record is updated.
  • E-Filing Portal: Use the court's electronic filing system if available; follow e-filing instructions closely.
  • Mail or In-Person: If e-filing is unavailable, file by mail or deliver in person per court rules.
  • Certificate of Service: Attach completed proof of service showing how and when the plaintiff was served.

Customize and submit your response online

When completing and submitting online, choose authentication and attachment options that meet court and evidentiary needs.

Field Configuration
Document Format PDF or DOCX accepted by most e-filing systems
Signer Authentication Email + SMS code for signer attribution
Attachments Include exhibits as separate PDFs, labeled by exhibit letter
Proof of Service Upload completed affidavit or certificate of service

Delivery options and technical compatibility

Preserve copies of filed documents, e-filing receipts, and proof-of-service records for the case file and any appeals.

  • E-filing Portals: Most support PDF; some require document size under specific limits
  • Email Service: Acceptable only where court rules allow electronic service
  • Certified Mail: Provides paper trail when e-service or in-person service is unavailable

Key timelines and filing deadlines to watch

Small claims courts set short, strict deadlines. Confirm local calendaring rules immediately upon receipt of a request to make payments.

Response Deadline:

Typically 20–30 days from service; check the summons for the exact date

Payment Proposal Deadline:

Submit proposed payment terms within the same response period unless court orders otherwise

Hearing Date:

Often scheduled 30–90 days after filing a response

Appeal Window:

Varies by state — typically 10–30 days after judgment

Document Retention:

Keep filings, receipts, and service proof for at least 3–7 years

Key milestones from response to final judgment

Track these sequential stages so you meet filing, service, and hearing obligations without risking default.

01

Prepare Response

Complete form and gather supporting documents within the court's deadline

02

Serve Plaintiff

Complete service and retain proof before filing with the court

03

File with Clerk

Submit originals and pay any filing fees to update the court record

04

Attend Hearing

Bring originals, copies, and witnesses to present your position

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Missing the response deadline, which can lead to a default judgment against you.
  • Failing to include proof of service or improperly completed service information.
  • Submitting vague denials without factual support or missing required exhibits.
  • Using incorrect case numbers or party names that cause misfiling by the clerk.

Consequences of an incorrect or late response

Default Judgment: Court may enter judgment for plaintiff without hearing
Enforcement Actions: Judgment can lead to wage garnishment or bank levy
Fee Liability: You may be ordered to pay court costs or plaintiff's collection fees
Loss of Defenses: Untimely or incomplete responses can forfeit some defenses
Negative Credit: Judgments can appear on credit reports and affect creditworthiness
Appeal Limitations: Late filings can narrow or eliminate appeal rights

eSignature pricing and capability comparison relevant to filing and signing

Compare common price points and core features for eSignature vendors; signNow is listed first per vendor ordering requirements.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card Trial varies by plan Trial varies Free tier limited Free tier limited
Bulk Send Yes (premium tier) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA available) Yes Yes No No

Key components to include for a professional response

A complete response contains identifying information, a clear position on the claim, factual support, requested relief, signature, and proof of service.

Case Information

Include court name, case number, plaintiff and defendant full names, and contact information.

Statement of Response

State whether you admit, deny, or partially admit the amount and the legal basis for your answer.

Factual Basis

Provide concise facts, dates, and any documentary evidence that supports your position.

Relief Requested

Specify actions you want the court to take, such as dismissal, reduction, or payment schedule approval.

Signature Block

Sign and date the document using the legal name of the signing party or authorized representative.

Proof of Service

Attach the completed certificate or affidavit of service showing how the plaintiff was served.

Supporting documents and export formats to include

Attach exhibits and save copies in court-acceptable formats to preserve readability and evidentiary value.

Invoices & Receipts

Attach originals or clear PDFs of invoices, receipts, or account statements that support your position.

Correspondence

Include dated emails or letters showing negotiation, payment offers, or disputes related to the claim.

Affidavits

Provide sworn statements from witnesses when factual assertions require corroboration.

Export Formats

Save and submit PDFs; e-filing systems typically accept PDF and sometimes DOCX or TIFF.

Essential information typically required on the form

Case Number: Court-assigned identifier
Court Name: Name of issuing court
Parties: Full plaintiff and defendant names
Response Type: Admit, Deny, or Admit in Part
Signature: Signed and dated
Proof of Service: Method and date of service

Example scenarios showing how a response can be used

Two practical examples illustrate common outcomes when responses are properly prepared and filed.

Partial Payment Proposal

A defendant admits part of the debt and proposes a monthly payment of $100.

  • The court schedules a brief hearing.
  • The judge approves a payment plan conditioned on timely payments and retains jurisdiction to enforce the plan.

Fact-Based Dispute

A defendant denies the billed amount and attaches receipts showing prior payment.

  • Plaintiff's claim lacks supporting documentation.
  • The court dismisses the claim for lack of proof, and the defendant avoids a judgment.

Frequently asked questions about responses in small claims

Answers to common questions about filing, service, timing, and evidence when responding to a request to make payments in small claims court.


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