Welcome to the Small Claims Advisory Program
Click here
for the Form to Start a Small Claim's 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 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 Clinic
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 $7,500.00 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 rules 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.