How to File Small Claims in Los Angeles
SC-100
Main Form Required
38
Courthouse Options
20-70
Days to Court Date
Skip the Complexity - File Online in 5 Minutes
Filing in LA County means choosing from 38 courthouses, completing California form SC-100 correctly, and arranging proper service. Let PettyLawsuit handle everything for just $29 total.
Step-by-Step Filing Guide for Los Angeles
Follow these steps to file your small claims case in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Each step includes specific requirements and helpful tips.
Determine Your Claim Amount
Calculate the exact amount owed including damages
- Maximum $10,000 for individuals
- Maximum $5,000 for businesses
- Include all damages and costs
- Can't exceed $2,500 more than twice per year
- Consider interest if applicable
Complete Form SC-100
Fill out the Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court
- Use defendant's legal name (check business records)
- Be specific about what happened
- Include dates and amounts
- Attach continuation sheet if needed
- Sign under penalty of perjury
Choose the Right Courthouse
Select from 38 LA County courthouse locations
- Must file where defendant lives or does business
- Where the injury/damage occurred
- Where contract was signed/performed
- Stanley Mosk for downtown LA
- Use court locator or let PettyLawsuit choose
File Your Claim
Submit forms and pay fees at the courthouse
- Bring original + 2 copies
- Filing fee: $30-$75 based on amount
- Cash, check, or credit card accepted
- Get stamped copies back
- Court date assigned (20-70 days out)
Serve the Defendant
Legally notify the defendant of the lawsuit
- Must serve 5+ days before hearing
- Cannot serve papers yourself
- Sheriff service: $40 per attempt
- Certified mail: $15-20 (if allowed)
- Process server: $75-150
- File proof of service (SC-104)
Prepare for Court
Organize evidence and practice your presentation
- Organize all documents chronologically
- Bring 3 copies of everything
- Prepare 5-minute summary
- Bring witnesses if needed
- Dress professionally
- Arrive 30 minutes early
Section 1: The Plaintiff (You)
- • Full legal name and address
- • Phone number and email (optional but recommended)
- • If business, include DBA name
Section 2: The Defendant
- • Exact legal name (verify business names with CA Secretary of State)
- • Current address for service
- • Additional defendants use Form SC-100A
Section 3: Amount of Claim
- • Exact amount owed (up to $10,000)
- • Include all damages but not court costs
- • Interest calculation if applicable
Section 4: Why You're Suing
- • Brief, clear description of what happened
- • Include relevant dates
- • Reference contracts or agreements
- • Use attachment if more space needed
Pro Tip: Mistakes on SC-100 can delay your case or cause dismissal. PettyLawsuit auto-generates error-free forms based on your information - file correctly the first time for just $29.
Choosing the Right LA County Courthouse
With 38 courthouse locations, selecting the correct venue is critical. You must file where the defendant lives, does business, or where the incident occurred.
Stanley Mosk
Downtown LA
111 N Hill St
Santa Monica
West LA
1725 Main St
Van Nuys East
San Fernando Valley
6230 Sylmar Ave
Long Beach
South Bay
275 Magnolia Ave
Norwalk
Southeast LA
12720 Norwalk Blvd
Pasadena
San Gabriel Valley
300 E Walnut St
Pomona
East LA County
400 Civic Center Plaza
Torrance
South Bay
825 Maple Ave
Wrong Courthouse = Case Dismissed
Filing at the wrong courthouse can result in dismissal and loss of filing fees. The court won't transfer your case - you'll have to start over.
Service of Process Requirements
Los Angeles Service Rules
- Must serve at least 5 days before court date (15 days if out of county)
- You cannot serve the papers yourself
- Server must be 18+ and not involved in the case
- Proof of service (SC-104) must be filed with court
Service Methods & Costs
Personal Service
- • Sheriff: $40 per attempt
- • Process server: $75-$150
- • Most reliable method
Substituted Service
- • Leave with adult at home/work
- • Must also mail copy
- • More time required
Certified Mail
- • Cost: $15-$20
- • Only if defendant signs
- • Not allowed for businesses
Service by Publication
- • Last resort: $300-$600
- • Requires court permission
- • Publish in newspaper
What to Bring to Small Claims Court
- Filed claim form (SC-100)
- Proof of service (SC-104)
- All contracts or agreements
- Receipts and invoices
- Photos of damage
- Written estimates for repairs
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Dress professionally
- Bring 3 copies of everything
- Organize documents chronologically
- Prepare 5-minute summary
- Bring witnesses if needed
Online Filing vs. In-Person Filing
- Drive to 1 of 38 courthouses
- Wait in line 30-90 minutes
- Complete forms by hand
- Risk choosing wrong courthouse
- Arrange service separately
- Total time: 3-4 hours
- Total cost: $70-$125+
- File from anywhere online
- No waiting - instant filing
- Forms auto-generated
- Correct courthouse selected
- Service included
- Total time: 5 minutes
- Total cost: $29
Ready to File Your Small Claims Case?
Don't waste hours at the courthouse. File your Los Angeles small claims case online in 5 minutes. We handle all forms, select the right courthouse, and arrange service.
Claims up to $10,000
All 38 LA Courthouses
Just $29 Total
More Los Angeles Court Resources
Frequently asked questions
How do I file small claims court in Los Angeles?
To file small claims in Los Angeles: 1) Complete Form SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim), 2) Choose the correct courthouse based on defendant's location, 3) File at one of 38 LA County courthouse locations, 4) Pay filing fee ($30-$75), 5) Serve the defendant within 5 days before the hearing.
Which LA County courthouse should I file at?
You must file at the courthouse serving the area where the defendant lives or does business. With 38 locations in LA County, finding the right one can be complex. Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown handles central LA cases. PettyLawsuit automatically selects the correct courthouse for you.
What form do I need for small claims in Los Angeles?
The main form is SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court). You'll also need SC-104 if suing multiple defendants, and may need SC-112A for service. PettyLawsuit auto-generates all required California forms.
Can I file small claims online in Los Angeles?
Yes, you can file small claims online in Los Angeles through services like PettyLawsuit. Online filing saves time, ensures correct courthouse selection, and handles all forms automatically. The court accepts electronically prepared documents.