Orange County Small Claims Court

Court Information

Court name

Orange County Superior Court -- Small Claims Division (Central Justice Center)

Address

700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone

(657) 622-8451

Hours

Mon-Thu 8:00am-4:00pm, Fri 8:00am-12:00pm

Official website

https://www.occourts.org/divisions/small-claims

Typical hearing wait

8 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 Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. You may file in person, by mail, using the drop box at the entrance, or electronically through the court's Civil eFile portal. Bring a completed Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (Form SC-100); if you cannot afford the filing fee, request a fee waiver using Forms FW-001 and FW-003. Individuals may claim up to $12,500; corporations and other entities are limited to $6,250.

Serving the Defendant

You must have your claim personally served on the defendant, or served by substituted service or certified mail, at least 15 days before your hearing date (20 days if the defendant is outside Orange County). After service is completed, file a Proof of Service (Form SC-104) with the Central Justice Center before your hearing.

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

Hearing Tips

The court sets small claims hearing dates between 20 and 70 days after filing, as required by law.
The court's remote-hearing appearance list shows Small Claims calendared under Department C16 at the Costa Mesa Justice Complex, which may differ from the Central Justice Center where you file -- always confirm the exact courthouse and department on your Notice of Hearing.
You can request to appear remotely by clicking the time hyperlink for your hearing date on the court's remote hearing check-in portal, or via the mobile app (QR code or occourtsapp.occourts.org).
A Small Claims Advisor (Community Legal SoCal) is available to help you prepare your case for free before your hearing.

✓ Interpreters available ✓ Phone appearance allowed

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Read the full California Security Deposit Law guide →

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