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Small Claims

Small Claims

For Lodi Court contact information.

For information regarding the hours and services provided by the Pro Per Clinic.

For information regarding Small Claims Online Dispute Resolution.

Download Small Claims Form Packets.

Small Claims Court handles civil cases asking for $12,500.00 or less. It is a special court where disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively. Rules are simplified and the hearing is informal. There are no lawyers, no rules of evidence, and no juries. You do not need to be a United States citizen to file or defend a case in Small Claims Court.

Examples of issues handled in Small Claims Court

  • Your landlord will not return your security deposit.
  • Your car was damaged and the person responsible will not pay for repairs.
  • Your new TV does not work and the store will not repair it.
  • Your tenant damaged your property and the security deposit will not cover the full costs of repair.
  • Your friend will not pay back the money you loaned them.

To determine where you should file your claim: California Courts Small Claims Self-Help.

To learn about going to Small Claims Court (instructions and guides): Small Claims instructions and guides.

Requests for remote appearances

For Small Claims actions, Unlawful Detainer cases, Civil Harassment restraining orders, and other evidentiary hearings, parties must appear in person unless the party or attorney requests and receives express written authorization to appear remotely from the judicial officer who will hear the matter.

  1. A party may request to appear remotely by filing and serving Notice of Remote Appearance (RA-010) and submitting Order Regarding Remote Appearance (RA-020) no later than 5 court days before the hearing.
  2. In response to notice of remote appearance, any party may file and serve Opposition to Remote Proceedings (RA-015) no later than 3 court days before the hearing.
  3. A party must deliver a copy of any written notice or opposition to the department in which the proceeding will be held.
Small Claims fees and forms
Small Claims self-help and resources

Local help and resources

Small claims and alternative dispute resolution services are provided by Dispute Resolution Services of the San Joaquin County Bar Foundation (DRS). Members of the public are encouraged to use these services.

Small Claims Clinics (PDF flyer)

Flyer for Small Claims Clinics provided by Dispute Resolution Services (DRS).
Small Claims Clinics information flyer.

Beginning June 23, 2022, Small Claims Clinics resumed. Clinics are held every second Thursday of the month, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Margaret K. Troke Public Library (502 W. Benjamin Holt Drive, Stockton, CA 95207). Services are free.

Reservations are required due to limited seating. Call (209) 473-6463 to reserve a spot.

Sign-in starts at 5:00 p.m., followed by an orientation and breakout sessions with Small Claims Advisors. Advisors can help with the small claims process but cannot give legal advice. The location is ADA accessible; please mention any accommodations needed when calling for a reservation. Street parking is available.

If you need help with a small claims case, contact the SJCBA Small Claims Advisors at (209) 473-6463. More information is available at sjcbar.org/public/small-claims.

Small Claims advisory line

The public can call (209) 473-6463 at any time to receive information regarding Small Claims Court forms and procedures, as well as referrals to other community resources. Trained advisory staff will respond by telephone or email.

Alternative dispute resolution services

Same-day, in-court mediation services with trained mediators may be available for parties in small claims, civil harassment, and unlawful detainer cases in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Programs Act of 1986. The program is voluntary and is intended to be low-cost or no-cost to the community.

For more information, call (209) 474-8794 or visit disputeresolution.sjcbar.org.

Online help and resources