Plaintiff Information
Full legal name, mailing address, phone, and email for the person or business bringing the claim; accuracy matters for service and notices.
Using the court’s SC-3 1 template ensures you supply the information the clerk and judge expect, reduces processing delays, and helps preserve your case timeline and rights.
Accurate completion by the correct party reduces risk of rejection, service problems, or postponement at the initial hearing.
A named plaintiff who brings the claim may sign and file the SC-3 1. If filing for a minor or business, attach proper authority or documentation showing the filer’s relationship and signing authority.
An attorney, registered agent, or designated employee may sign if the business authorizes filing; include a statement or power of attorney if the clerk requires proof of representation.
Full legal name, mailing address, phone, and email for the person or business bringing the claim; accuracy matters for service and notices.
Full legal name and best-known address for the defendant; provide a physical address for personal service rather than a P.O. box where possible.
Enter the exact dollar amount sought, itemized if necessary, including any statutory costs or pre-judgment interest claimed.
Concise factual statement of why the defendant owes money or caused damage — include dates, transactions, and supporting contract or invoice numbers.
Specify money owed, court costs, and any other remedies being sought so the judge can identify appropriate relief at hearing.
Signer must print name, sign, and date the form; include contact info to allow clerk or opposing party to reach you.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Document Upload | PDF/A or flattened PDF preferred for court systems |
| Signature Field | Required for plaintiff or authorized agent signature |
| Authentication | Email + optional SMS code for signer verification |
| Proof of Service | Attach stamped return or server affidavit as a separate PDF |
When using an eSignature provider, confirm the platform meets legal and court-specific requirements and preserves an audit trail for the clerk and opposing party.
File before the statute of limitations for your claim type
Serve the defendant within the timeframe required by the clerk
Appear on the scheduled court date or request a continuance if permitted
Be aware of the limited time to appeal a small claims judgment
Promptly pursue post-judgment remedies within state enforcement windows
| 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 | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
A tenant files over unpaid security deposit kept after termination
A contractor seeks unpaid balance for completed work