Your SC-120 is ready. What to do next
This is a free tool. We are not lawyers and this is not legal advice. You fill in and sign the form yourself.
- Check and sign
Open the PDF and read pages 2 and 3. If something is wrong, fix it here and download again. Sign page 3 by hand. You sign under penalty of perjury, so everything must be true.
- Make copies
The form says: make copies of all pages (1 copy for each party named in the case and an extra copy for yourself), plus any pages the form tells you to attach.
- File it and pay the fee
Take or mail the original and the copies to the small claims clerk. If you mail them, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Some courts allow online filing. The fee is $30 (claims up to $1,500), $50 (over $1,500 up to $5,000), $75 (over $5,000), or $100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months. If you can’t pay, ask for a fee waiver. The clerk will write the trial date on page 1. File your Defendant’s Claim.
- Have each plaintiff served
Someone at least 18 who is not you or anyone else in the case must give each plaintiff a court-stamped copy of all 3 pages and any attachments. There are special rules for public entities, associations and some businesses (SC-104C). The server fills out and signs SC-104, Proof of Service, and you file it before the hearing. Serve your Defendant’s Claim.
- Go to court on the trial date
Both claims are heard at the same time. Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need. Free help: your county’s small claims advisor. Prepare for trial.
Deadlines and fees to know
| File and serve your Defendant’s Claim | Usually at least 5 days before the trial |
| If you were served with the Plaintiff’s Claim 10 days or less before the trial | Serve at least 1 day before the trial |
| Deadline on a weekend or court holiday | Count back to a day the court is open |
| Filing fee | $30 (claims up to $1,500), $50 (over $1,500 up to $5,000), $75 (over $5,000), or $100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months |
Sources: File your Defendant’s Claim, Serve your Defendant’s Claim (California Courts Self-Help Guide), SC-100-INFO and page 1 of form SC-120. Check with your court.