Small claims court in Santa Barbara County, California
In Santa Barbara County, small claims cases up to $12,500 are heard by more than one court: 2 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 Santa Barbara (Small Claims) - Anacapa Division, with a link to the official list.
Where to file in Santa Barbara County
One of several courts in Santa Barbara County: 2 courthouses hear small claims. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara (Small Claims) - Anacapa Division
Address: 1100 Anacapa Street, 2nd Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 · Map
Phone: 805-882-4520
Online filing: available, per the court
2 courthouses hear small claims: also Cook Division (312-C East Cook Street, Building E, Santa Maria, CA 93454). 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara County?
Santa Barbara County has more than one small claims court (2 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 Santa Barbara (Small Claims) - Anacapa Division, 1100 Anacapa Street, 2nd Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93101. Phone: 805-882-4520. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://courts.ca.gov/find-my-court
How much can I sue for in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara County?
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.