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.
Steps to an Alameda County Small Claims Lawsuit Demand payment from the other party before suing. Prepare the lawsuit using Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court. File the lawsuit with the court. Serve the lawsuit on the party you sued. File the Proof of Service. Prepare your evidence.
In many cases, filing in small claims court is the fastest and easiest way for people to legally settle their disputes. The person suing is the plaintiff, and the person being sued is the defendant. A person cannot sue for more than $12,500 in most cases. A business or public entity cannot sue for more than $6,250.
A form called “SC-100” must be completed by you to start a Small Claims case. Once the SC-100 form is filled out, take it to the correct courthouse to file it with the court clerk.