San Bernardino County Small Claims Court

San Bernardino County Superior Court hears small claims cases at four district courthouses -- Barstow, Fontana, Joshua Tree, and Needles -- each covering a different part of the county (for example, the Fontana District covers Fontana, Rialto, Chino, Chino Hills, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, and Upland, while Barstow covers the High Desert including Victorville, Hesperia, and Apple Valley). The San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, and Victorville civil divisions do not accept small claims filings, so confirm the correct district using Question 5 of Form SC-100 before filing. File the Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (Form SC-100) along with the filing fee ($30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 up to $5,000, $75 up to $12,500) or a fee-waiver request (Form FW-001) if you cannot afford it. The court also offers voluntary Small Claims eFiling through an approved eFiling service provider.

The defendant must be served before the hearing using one of three methods: personal delivery by someone 18 or older who is not a party to the case, substituted service, or certified mail arranged through the court clerk (for a $15 fee). If serving personally and the defendant lives in San Bernardino County, service must be completed at least 15 days before the trial date. After service, file the Proof of Service (Form SC-104) with the court.

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