Small Claims
Small Claims Court
Disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively in Small Claims Court, where the rules are simple and informal. Litigants may not be represented by an attorney. Generally, claims are limited to $5,000. The jurisdictional limit is 10,000 for individuals who are filing a claim in the Small Claims Division. Corporations, partnerships, governmental entities, and other legal entities cannot claim more than $5,000. Parties may not file more than two cases in small claims for more than $2,500 each during a calendar year. For more information on initiating a small claims case see the SC-100 information form.
Small Claims Court Announces Expansion of Night Court Sessions
Search for Case Calendars
Search by Case Type and Date. Information is available up to 120 calendar days from today.
Case information is available at S.F. Superior Court Online Services.
You must have the case number or party name for an inquiry.
Videoconference Hearings in Small Claims
Mga Pagdinig sa Small Claims sa Pamamagitan ng Video Conference
Слушания по мелким тяжбам в формате видеоконференций
Audiencias por videoconferencia en Reclamos Menores
Các Phiên Tòa Qua Hội Nghị Truyền Hình về Các Vụ Khiếu Nại Nhỏ
Effective Monday, February 22, 2021, the Small Claims Department will be holding hearings by videoconference, and the public can view and/or listen to hearings, by clicking on the appropriate link below. At least 10 calendar days before the hearing the party requesting to appear by Zoom must obtain and submit the following forms:
- Request to Appear by Zoom
- Declaration Re: Request to Appear by Zoom
- Order Re: Request to Appear by Zoom
If you have evidence such as documents or pictures, which support your case, send them to the opposing party, and Department 506 at least 5 days before the hearing.
Small Claims (Department 506) Zoom link: (https://sftc-org.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_h7Y3BIs1SLaZWjaPPzobAQ)
If unable to join using the links above, the hearings may be joined by telephone by dialing: 1-669-254-5252.
Department 506: Meeting ID: 161 169 1878 Passcode: 745595
Self-Help
THE SMALL CLAIMS MEDIATION PROGRAM IS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.
Case information is available at S.F. Superior Court Online Services. You must have the case number or party name for an inquiry.
Forms
See Small Claims Instructions for what you need to file your Small Claims case.
To request a Small Claims Forms by mail, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Small Claims Division, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. The Small Claims Packet with envelope weighs 3 ounces.
Small Claims Video Conference Appearance Package
Interpreter Information
Court interpreters are experts in language and are assigned to accurately interpret court proceedings. They are not parties to a case, have no interest in any case, and remain completely neutral in all matters. A court interpreter works for the court and does not represent any party. A court interpreter's sole responsibility is to bridge the communication barrier in order to provide limited English proficient users with access to Justice.
If you need an interpreter, please email InterpreterRequests@sftc.org and provide the case name, case number, the language needed, date, location, and your contact information. All requests must be made in advance with as much notice as possible, and prior to the hearing (a minimum two-business day notice for Spanish and five (5) business days for all other languages).
If you would like to hire an interpreter for your Small Claims hearing, you may refer to the California Interpreter Program (CIP)