Welcome to the Small Claims Advisory Program

Click here for the form to start a small claims case

Click here to print or e-file your claim online

We provide free assistance to Orange County Small Claims litigants.  Small Claims Advisors are available to explain Small Claims rules and procedures.  Call an advisor today at: 714-571-5277.

Small Claims Advisors cannot act as your attorney and are not meant to replace the advice of an attorney. 

If you would like the advice of an attorney, contact the Lawyer Referral Service at: 714-571-5204 or CLICK HERE!  to learn more.

In our Small Claims Workshops  we use video and live presentation to explain the Small Claims Court rules and procedures to help you with your case.  Call the Small Claims Advisory Program at: 714-571-5277.

MORE SMALL CLAIMS INFORMATION

The Small Claims Court is designed to hear disputes valued at $10,000.00 or less. The parties represent themselves; they generally cannot have an attorney represent them. It is meant to go faster than a lawsuit in Superior Court, and some rules of evidence are relaxed.

Many disputes are heard within two months of filing the claim, and the hearing itself often lasts only fifteen minutes. The judge may announce his/her decision right there or mail it within a few days.

Some statutes governing Small Claims Court can be found in the Small Claims Act at Code of Civil Procedure Section 116.120 through 116.950. Online search: Search CA LAW You may also visit your local library to find these codes.