Small Claims Assistance Service

Empowering You in the People’s Court

Small Claims Court offers an accessible and simplified path for individuals and businesses to resolve monetary disputes without the complexity and high cost of traditional litigation. It is truly the “people’s court,” designed for you to represent yourself. However, the first step—properly filing your case—is critical. A mistake on the initial forms can lead to delays or even dismissal. ELB Legal Services provides expert document preparation assistance to help plaintiffs and defendants navigate the Small Claims paperwork with confidence and precision.

Disclaimer: ELB Legal Services provides document preparation services as a Legal Document Assistant (LDA). We are not attorneys. We cannot give you legal advice on the merits of your case, how to argue in court, what evidence to present, or your chances of winning. Our service is strictly limited to preparing the Small Claims forms accurately based on the factual information you provide.

Understanding the Small Claims Process

In California, Small Claims Court handles cases where the monetary dispute is up to $12,500 for an individual or sole proprietor. It’s an ideal venue for resolving common issues such as:

• Disputes over security deposits
• Unpaid personal loans to friends or family
• Breach of a verbal or written contract
• Property damage from a car accident
• Unpaid invoices for services rendered
• Disputes with contractors over faulty work

The process begins with filing a Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (Form SC-100). This document officially starts the lawsuit, names the person or business you are suing (the Defendant), states the amount of money you are claiming, and provides a clear, concise reason for your claim.

How We Assist with Your Small Claims Paperwork

Our role is to ensure your case is initiated correctly from a procedural standpoint. We work at your direction to prepare the necessary court forms. Our services include the preparation of:

• Plaintiff’s Claim (SC-100): This is the most crucial document. We assist you by taking the facts you provide—such as the defendant’s correct legal name and address, the timeline of events, and the calculation of your damages—and entering them accurately onto the form. Getting the defendant’s name exactly right is essential for collecting any judgment you might win.
• Defendant’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-120): If you have been sued and believe you have a claim against the plaintiff, we can help you prepare a Defendant’s Claim, also known as a counter-suit.
• Proof of Service (SC-104): After filing, the plaintiff must legally notify the defendant of the lawsuit. This is called “service.” We can prepare the Proof of Service form for the person who will be serving the papers (such as a sheriff or registered process server) to sign and file with the court.
• Request to Postpone Small Claims Hearing (SC-150): If you have a valid reason and need to reschedule your court date, we can prepare the necessary request form.
• Authorization to Appear (SC-109): In certain situations, such as for military members or incarcerated individuals, another person can be authorized to appear on their behalf. We can prepare this form based on your needs.

Our Step-by-Step Process

1. Information Gathering: You provide us with all the facts of your dispute. We’ll use a worksheet to ensure we capture all necessary details: full names, addresses, dates, contract details, and a clear breakdown of the money you are claiming.
2. Meticulous Document Preparation: We expertly complete the required Small Claims forms, paying close attention to detail to prevent common errors that lead to rejection by the court clerk.
3. Client Review and Approval: You will have a final review of all prepared documents to confirm their accuracy before they are finalized.
4. Filing and Service Instructions: We provide you with a completed, court-ready packet and clear, step-by-step instructions on how to file your forms with the correct courthouse, pay the filing fee, and properly arrange for service on the defendant.

Don’t let the paperwork be a barrier to seeking justice. With the help of ELB Legal Services, you can confidently file your Small Claims case and focus on preparing to tell your story to the judge. Contact us today for a free consultation.