Your SC-150 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 page 1. If something is wrong, fix it here and download again. Sign by hand. You sign under penalty of perjury, so everything must be true. Attach any proof of your reasons and any extra sheets you said you would attach.
- Make copies
Make a copy for yourself and for each other person in the case. Page 2 (instructions) does not need to be copied, served, or filed.
- Have the other side served
Have an adult (18 or older) who is not you or anyone else in the case mail a copy to the other parties, or deliver it in person. For mail, the server fills out and signs SC-112A, Proof of Service by Mail for each person; for delivery in person, SC-104, Proof of Service.
- File with the clerk
Attach the original proof of service to your original request and file both with the small claims clerk. You may need to pay a $10 fee if you are the plaintiff, or a defendant who was served on time with the Plaintiff’s Claim. There is no fee for a first request made only because you need more time to find an interpreter. If you can’t pay, ask for a fee waiver.
- Wait for the court’s decision
The court mails its decision to everyone in the case, usually on SC-152, Order on Request to Postpone Trial. If the request is denied, the trial stays on its date. If you don’t hear from the court, go to court on the scheduled trial date.
Dates and fees to know
| When to ask | At least 10 days before the court date if you can; if less than 10 days are left, explain why on the form (item 5) |
| Too late for the judge to review your request | Go to court on your date and ask in person |
| Fee | $10 for a plaintiff, or a defendant who was served on time; no fee for a first request only to find an interpreter |
| If you hear nothing | Go to court on the scheduled trial date |
Sources: California Courts Self-Help Guide: change your court date and page 2 of form SC-150. Check with your court.