Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER Clerk stamps date here when form is filed.
to Go to Small Claims Court
Notice to the person being sued:
• You are the Defendant if your name is listed in 2 on page 2 of this
form. The person suing you is the Plaintiff, listed in 1 on page 2.
• You and the Plaintiff must go to court on the trial date listed below. If
you do not go to court, you may lose the case.
• If you lose, the court can order that your wages, money, or property
be taken to pay this claim.
• Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case.
• Read this form and all pages attached to understand the claim against Fill in court name and street address:
you and to protect your rights. Superior Court of California, County of
–––––
Aviso al Demandado: –––––
• Usted es el Demandado si su nombre figura en 2 de la página 2 –––––
de este formulario. La persona que lo demanda es el Demandante, la que –––––
figura en 1 de la página 2. –––––
• Usted y el Demandante tienen que presentarse en la corte en la fecha del Clerk fills in case number and case name:
juicio indicada a continuación. Si no se presenta, puede perder el caso. Case Number:
• Si pierde el caso la corte podría ordenar que le quiten de su sueldo, –––––
dinero u otros bienes para pagar este reclamo. Case Name:
–––––
• Lleve testigos, recibos y cualquier otra prueba que necesite para probar su caso.
• Lea este formulario y todas las páginas adjuntas para entender la demanda en su contra y para proteger sus derechos.
Order to Go to Court
The people in 1 and 2 must go to court: (Clerk fills out section below.)
Trial -> Date Time Department Name and address of court if different from above
Date 1. ––––– ––––– ––––– –––––
2. ––––– ––––– ––––– –––––
3. ––––– ––––– ––––– –––––
Date: ––––– Clerk, by ––––– , Deputy
Instructions for the person suing:
• You are the Plaintiff. The person you are suing is the Defendant.
• Before you fill out this form, read Form SC-150, Information for the Plaintiff (Small Claims), to know your rights.
Get
SC-150 at any courthouse or county law library, or go to: www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms
• Fill out pages 2 and 3 of this form. Then make copies of all pages of this form. (Make 1 copy for each party named
in this case and an extra copy for yourself.) Take or mail the original and these copies to the court clerk’s office
and pay the filing fee. The clerk will write the date of your trial in the box above.
• You must have someone at least 18—not you or anyone else listed in this case—give each Defendant a court-
stamped copy of all 5 pages of this form and any pages this form tells you to attach. There are special rules for
“serving,” or delivering, this form to public entities, associations, and some businesses. See Forms SC-104, SC-
104B, and SC-104C .
• Go to court on your trial date listed above. Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case.
Judicial Council of California, SC-100, Page 1 of 5
Revised January 1, 2007, Mandatory Form ---- à
Code of Civil Procedure, §§ 116.110 et seq., Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER
to Go to Small Claims Court
(Small Claims) electronic form ã
2005-7
WWW.LawCA.co
m
Law PublishersSC-100
116.220(c), 116.340(g)
Case Number:
–––––
Plaintiff (list names): –––––
1 The Plaintiff (the person, business, or public entity that is suing) is:
Name: ––––– Phone: ( –––– ) –––––
Street address: –––––
Street City State Zip
Mailing address (if different): –––––
Street City State Zip
If more than one Plaintiff, list next Plaintiff here:
Name: ––––– Phone: ( –––– ) –––––
Street address: –––––
Street City State Zip
Mailing address (if different): –––––
Street City State Zip
Check here if more than 2 Plaintiffs and attach Form SC-100A.
Check here if either Plaintiff listed above is doing business under a fictitious name. If so, attach Form SC-103.
2 The Defendant (the person, business, or public entity being sued) is:
Name: ––––– Phone: ( –––– ) –––––
Street address: –––––
Street City State Zip
Mailing address (if different): –––––
Street City State Zip
If more than one Defendant, list next Defendant here:
Name: ––––– Phone: ( –––– ) –––––
Street address: –––––
Street City State Zip
Mailing address (if different): –––––
Street City State Zip
Check here if more than 2 Defendants and attach Form SC-100A.
Check here if any Defendant is on active military duty, and write his or her name here: ––––
3 The Plaintiff claims the Defendant owes $ ––––– . (Explain below):
a. Why does the Defendant owe the Plaintiff money? –––––
–––––
–––––
b. When did this happen? (Date): –––––
If no specific date, give the time period: Date started: ––––– Through: –––––
c. How did you calculate the money owed to you? (Do not include court costs or fees for service.) –––––
–––––
Check here if you need more space. Attach one sheet of paper or Form MC-031 and write “SC-100, Item 3”
at the top.
Revised January 1, 2007 Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER SC-100, Page 2 of 5
to Go to Small Claims
Court ---- à
(Small Claims)
Case Number:
–––––
Plaintiff (list names): –––––
4 You must ask the Defendant (in person, in writing, or by phone) to pay you before you
sue. Have you done this? Yes No
If no, explain why not: –––––
–––––
5 Why are you filing your claim at this courthouse?
This courthouse covers the area (check the one that applies):
a. (1) Where the Defendant lives or does business. (4) Where a contract (written or spoken) was made,
(2) Where the Plaintiff’s property was damaged. signed, performed, or broken by the Defendant or
(3) Where the Plaintiff was injured. where the Defendant lived or did business when
the Defendant made the contract.
b. Where the buyer or lessee signed the contract , lives now, or lived when the contract was made, if this claim
is about an offer or contract for personal, family, or household goods, services, or loans. (Code Civ. Proc.,
§ 395(b).)
c. Where the buyer signed the contract, lives now, or lived when the contract was made, if this claim is about
a retail installment contract (like a credit card). (Civil Code, § 1812.10.)
d. Where the buyer signed the contract, lives now, or lived when the contract was made, or where the vehicle
is permanently garaged, if this claim is about a vehicle finance sale. (Civil Code, § 2984.4.)
e. Other (specify): –––––
–––––
6 List the zip code of the place checked in 5 above (if you know): –––––
7 Is your claim about an attorney-client fee dispute? Yes No
If yes, and if you have had arbitration, fill out Form SC-101, attach it to this form, and check here:
8 Are you suing a public entity? Yes No
If yes, you must file a written claim with the entity first. A claim was filed on (date): –––––
If the public entity denies your claim or does not answer within the time allowed by law, you can file this form.
9 Have you filed more than 12 other small claims within the last 12 months in California?
Yes No If yes, the filing fee for this case will be higher.
10 I understand that by filing a claim in small claims court: I have no right to appeal this claim
11 I have not filed, and understand that I cannot file, more than two small claims cases for more than $2,500 in
California during this calendar year..
I declare, under penalty of perjury under California State law, that the information above is true and correct.
Date: ––––– –––––
Plaintiff types or prints name here Plaintiff signs here
Date: ––––– –––––
Second Plaintiff types or prints name here Second Plaintiff signs here
Requests for Accommodations
Assistive listening systems, computer-assisted, real-time captioning, or sign language interpreter services are available
if you ask at least 5 days before the trial. Contact the clerk’s office for Form MC-410, Request for Accommodations by
Persons With Disabilities and Order . (Civil Code, § 54.8.)
Revised January 1, 2007 Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER SC-100, Page 3 of 5
to Go to Small Claims Court ----
à
(Small Claims)
SC-100 Information for the Defendant (the person being sued)
“Small claims court” is a special court where claims Do I have options?
for $5,000 or less are decided. A “natural person” (not Yes. If you are being sued, you can:
a business or public entity) may claim up to $7,500. • Settle your case before the trial. If you and the
The process is quick and cheap. The rules are simple Plaintiff agree on how to settle the case, both of you
and informal. must notify the court. Ask the Small Claims Advisor
for help.
You are the Defendant—the person being sued. The • Prove this is the wrong court. Send a letter to the
person who is suing you is the Plaintiff. court before your trial, explaining why you think
this is the wrong court. Ask the court to dismiss the claim.
Do I need a lawyer? You must serve (give) a copy of your letter (by mail or
You may talk to a lawyer before or after the case. But you in person) to all parties. (Your letter to the court must
may not have a lawyer represent you in court (unless this say you have done this.)
is an appeal from a small claims case). • Go to the trial and try to win your case. Bring
witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case. To make sure the witnesses go to the
Trial ,fill out Form SC-107, and the clerk will
How do I get ready for court? subpoena (order) them to go.
You don’t have to file any papers before your trial, unless
you think this is the wrong court for your case. But bring Sue the person who is suing you. File Form
to your trial any witnesses, receipts, and any evidence that SC-120, Defendant’s Claim . There are strict
supports your case. And read “Get Ready for Court” at: • filing deadlines you must follow
www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims/getready.htm .
What if I need an accommodation? • Agree with the Plaintiff’s claim and pay the
If you have a disability or are hearing impaired, fill out money. Or, if you can’t pay the money now, go to
Form MC-410, Request for Accommodations . Give the your trial and say you want to make payments.
form to your court clerk or the ADA/Access Coordinator.
What if I don’t speak English well? • Let the case “default.” If you don’t settle and do
Ask the clerk if the court can give you an interpreter for not go to the trial (default), the judge may give the
free. If not, bring someone—like an adult relative or Plaintiff what he or she is asking for plus court costs.
friend—who can interpret for you in court. It is best if If this happens, the Plaintiff can legally take your
your interpreter is not a witness or listed in this case. Or money, wages, and property to pay the judgment.
ask the clerk for a list of interpreters. (Interpreters usually What if I need more time?
charge a fee.) You can change the trial date if:
• You cannot go to court on the scheduled date (you will
Where can I get the court forms I need? have to pay a fee to postpone the trial) or
Go to any courthouse or your county law library, or print • You did not get served (receive this order to go to
forms at: www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms court) at least 15 days before the trial (or 20 days if you
What happens at the trial? live outside the county) or
The judge will listen to both sides. The judge may make a • You need more time to get an interpreter. One
decision at your trial or mail the decision to you later. postponement is allowed, and you will not have to pay
What if I lose the case? a fee to delay the trial.
If you lose, you can appeal. You’ll have to pay a fee. Ask the Small Claims Clerk about the rules and fees for
(Plaintiffs cannot appeal their own claims.) postponing a trial. Or fill out Form SC-110 (or write a
• If you were at the trial, file Form SC-140, Notice of letter) and mail it to the court and to all other people listed
Appeal . You must file within 30 days after the on your court papers before the deadline. Enclose a check
judge’s decision. for your court fees, unless a fee waiver was granted.
SC-135, Notice of Motion to Vacate Judgment and Need help?
• If you were not at the trial, fill out and file Form Your county’s Small Claims Advisor can help for free.
Declaration, to ask the judge to cancel the judgment
(decision). If the judge does not give you a new
trial, you have 10 days to appeal the decision.
File Form SC-140.
For more information on appeals, see: Or go to “County-Specific Court Information” at:
www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims/appeal.htm www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims
Revised January 1, 2007 Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court SC-100, Page 4 of 5
(Small Claims) ---- à
SC-100 Información para el demandado (la persona demandada)
La “Corte de reclamos menores” es una corte especial ¿Tengo otras opciones?
donde se deciden casos por $5,000 ó menos. Una "persona Sí. Si lo están demandando, puede:
natural" (que no sea un negocio ni una entidad pública) • Resolver su caso antes del juicio. Si usted y el
puede reclamar hasta $7,500. El proceso es rápido y barato. Demandante se ponen de acuerdo en resolver el caso,
Las reglas son sencillas e informales. ambos tienen que notificar a la corte. Pídale al Asesor de
Usted es el Demandado — la persona que se está Reclamos Menores que lo ayude.
demandando. La persona que lo está demandando es el • Probar que es la corte equivocada. Envíe una carta a la
Demandante. corte antes del juicio explicando por qué cree que es la
¿Necesito un abogado? corte equivocada. Pídale a la corte que despida el
Puede hablar con un abogado antes o después del caso. reclamo. Tiene que entregar (dar) una copia de su carta
Pero no puede tener a un abogado que lo represente ante (por correo o en persona) a todas las partes. (Su carta a la
la corte (a menos que se trate de una apelación de un caso corte tiene que decir que hizo la entrega.)
de reclamos menores). • Ir al juicio y tratar de ganar el caso. Lleve testigos,
¿Cómo me preparo para ir a la corte? recibos y cualquier prueba que necesite para probar su
No tiene que presentar ningunos papeles antes del juicio, a caso. Para asegurarse que los testigos vayan al juicio,
menos que piense que ésta es la corte equivocada para su llene el formulario SC-107, y el secretario emitirá una orden
caso. Pero lleve al juicio cualquier testigos, recibos, y de comparecencia ordenándoles que se presenten.
cualquier pruebas que apoyan su caso. Y lea “ Prepárese
para la corte” en: • Demandar a la persona que lo demandó. Presente el
www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/espanol/reclamosmenores/pr formulario SC-120, Reclamo del demandado . Hay fechas
epararse.htm límite estrictas que debe seguir.
¿Qué hago si necesito una adaptación? • Aceptar el reclamo del Demandante y pagar el dinero.
Si tiene una discapacidad o tiene impedimentos de O, si no puede pagar en ese momento, vaya al juicio y
audición, llene el formulario MC-410, Request for diga que quiere hacer los pagos.
Accomodations . Entregue el formulario al secretario de la • No ir al juicio y aceptar el fallo por falta de
corte o al Coordinador de Acceso/ADA de su corte. comparecencia. Si no llega a un acuerdo con el
żQué pasa si no hablo bien inglés? Demandante y no va al juicio (fallo por falta de
Pregúntele al secretario si la corte le puede dar un comparecencia), el juez le puede otorgar al Demandante
intérprete sin costo. Si no, lleve consigo a alguien– ya sea lo que está reclamando más los costos de la corte. En ese
un pariente adulto o amigo– que pueda servirle de caso, el Demandante legalmente puede tomar su dinero,
intérprete en la corte. O pide del secretario una lista de su sueldo o sus bienes para cobrar el fallo.
intérpretes. Es mejor que su intérprete no sea un testigo ni ¿Qué hago si necesito más tiempo?
una persona que figure en este caso. (Los intérpretes en
general cobran un honorario.) Puede cambiar la fecha del juicio si:
¿Dónde puedo obtener los formularios de la corte • No puede ir a la corte en la fecha programada (tendrá que pagar
que necesito? una cuota para aplazar el juicio) o
Vaya a cualquier edificio de la corte, la biblioteca legal de • No le entregaron los documentos legalmente (no recibió la
su condado o imprima los formularios en: orden para ir a la corte) por lo menos 15 días antes del juicio
www.courtinfo.ca.gov/forms (ó 20 días si vive fuera del condado) o
¿Qué pasa en el juicio? • Necesita más tiempo para conseguir intérprete. (Se permite un
El juez escuchará a ambas partes. El juez puede tomar solo aplazamiento sin tener que pagar cuota para aplazar el
su decisión durante la audiencia o enviársela por correo juicio).
después. Pregúntele al secretario de reclamos menores sobre las
¿Qué pasa si pierdo el caso? reglas y las cuotas para aplazar un juicio. O llene el
Si pierde, puede apelar. Tendrá que pagar una cuota. (El formulario SC-110 (o escriba una carta) y envíelo antes del
Demandante no puede apelar su propio reclamo.) plazo a la corte y a todas las otras personas que figuran
en sus papeles de la corte. Adjunte un cheque para pagar
los costos de la corte, a menos que le hayan dado una
exención.
• Si estuvo presente en el juicio, llene el formulario SC-140,
Aviso de apelación . Tiene que presentarlo dentro de 30 días ¿Necesita ayuda? El Asesor de Reclamos
depués de la decisión del juez. Menores de su condado le puede ayudar sin cargo.
• Si no estuvo en el juicio, llene y presente el formulario
SC-135, Aviso de petición para anular el fallo y
Declaración para pedirle al juez que anule el fallo
(decisión). Si la corte no le otorga un nuevo juicio, tiene 10
días para apelar la decisión. Presente el formulario SC-140.
Para obtener más información sobre las apelaciones, vea:
www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/espanol/reclamosmenores/ O vea “Información por condado” en:
apelar.htm www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/espanol/reclamosmenores
Revised January 1, 2007 Reclamo del Demandante y ORDEN SC-100, Page 5 of 5
Para Ir a la Corte de Reclamos Menores
(Reclamos
Menores)
