Small Claims Court Forms and Paperwork
Every small claims case requires specific court forms. The exact form names and numbers vary by state. This guide covers what you need, where to get them, and how to fill them out correctly.
What Forms Do You Need for Small Claims Court?
At minimum, you need a Statement of Claim (also called a Complaint or Plaintiff's Claim) and a Proof of Service form. Most states also require a civil cover sheet. California uses form SC-100, New York uses CIV-SC-50, and Texas forms vary by county.
Essential Small Claims Court Forms
- Statement of Claim / Plaintiff's Claim - The main form that starts your case. Includes your name, the defendant's name, the amount you are suing for, and a brief description of your dispute.
- Proof of Service - Confirms the defendant was officially notified of the lawsuit. Required before your hearing can proceed.
- Civil Cover Sheet - Administrative form required by many courts. Categorizes your case type.
- Subpoena - Optional. Forces a witness or the defendant to appear in court or produce documents.
- Request for Postponement / Continuance - Used to reschedule your hearing date if needed.
- Judgment Form - Filled out by the court after your hearing. Records the judge's decision.
Small Claims Court Forms by State
Every state has its own forms with different names and numbers. Here are the primary filing forms for common states:
| State | Primary Form | Form Name |
|---|---|---|
| California | SC-100 | Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court |
| New York | CIV-SC-50 | Statement of Claim |
| Texas | Varies by county | Petition / Statement of Claim |
| Florida | Form 7.010 | Statement of Claim |
| Illinois | SC-001 | Small Claims Complaint |
| Pennsylvania | MDJS 305 | Civil Complaint |
How to Fill Out Small Claims Forms
- Get the defendant's full legal name. For individuals, use their legal name. For businesses, use the registered business name (check your state's business registry).
- Describe your claim clearly. State what happened, when it happened, and how much you are owed. Be specific with dates and dollar amounts.
- Calculate your damages. Include the original amount, interest, and any out-of-pocket costs. Stay within your state's small claims limit.
- Choose the correct court. File in the county where the defendant lives or where the incident occurred.
- Sign and date the form. Some states require notarization.
- Make copies. You need at least three: one for the court, one for you, and one for the defendant.
Common Form Mistakes That Get Cases Rejected
- Wrong defendant name. Using a nickname or trade name instead of the legal business name.
- Wrong court location. Filing in your county instead of the defendant's county.
- Exceeding the limit. Suing for more than your state's maximum small claims amount.
- Missing signatures. Forgetting to sign, date, or have forms notarized where required.
- Vague claim description. Not specifying dates, amounts, or what the defendant did wrong.
- Wrong form version. Using an outdated version of the form. Always download from the court website.
Where to Get Court Forms
- Court website - Most state courts have downloadable PDF forms online. Free.
- Courthouse clerk's office - Pick up physical forms at the courthouse. Free.
- Legal aid offices - Non-profits that help with court paperwork. Free or low-cost.
- PettyLawsuit - Auto-fills the correct forms for your state for $29. Includes demand letter, business lookup, and filing instructions.
PettyLawsuit auto-fills the correct small claims court forms for your state. Start your case for $29.