Small Claims Self-Help

Small claims court is a special court where:

• Disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively.
• The rules are simple and informal.
• You are not allowed to have a lawyer represent you, except in an appeal (but you can ask a lawyer for advice).
• The person who sues is the plaintiff.
• The person who is sued is the defendant.

Self-Help Guide to Small Claims in California

Find the Self-Help Guide for more information to help you:

• Start a small claims case
• Respond if you're sued in small claims court
• Why mediate in small claims?
• Mediation services for Santa Barbara County
• Take steps to collect if you won or pay or appeal if you lost and owe money
• Find resources to help

Or go to the Small Claims page on this site for more information.