In Santa Cruz County, small claims cases up to $12,500 are heard by the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz (Small Claims) - Watsonville Courthouse. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 1 Second Street, Room 300, Watsonville, CA 95076 · Map
Phone: 831-786-7200
Online filing: available, per the court
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
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.
California requires you to ask the other side to pay before you file, where you reasonably can. Make a free demand letter.
Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court Get the form.
$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).
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).
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 guideSmall claims in Santa Cruz County are filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz (Small Claims) - Watsonville Courthouse, 1 Second Street, Room 300, Watsonville, CA 95076. Phone: 831-786-7200.
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.
$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.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.