California Small Claims Court Forms SC-100

Overview

The Judicial Council form SC-100, titled Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, is the primary document used to start a small claims action in California. It tells the court who is suing, who is being sued, the factual basis for the claim, and the exact amount requested. Because small claims is designed to be accessible and informal, SC-100 is written in plain language and includes only the information the court needs to schedule a hearing and notify the defendant. The SC-100 form must be completed accurately — especially party names, addresses, the amount claimed, and a succinct statement of facts — because errors often lead to service problems, continuances, or dismissal. The Judicial Council publishes SC-100 and an accompanying information sheet (SC-100-INFO) that explains eligibility, filing rules, and basic courtroom expectations; courts.ca.gov also provides form packets, filing instructions, and county-specific guidance. If you cannot afford filing fees you may include a fee-waiver request (FW-001) when you file. SC-100 is complemented by other small-claims forms (SC-100A for additional parties, SC-120 for Defendant’s Claim, SC-103 for fictitious business names, and enforcement forms after judgment). Using the official Judicial Council forms and the California Courts self-help pages reduces the risk of procedural errors and helps ensure your case proceeds on schedule.

Who typically benefits and who can apply (including on behalf of someone else)

SC-100 and the small claims process are aimed at individuals and certain businesses who seek to recover relatively small monetary sums without full formal civil litigation. Typical claimants include consumers, renters seeking return of security deposits, individuals owed money on personal loans, people seeking compensation for property damage, and small-business owners (subject to entity limits). A natural person may sue up to the individual small claims limit; some types of business entities have different limits and special rules. Parents, guardians, or conservators can file on behalf of minors or conservatees where permitted; an authorized agent may file when properly designated. The SC-100-INFO information sheet explains who may file and the special rules on assignments of claims (assigned claims often cannot be filed in small claims). Always consult SC-100-INFO and county self-help resources before filing to confirm eligibility and representation limits.

Benefits of using SC-100 / small claims forms

• Simplicity: SC-100 captures only essential facts so filing is straightforward for non-lawyers.
• Standardization: Judicial Council forms are mandatory statewide which reduces local variation and mistake risk.
• Self-help resources: the California Courts website provides downloadable forms, instructions, and form packets.
• Integrated process: related forms (SC-100A, SC-120, FW-001) and instructions are linked to the main SC-100 to guide filing, service, and fee-waiver requests.

Detailed step-wise coverage of using SC-100 and related forms (10 steps)

Step 1 — Confirm the claim belongs in small claims and that SC-100 is the right form

Before filling SC-100, verify your dispute fits small claims jurisdictional rules (monetary limits, case type). Use the California Courts “Start a small claims case” guidance and SC-100-INFO to confirm limits and excluded matters. If the claim is assigned to you (purchased from the original creditor), SC-100-INFO explains assignment restrictions. If a government agency is the defendant, special pre-filing requirements may apply and SC-100 alone may not be sufficient. Deciding this first avoids wasted filing fees and delays.

Step 2 — Gather the facts and documents you will put on SC-100

SC-100 requires a concise statement of the facts: who did what, when, and where, and the amount requested. Before writing, collect key documents (contracts, receipts, invoices, photos, correspondence) and prepare a short chronology. The SC-100 has limited space — use attachments (SC-100A or a separate page) for additional parties or extended factual detail. Keep originals; attach clear copies when filing and bring originals to your hearing. Preparing your evidence before completing SC-100 makes the form accurate and persuasive.

Step 3 — Download and use the current official SC-100 and SC-100-INFO

Always use the Judicial Council’s most recent SC-100 PDF (the official version available on courts.ca.gov) and the companion SC-100-INFO. The Judicial Council regularly updates form versions and revision dates are printed on the forms; using an outdated version can cause filing rejection. Get forms from the California Courts forms page or the self-help small claims forms index, which also links to SC-100A and other helpful attachments. If you need Spanish or other language help, SC-100-INFO is available in Spanish.

Step 4 — Fill out SC-100 carefully: names, amounts, and the short statement of facts

Complete SC-100 in legible print or type. Key tips:

• Use the defendant’s exact legal name (for businesses check the Secretary of State or county records). An incorrect name can void service or hamper enforcement.
• State the exact monetary amount requested; list itemized damages if helpful and include court costs only if allowed.
• Write a short, factual statement in plain language describing what happened and why the defendant owes money.
• If there are multiple defendants or plaintiffs, attach SC-100A to list them.
• If the dispute involves a business operating under a fictitious business name, include form SC-103 where required.

Accuracy here matters because SC-100 sets the case in motion — clerks use it to schedule the hearing and prepare notices.

Step 5 — Decide whether to ask for a fee waiver (FW-001) and complete it if needed

If you cannot afford the filing fee, include the Judicial Council fee-waiver form (FW-001) with your SC-100 when you file. The California Courts site explains eligibility and links FW-001 and FW-003 (Order on Court Fee Waiver). The fee-waiver is confidential; the court evaluates your income, public benefits, and expenses. Filing FW-001 early avoids later fee collection holds and allows the court to process your claim without payment delays.

Step 6 — Make copies and file SC-100 with the proper superior court clerk

Before filing, make at least three copies: one for the court (to be stamped), one to serve the defendant, and one for your records. File SC-100 at the superior court that has venue (usually where the defendant lives, where the contract was made, or where the harm occurred). Many courts permit in-person, mail-in, or electronic filing — check your county’s small claims page for options and any local requirements. The clerk will stamp your copy, set a hearing date, and return copies for service. Filing also triggers deadlines for service and proof of service.

Step 7 — Serve SC-100 correctly and file proof of service

After filing, arrange service of SC-100 and the notice of hearing on the defendant by an appropriate method (personal service by a non-party adult, substituted service, or other court-approved techniques). The person who serves must complete the Proof of Service and you must file it before the hearing. Different defendant types (individual, corporation, government entity) may require specific service methods; follow the Judicial Council and county instructions carefully to avoid default being set aside.

Step 8 — Use supporting forms when relevant (SC-100A, SC-103, SC-120, enforcement forms)

SC-100 is often used with other forms:

• SC-100A — additional plaintiffs/defendants attachment.
• SC-103 — Fictitious Business Name attachment (when suing a DBA).
• SC-120 — Defendant’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (if the defendant wants to sue you back).
• Post-judgment forms — writs of execution, wage garnishment forms, and other enforcement forms available on courts.ca.gov.

Knowing which attachments apply prevents delays and ensures the court and parties have complete information.

Step 9 — Prepare for the hearing using the information on SC-100-INFO and county self-help pages

SC-100-INFO provides practical tips on courtroom conduct, presenting evidence, and what to expect at the hearing. Bring originals of exhibits you listed or relied upon when filling SC-100, an organized exhibit list, and multiple copies. Practice a concise statement of facts that mirrors your SC-100 statement but expands just enough to show the judge the evidence supporting each element of your claim. Consider county mediation programs if available — many small claims cases settle before trial.

Step 10 — After judgment: use Judicial Council enforcement forms and keep SC-100 records

If you obtain a judgment, use the Judicial Council’s enforcement forms (available on courts.ca.gov) to obtain writs of execution, garnishments, or levies. Keep a certified copy of the judgment (the clerk can provide one) and retain the original filed SC-100, proof of service, and all supporting exhibits — you will need them for enforcement or on appeal. The forms and step-by-step enforcement instructions on the California Courts site will guide you through these post-judgment actions.

Costs associated (forms and filing)

The filing fee for SC-100 generally ranges from about $30 to $100 depending on the amount claimed and filing history; exact amounts and local surcharges are listed in the statewide fee schedule and on county small claims pages. Service costs (process server or certified mail), copying, and any mediation or enforcement fees are additional. If you qualify, file FW-001 to request a fee waiver so you can file SC-100 without paying fees upfront. Check your county clerk’s website or the Judicial Council fee schedule for the latest amounts.

Time required

After filing SC-100 and completing service, most counties schedule hearings within a few weeks to a few months depending on caseload. Timelines are county-specific; consult the superior court’s small claims calendar for precise hearing dates. If service issues, continuances, appeals or enforcement steps arise, resolution time may extend significantly. The SC-100 and SC-100-INFO pages overview typical timelines and steps.

Limitations of SC-100 / small claims forms

• Monetary limits and eligibility rules — small claims and SC-100 cannot be used for larger or certain complex disputes.
• SC-100 cannot request injunctive or non-monetary relief — small claims awards are monetary judgments only.
• Attorneys are generally not permitted to speak for parties at the small claims hearing (though you may consult one beforehand).
• Failure to use the correct, current Judicial Council forms or to follow service/form instructions can cause dismissal or delay.

Risks and unexpected problems when using SC-100

Common problems include using an outdated form version, misspelling or misnaming a defendant (which can invalidate service), failing to attach required documents (SC-100A, SC-103), incomplete or improper proof of service, and filing in the wrong county. Fee-waiver denials, service difficulties, or a defendant’s bankruptcy can also complicate outcomes. To mitigate these risks, download forms directly from courts.ca.gov, follow SC-100-INFO guidance, make copies, and consult county self-help centers when in doubt.

Authoritative sources (all from California Courts / Judicial Council)

• SC-100 Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (Judicial Council / courts.ca.gov).
• SC-100-INFO Information for the Small Claims Plaintiff (Judicial Council / courts.ca.gov).
• Small claims forms index and form packets (California Courts self-help).
• Request to Waive Court Fees FW-001 and FW-003 (California Courts).
• How to fill out and file small claims forms — county and statewide guidance (California Courts).