Guide to California Small Claims Forms

While California has tried to simplify the forms used in Small Claims Court, selecting all the correct forms for your case can be difficult. In this article, we have compiled a list of some frequently used forms in California Small Claims Court.

Did you know that People Clerk can help you navigate California small claims? Start Lawsuit.

Forms to Start the Lawsuit

I am the one suing:

Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100)

• This form starts the California Small Claims Court lawsuit process.

• It is also known as the "complaint" or "claim."

• This is the first document you need to file if you are suing someone.

• Once you complete this form, you are ready to file your small claims lawsuit.

Proof of Service (Small Claims) (SC-104)

• Once the defendant has been served with the Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100), you will need to file proof that the Defendant has been served. This form is called "Proof of Service."

I have been sued:

Defendant's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-120)

• Someone sued you, now what?

• You can sue someone who has sued you in the same case. This is called a countersuit.

Proof of Service (Small Claims) (SC-104)

• Once you have served the person who sued you with Defendant’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-120), then you need to file proof that you served the person who sued you. This form is called "Proof of Service."

Forms After the Lawsuit is Filed

Change Trial Date.

• Request to Postpone Trial (SC-150)

• Use this form if you need to change your small claims court trial date.

• Once you file this form with the Small Claims Court, you need to serve the other party.

• You can serve the Request to Postpone Trial (SC-150) in person or by mail (by mail is easier and cheaper).

• Then file Proof of Service” (SC-104) if served in person or Proof of Service by Mail (SC-112A) if served by mail.

Go to court on behalf of a business or individual.

• Authorization to Appear (SC-109).

• If the lawsuit is filed on behalf of a business, this form needs to be filed.  

Get witnesses subpoenaed for trial.

• Small Claims Subpoena (SC-107).

• Use this form when you need the court's help in ordering someone to go to court for your small claims hearing.

Get documents subpoenaed for trial.

• Small Claims Subpoena (SC-107).

• Use this form when you need the court's help in ordering someone to provide documents.

End the lawsuit.

• Request for Dismissal (CIV-110).

• No longer want to sue? Ask the Court to Dismiss Your Case.

• Read more about dismissing your Small Claims Court case.

For a full list of the forms, check out the California Courts website. There also may be a court specific form for your local court. Check your local small claims court website to learn more.  

Summary of the main forms for California small claims lawsuits:

• SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court

• SC-100A Other Plaintiff's or Defendants

• SC-103 Fictitious Business Name

• SC-104 Proof of Service

• SC-105 Request for Court Order and Answer

• SC-105A Order on Request for Court Order

• SC-109 Authorization to Appear

• SC-120 Defendant's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court

• MC-031 Declaration

• FW-001 Request to Waive Court Fees

• FW-003 Order on Court Fee Waiver

Did you know that People Clerk can help you navigate California small claims? Start Lawsuit.