Small claims court in Los Angeles County, California
In Los Angeles County, small claims cases up to $12,500 are heard by more than one court: 11 courthouses hear small claims. You must file with the one that serves the right area. Below is one of them, the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (Small Claims) - Stanley Mosk Courthouse, with a link to the official list.
Where to file in Los Angeles County
One of several courts in Los Angeles County: 11 courthouses hear small claims. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (Small Claims) - Stanley Mosk Courthouse
Address: 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 · Map
Online filing: available, per the court
11 courthouses hear small claims: also Chatsworth Courthouse (9425 Penfield Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311); Compton Courthouse (200 West Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220); Downey Courthouse (7500 East Imperial Highway, Downey, CA 90242); Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse (275 Magnolia, Long Beach, CA 90802); Inglewood Courthouse (One Regent Street, Inglewood, CA 90301); Michael Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse (42011 4th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534); Pasadena Courthouse (300 East Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91101); Santa Monica Courthouse (1725 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401); Van Nuys Courthouse East (6230 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401); West Covina Courthouse (1427 West Covina Parkway, West Covina, CA 91790). Check the court's small claims page for which courthouse handles your case.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
Usually the county where the defendant lives or does business, where the contract was signed, or where the damage happened. Use the defendant's exact legal name.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all California counties.
How to file in Los Angeles County
Ask for payment in writing
California requires you to ask the other side to pay before you file, where you reasonably can. Make a free demand letter.
Fill in the claim (SC-100)
Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court Get the form.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
$30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 up to $5,000, and $75 above that ($100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months). Serving the papers costs extra. Fee waiver: Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001).
Have the papers served
You cannot hand the papers over yourself. Use the sheriff, an adult who isn't part of the case, a process server, or certified mail through the clerk, then file a Proof of Service (form SC-104).
Go to the hearing
About 1 to 2 months after you file. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full California filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Los Angeles County?
Los Angeles County has more than one small claims court (11 courthouses hear small claims). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles (Small Claims) - Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://courts.ca.gov/find-my-court
How much can I sue for in Los Angeles County small claims court?
Up to $12,500. People and sole proprietors can sue for up to $12,500; businesses and public entities for up to $6,250. You can file any number of claims up to $2,500, but only two claims over $2,500 per calendar year.
How much does it cost to file in Los Angeles County?
$30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 up to $5,000, and $75 above that ($100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months). Serving the papers costs extra. Fee waiver: Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001).
Can I file a small claim online in Los Angeles County?
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.