Fill out forms to sue the other side

Before you start

Review the Information for the Small Claim's Plaintiff (form SC-100-INFO) and The Small Claims Court A Guide to Its Practical Use by the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Contact the Small Claims Advisor.

Fill out the Defendant's Claim form

Defendant's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (form SC-120)

This forms tells the court who you are, why you're suing the other side, and how much you're suing them for.
Find out if there are any local forms to fill out

The Defendant's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (form SC-120) is a state form.

Some courts have additional local forms you have to file, too.

Contact your court clerk’s office, check your court’s website, or talk to the Small Claims Advisor to ask if they have any local forms you need to use.
Fill out and attach other forms if they apply to your case
In some cases, you need to fill out and attach other forms to form SC-120.

If you need more space to put information about other Plaintiffs or Defendants, also fill out:
- Other Plaintiffs or Defendants (form SC-120A)
You can only sue one or all (if more than one) of the Plaintiffs who sued you.

If you need to sue others who aren't in your case already you'll need to start a separate small claims case.

If you are suing as a business and have a Fictitious Business Name, also fill out:
- Fictitious Business Name (Small Claims) (form SC-103)
This form tells the court and other side about how your business is set up.
Make copies of your forms

Make 1 copy for you and 1 copy for each person, business, or agency you’re suing. So you’ll have the original and at least 2 copies.

Small claims

After you've filled out and made copies of your forms, you will need to file them with the court.