Court Information
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 in person at the Historic Courthouse (825 Brown St, First Floor, Napa). Office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm; a drop box is available until 5:00pm for same-day filings. Bring the SC-100 and the filing fee (or fee waiver form FW-001). Small claims hearings are typically scheduled on Thursdays at 1:30pm in Courtroom 2.
Serving the Defendant
Serve the defendant at least 15 days before the hearing (20 days if the defendant lives outside Napa County). The court can serve by certified mail ($15 per defendant); the Napa County Sheriff can serve in person ($50 per defendant, call 707-253-4325); or any neutral adult non-party may serve. File proof of service (SC-104) with the court before the hearing.
Allowed methods: Personal service, Substituted service, Certified mail, court_certified_mail, Sheriff service
Deadline: Serve at least 15 days before the hearing date.
Hearing Tips
- Hearings are typically held on Thursdays at 1:30pm in Courtroom 2 — confirm the date and time on your court notice.
- Napa is a small court; cases are often called in the order filed, so arriving early gives you time to settle before the judge calls your case.
- The drop box at the courthouse accepts documents until 5:00pm for same-day filing.
- Bring three copies of every document and arrive at least 15 minutes early.
✓ Interpreters available ✓ Phone appearance allowed
Know Your Rights Under California Law
California Civil Code § 1950.5 requires landlords to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 21 days of move-out. If they fail to do so, you may be entitled to your deposit back plus up to 2× the deposit amount in statutory damages.
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