Small claims court is a special court where disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively. In small claims court, the rules are simplified and the hearing is informal. Attorneys are generally not allowed.
However, the actual success rate in small claims cases can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case. For example, plaintiffs are more likely to win in cases involving consumer disputes, such as breach of contract or fraud. They are less likely to win in cases involving personal injury or property damage.
You start your case by filling out an SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim form and filing it with the court clerk. Be sure you name the Defendant correctly or you may not be able to collect your judgment.
Small claims court is a special court where disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively. In small claims court, the rules are simplified and the hearing is informal. Attorneys are generally not allowed.
8 Tips on How to Win in California Small Claims Tip 1: Do you have a good case? Tip 2: Have you filed your lawsuit in time? Tip 3: Are you suing the right person? Tip 4: Does anyone else need to be suing with you? Tip 5: Are you suing in the right court? Tip 6: Have you notified the person you sued about the lawsuit?
You must fill out an Answer, serve the plaintiff, and file your Answer form with the court. Generally, this is due within 30 days after you were served. If you don't, the plaintiff can ask for a default. If there's a default, the court won't let you file an Answer and can decide the case without you.
(a) The summons and complaint shall be served upon a defendant within three years after the action is commenced against the defendant. For the purpose of this subdivision, an action is commenced at the time the complaint is filed.
After the defendant is served, they usually have 30 days to respond. This means filing a response in court. Depending on how (and if) they respond, you have some options for the next steps.
The County of San Diego Claims and Investigation Division accepts claims by email, U.S. mail, and in-person. Please complete and sign Claim Form CD-1 and email it with supporting documentation to: COSD.Claims@sdcounty.ca.