California Small Claims Court: DIY, with support

Calm, clear guidance
through your dispute.

Small claims court is stressful and unfamiliar. ClaimKit gives individuals and small business owners a steady hand through every step, from "do I even have a case?" to walking out of the courthouse.

See packages How it works
No legal experience needed
Calm support, every step
Individuals & small businesses
California courts only
Who ClaimKit is for

You don't need a lawyer.
You need a system.

ClaimKit was built for two people: the individual who got burned, and the small business owner who's owed money.

Individuals

You've been wronged and you deserve resolution, without it costing more than the dispute itself.

  • Security deposit not returned
  • Unpaid personal loans
  • Contractor didn't finish the job
  • Property damage by a neighbor
  • Faulty goods or services

Small Business Owners

Unpaid invoices and client disputes can eat into your margins. Small claims is often your fastest path to recovery.

  • Unpaid invoices (up to $6,250)
  • Breach of service contract
  • Client refused to pay after delivery
  • Damaged business property
  • Bounced checks
The process

Six steps to your resolution.

ClaimKit guides you through each one, with checklists, templates, and plain-language explanations.

1

Understand your claim

Is small claims court right for your situation? We help you assess your case, the dollar limits, and what to expect before you commit.

2

Gather your evidence

Photos, contracts, texts, receipts. We give you a complete checklist so nothing important gets left behind.

3

File your claim

Form SC-100, filing fees, where to go, fully explained. Fee waivers too, if you qualify.

4

Serve the defendant

Legally notifying the other party is required and has strict rules. We walk you through certified mail, personal service, and proof of service (SC-104).

5

Prepare for court

What to bring, what to say, how to organize your evidence. Plus: how to calm your nerves and present with confidence.

6

Your hearing day

What happens in the room, how to speak to the judge, and what to do after, whether you win or need to collect your judgment.

Most people have never been to court.
ClaimKit was built for exactly that.

The process is unfamiliar, the stakes feel high, and anxiety is completely normal. ClaimKit was built to meet you there, with calm, clear support at every step, so you never feel alone in this.

Packages

Choose your level of support.

Every package includes calm, plain-language guidance. No lawyers. No jargon. No judgment.

Starter
$49

Goal: Resolve your dispute without ever setting foot in a courthouse.

  • Should I File? Quick Check
  • Your Demand Letter Template
  • Settlement & Payment Plan Templates
  • What to Say: Text & Email Scripts
  • File or Keep Negotiating? Here's How to Decide
  • Key Legal Terms, Plain and Simple
  • How to Stay Firm Without Losing Your Cool
  • If You're Panicking: Start Here ✦ when it gets hard
  • When They're Stalling: What to Do Next ✦ when it gets hard
  • 19 documents total
Get Starter · $49
Most Popular
Core
$99

Goal: Get fully prepared to file and walk into court with confidence.

  • Everything in Starter (19 docs)
  • How to Calculate What You're Owed
  • Are You Suing the Right Person or Business?
  • How and Where to File
  • How to Serve Your Defendant
  • What to Say in Court: Full Script Guide
  • Your Complete Court Day Guide & Checklist
  • They Filed Back Against You: What Now?
  • If You Get Interrupted: How to Respond Calmly ✦ when it gets hard
  • How to Stay Calm the Day Before Court ✦ when it gets hard
  • 51 documents total + email support
Get Core · $99
Complete
$179

Goal: Full support from first dispute to after judgment, nothing left to figure out alone.

  • Everything in Core (51 docs)
  • How to Actually Collect Your Money
  • Your Collection Options (And What They Really Mean)
  • You Got the Judgment: What Happens Next
  • How to Close It Out: Satisfaction of Judgment
  • If It Didn't Go Your Way: What to Feel and Do Next ✦ when it gets hard
  • 60 documents total + email support
Get Complete · $179

Not sure which package fits your situation? Email us

Free resources

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Questions

Answers before you start.

What is the maximum I can claim in California small claims court? ↓
Individuals can claim up to $12,500. Businesses, corporations, and guarantors of consumer debt are limited to $6,250 per claim. You can file up to two claims over $2,500 per year as an individual.
Do I need a lawyer? ↓
No, and in fact, lawyers are not allowed to represent either party during the hearing in California small claims court. That's what makes it so accessible, and why ClaimKit exists.
How long does small claims take? ↓
After filing, your hearing is typically scheduled 20 to 70 days out. The hearing itself is usually 15 to 30 minutes. After the ruling, the defendant has 30 days to appeal or pay.
What if I've never been to court before? ↓
That's exactly who ClaimKit is built for. We explain every step in plain language, give you templates and checklists, and prepare you for what to expect. You don't need any legal background.
Can small businesses use ClaimKit? ↓
Absolutely. Our Core and Complete packages include a dedicated small business section covering unpaid invoices (up to $6,250), breach of contract, and collecting judgments as a business entity. The process is slightly different from individual claims. We walk you through all of it.
What if I win but they don't pay? ↓
Winning a judgment is just step one. Our Complete package includes a full guide on collecting your judgment: wage garnishment, bank levies, and liens, because winning in court should actually mean getting paid.
What if I don't win? ↓
It happens, even to well-prepared people. ClaimKit's Complete package includes a dedicated guide for exactly this: what the outcome means, what your options are, and how to process it and move forward. Showing up prepared is never wasted, regardless of the result.
I'm really anxious about this. Is that normal? ↓
Completely normal, and honestly, one of the biggest reasons ClaimKit exists. Most people have never been to court. The unknown is the hardest part. Every ClaimKit package is designed to replace that anxiety with clarity: you'll know exactly what to do, what to bring, what to say, and what to expect. You won't walk in feeling lost.