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PUBLIC NOTICE Reduced Hours of Operation – Clerk’s Offices

From December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026, The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara, will reduce phone hours and the public access operating hours of the Clerk’s Offices. For more information, click here.

Notice:

The court is aware of fraudulent messages and scams being sent to the public. For more information please click here.

Small Claims Self-Help

Small Claims

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

Click here for more information to help you:

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

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