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Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.

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If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.

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If you've been married less than five years and have no children, you may qualify for a simpler way to get divorced (summary dissolution).
Starting July 1, 2025, California courts will be required to provide ongoing notice of CARE Act proceedings to original petitioners (SB 42). In continuing the council's commitment to access to justice, AB 170 will extend remote proceedings in juvenile and civil cases.
Key Points to Remember About the 5-Year Rule: Failure to bring the case to trial within 5 years can result in dismissal. This rule applies to various civil cases, including real estate and personal injury matters. There are some exceptions, but they're complex and require expert legal guidance.
Statute of Limitations In general, California's statute of limitations to bring a defamation lawsuit is one year after the untrue statement was first published or spoken. The clock does not restart every time the same statement is subsequently published (such as through a retweet).
Code of Civil Procedure Section 583.310 mandates automatic dismissal of any case that has not been “brought to trial” within 5 years of filing. This section does not require that a case reach “judgment” within five years, but only that trial commence within the statutory period.
If you are: a person (this includes sole-proprietors) you may claim up to $12,500; if you are a Corporation, limited liability company or partnership, you may claim up to $6,250.
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.
Generally, you can only sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court (or up to $6,250 if you're a business). You can ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you can't have one with you in court. Starting November 1, 2021, you can sue or be sued for COVID-19 rental debt in small claims.
Where to file by City, ZIP code CityZIP Code(s)Your courthouse is Hilltop Mall 94806 George D. Carroll Courthouse, Richmond Knightsen 94548 Richard E. Arnason Justice Center, Pittsburg Lafayette 94549 Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, Martinez Martinez 94553 Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, Martinez32 more rows
A: In California, Small Claims Courts generally handle disputes involving monetary claims up to a certain limit. They are not typically equipped to handle complex cases involving defamation, racial discrimination, harassment, or emotional distress.