Small Claims

Small Claims Clinic Summer Update

Please note that our monthly Small Claims Clinic will NOT be held in June or July 2026.

No Small Claims Clinics: June & July 2026
Regular Schedule Resumes: Thursday, August 13, 2026

San Joaquin County Bar Association Dispute Resolution Services is here to support individuals involved in Small Claims matters in San Joaquin County. While we cannot provide legal advice, we can answer basic questions, such as how to file a case and which forms to use. For more information or to reserve a spot at our monthly Small Claims Clinic held at the Troke Library, call (209) 473-6463 or email us at smallclaims@sjcbar.org.

How to File a Claim

1. Send a Demand

Before filing a claim, you must ask the other party (the defendant) for the money. This is called a “demand” and it can be done either in writing or orally.

2. Start Your Case

A form called “SC-100” must be completed by you to start a Small Claims case. Once the SC-100 form is filled out, take it to the correct courthouse to file it with the court clerk. When it is filed, the court clerk gives you a hearing date; that is the day when you and the other party will appear before the judge to have your case decided. Before the hearing date you must have the defendant "served", which means you must properly notify the other party that they are being sued in Small Claims court and include the date of the hearing. Once they have been served, you will get a “Proof of Service” form.

3. Service of Process

A copy of the claim must be served to each defendant.

Personal Service: This is when any person who is over the age of 18 and not an involved party to the case gives the other party a copy of the filed claim, including information about the date, time, and location of the court hearing. The person who does the Personal Service must fill out the Proof of Service form, called “SC-104.”
The Sheriff’s Office: The Sheriff’s Office can also serve the papers for you and provide a Proof of Service form SC-104; there is a cost for this service.
Certified Mail: The Small Claims clerk can serve the papers by certified mail (only the Small Claims clerk can serve by certified mail). The service is completed once the receipt is signed by the defendant and returned.

4. Prepare and Present Your Case

Prepare copies of all evidence you will be presenting the day of your hearing. You will need at least three (3) copies: one for you, one for the court, and one for each person (defendant) you are suing for the same case.

Stay organized, make a list of key points, and tell the judge the relevant facts. Be polite and answer the judge’s questions. Do not interrupt others when they are speaking.