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Local small-claims court information and procedural assistance. Filing limits and appeal rules depend on the current applicable procedure.

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Choose the exact case type and court before filing. Court self-help information and a referral do not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Court fees, service requirements, response deadlines and exceptions depend on the current procedure. A link is an informational starting point, not a complete filing workflow.
Court branches, clerk windows, telephone assistance and remote appearances may have different instructions. Check the cited official page for the applicable channel.

2 guides with reviewed service links · Santa Cruz

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California state court · Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz Superior Court

Superior Court for Santa Cruz County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.

Small Claims Division — Santa Cruz Superior CourtOfficial instructions

Official local court information and resources for this specific subject. Confirm the applicable case type, filing channel and current instructions with the court.

Local Small Claims Division — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ

You may appear in person or through Zoom. If you would like to appear by Zoom you must complete form RA-010 to give notice to the court and other parties of your Zoom appearance. Small Claims cases are heard on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. On the day of your hearing, log in to the Online Virtual Courtroom for Department A. If you are assigned to a different courtroom, you will need to find the link to the department on the Remote Appearance page. Only parties may log in to the Online Virtual Courtroom. Public observation of Small Claims Court is in person only.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Local Small Claims Division — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ

If you intend to appear remotely, you will need to submit your evidence to the court and serve your evidence on the other side before your court date. Make sure to read the Guidelines for Evidence Submission for Non-Criminal Trials and Evidentiary Hearings found on the Local Rules page on when and how to do so. If you have video evidence, make sure you review the separate document, on the same page, about presenting video evidence in the courtroom. If you need help with this, contact the Small Claims Advisor.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Superior Court of California — County of Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz Superior Court — current services and locations (opens in a new tab)

Official court link: Small Claims Division

Small Claims Division

Saved evidence: bc68dd5b94804d74 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

California state agency · Statewide

California Courts Self-Help Guide

Shared California Courts self-help guidance, available for all 58 California county court contexts; local procedures and individual circumstances vary.

Small claims in CaliforniaOfficial instructions

Shared California Courts Self-Help Guide. Read the instructions for your situation and check the local court requirements.

Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county. Area details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

Small claims court allows you to sue a person, business, or government agency that you think owes you money. Generally, you can only sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court (or up to $6,250 if you’re a business). You can ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you can't have one with you in court.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ

You have to collect the money if you win your case. The court does not do it for you.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

Judicial Council of California · Small claims in California | California Courts | Self Help Guide (opens in a new tab)

Reviewed official page main content

Small claims in California

Saved evidence: 5e7cc71e2f3f9d1a · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →