Modoc County Small Claims Court

Court Information

Court name

Superior Court of California, County of Modoc — Small Claims Division (Robert A. Barclay Justice Center)

Address

205 S. East Street, Alturas, CA 96101

Phone

(530) 233-6516

Hours

Mon-Fri 8:30am-3:00pm

Official website

https://www.modoc.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims-division

Typical hearing wait

6 weeks

Filing Fees

Max claim: $12,500 · Required forms: SC-100, SC-104

Claim amount	Filing fee
$1 – $1,500	$30
$1,501 – $5,000	$50
$5,001 – $12,500	$75

Fee waiver available if you qualify (form FW-001).

How to File

File your small claims case at the Superior Court of California, County of Modoc, Small Claims Division, located at 205 S. East Street, Alturas, CA 96101 (Robert A. Barclay Justice Center). Bring a completed Form SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim) along with the filing fee, or file Form FW-001 to request a fee waiver if you cannot afford it. Court staff can provide forms but cannot give legal advice; contact the court's Self-Help Facilitator at (530) 233-4444 with filing questions.

Serving the Defendant

After filing, you must have the other party formally served with your claim. Personal service must be completed at least 15 days before the hearing if the defendant lives in Modoc County, or at least 20 days before the hearing if they live outside the county. Substituted service (leaving papers with another adult and mailing a copy) requires at least 25 days (in-county) or 30 days (out-of-county) before the hearing. You may not serve the papers yourself; use the sheriff/marshal, a private process server, or certified mail arranged through the court.

Allowed methods: Personal service, Substituted service, Certified mail
Deadline: Serve at least 15 days before the hearing date.

Hearing Tips

The clerk generally schedules the hearing about 45 days after filing to allow enough time for service.
Bring witnesses, photos, bills, receipts, contracts, or any other proof supporting your claim.
A lawyer may advise you beforehand but cannot represent you at the small claims hearing itself.
If you miss your hearing, the court may decide the case without you and you could lose by default.
Spanish-language interpreter assistance is available through the court; contact the clerk in advance to arrange one.

✓ Interpreters available ✓ Phone appearance allowed

Know Your Rights Under California Law

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Read the full California Security Deposit Law guide →

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