California Small Claims Guides

Empty courtroom-style table and chair in hard window light, the scene when a defendant fails to appear and a default

California Small Claims Default Judgment: When ...

Lelia Fackler

Roughly 30 to 40% of California small claims defendants do not show up to their hearing. If yours does not, you would think you automatically win. California has rules. They...

California Small Claims Default Judgment: When ...

Lelia Fackler

Roughly 30 to 40% of California small claims defendants do not show up to their hearing. If yours does not, you would think you automatically win. California has rules. They...

Orange County California coastline representing OC small claims court guide

Orange County Small Claims Court: What You Shou...

Lelia Fackler

If you live in Orange County and someone owes you money, your case probably belongs in small claims court. The OC system has a wrinkle that catches new filers off...

Orange County Small Claims Court: What You Shou...

Lelia Fackler

If you live in Orange County and someone owes you money, your case probably belongs in small claims court. The OC system has a wrinkle that catches new filers off...

Two lattes, a slice of cake, and a water carafe on a cafe table, illustrating shared expenses between roommates

Common Roommate Disputes in California Small Cl...

Lelia Fackler

Suing a roommate is awful. Skipping it because it feels awkward is worse. California small claims court was built for exactly this kind of dispute: people who lived together, money...

Common Roommate Disputes in California Small Cl...

Lelia Fackler

Suing a roommate is awful. Skipping it because it feels awkward is worse. California small claims court was built for exactly this kind of dispute: people who lived together, money...

Forked dirt trail in a forest with a wooden signpost, illustrating the choice between small claims and civil court

California Small Claims vs Civil Court: Which O...

Lelia Fackler

Someone owes you money in California. Should you file in small claims court or civil court? The dollar limit is the obvious starting point, but it is not the whole...

California Small Claims vs Civil Court: Which O...

Lelia Fackler

Someone owes you money in California. Should you file in small claims court or civil court? The dollar limit is the obvious starting point, but it is not the whole...

San Diego California waterfront representing SD County small claims court guide

Filing Small Claims in San Diego County: What Y...

Lelia Fackler

If you live in San Diego County and someone owes you money, your case probably belongs in small claims court. SD has one wrinkle that catches new filers off guard:...

Filing Small Claims in San Diego County: What Y...

Lelia Fackler

If you live in San Diego County and someone owes you money, your case probably belongs in small claims court. SD has one wrinkle that catches new filers off guard:...

Day-of checklist of 8 paperwork and comfort items to bring to a California small claims court hearing

What to Bring to Your California Small Claims H...

Lelia Fackler

It is the night before your California small claims hearing. You have the date on the calendar. You have your story straight in your head. The question keeping you up:...

What to Bring to Your California Small Claims H...

Lelia Fackler

It is the night before your California small claims hearing. You have the date on the calendar. You have your story straight in your head. The question keeping you up:...