More Small Claims Resources
Have a question about Small Claims? Chat with us.
Look for a “Questions? Chat Now” button in the right bottom corner of your screen. If you don’t see it, disable any pop-up/ad blockers on your browser.
Information and pamphlets about small claims court
This web page created by the San Mateo County small claims legal advisor provides information and pamphlets that can help you with your small claims case.
California Bureau of Automotive Repair
Website of the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), a part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Small Claims Court Guide
This DCA guide gives you detailed information to help you understand the small claims court process.
The DCA website also has publications to help you in these areas:
Accounting
Automobiles
Bankruptcy
Barbering and Cosmetology
Cemetery/Funeral
Construction and Home Improvement
Contracts
Credit
Dental
Electronic and Appliance Repair
Engineering/Geology
General
Health
Hearing/Speech
Hiring State-Licensed Individuals and Businesses
Home Furnishings
Identity Theft
Landlord
Medical Board
Natural Disasters
Pest Control
Pharmacy
Physician Assistant
Podiatric Medicine
Privacy
Psychotherapy
Retail Sales and Business Advertising
Rental Property
Returns, Refunds, and Warranties
Sales
Security
Small Claims Court
Smog
Telemarketing-Basic Facts about Telemarketing
Tenants
Veterinary Medical Board
California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
This site offers help with wage disputes, discrimination complaints, enforcement of California's labor laws and Industrial Welfare Commission orders, and more.
California Department of Insurance (CDI)
The CDI site is designed to help consumers, aid in the licensing of insurance agents or brokers, and provide information on the laws that regulate the insurance industry.
California State Sheriff's Association
This website can help you find your county's sheriff.
Contractors State License Board (CSLB) - Filing Construction Complaints
The CSLB may be able to help you if you have a complaint against a licensed contractor.
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
The DMV can help you file a complaint against a car dealer.
District Attorney
The district attorney's office in your county may be able to help you with consumer problems. This statewide roster of district attorneys is posed by the California District Attorneys Association.
How Do I Use the Small Claims Court?
A State Bar of California pamphlet.
LawHelpCalifornia: Small Claims Court
Links to information on using small claims court, frequently asked questions, small claims forms and more. (Select your county or enter your zip code for information specific to the area that you live in.)
Local legal services offices for seniors in California
Directory of legal services offices for people 60 and over. Posted by the Northern California Senior Legal Hotline.
Small Claims Court: A Guide to Its Practical Use
Guide prepared by the California Department of Consumer Affairs.
See also on this Online Self-Help Center:
Eviction and Housing
This section of the Online Self-Help Center has information on: eviction, rental deposits, housing discrimination, and free and low-cost legal help in landlord/tenant matters.
Resolve Your Dispute Out of Court
This section of this Online Self-Help Center can teach you about mediators and other ways to solve a problem without having to go in front of a judge.