Resources for small claims cases

Legal help and resources

• Small claims advisors and court self-help centers

  Most courts have a small claims advisor or self-help center that offers free help with small claims cases. 

• LawHelpCA

  Offers a lookup tool to help find legal aid offices, lawyer referral services, and other free and low-cost services in your county or nearby. 

• County Law Library

  Librarians can recommend self-help books and help with legal research. Many libraries also offer free self-help programs, like "Lawyers in the Library" and services like "Chat with a Librarian." 

• Lawyer Referral Service

  Directory of lawyer referral services throughout California

• California law

  Most of the laws related to small claims court are in the "Code of Civil Procedure".

State consumer protection resources

• California Contractor's State Licensing Board (CSLB) 

  Provides information to help with a small claims case or to file a complaint.

• California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) 

  You can look up an auto repair dealer's license or file a complaint.

• California Department of Consumer Affairs

  Find resources for consumers, including a Consumer Information Center and a list of some local mediation programs.

Help to find a business

• Secretary of State

  Find the agent for service of process for a corporation, LLC, or Limited Partnership registered in California.

• County Clerk-Recorder

  You can find information about who owns property or fictitious business names in the County Clerk-Recorder's Officer.