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 your claim (Judicial Council form SC-100, Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court) at the Shasta County Superior Court Small Claims Division, Main Courthouse, 1515 Court Street, Redding, CA 96001. Pay the filing fee, or if you cannot afford it, request a fee waiver (form FW-001) using the fee waiver forms linked from the California Courts Self Help Center. Claims by an individual are limited to $12,500, and an individual may not file more than two claims over $2,500 anywhere in California in one calendar year.
Serving the Defendant
After filing, the defendant must be personally served with the claim at least 15 days before the hearing if they are located in Shasta County, or at least 20 days before the hearing if they are outside Shasta County. If personal service is not possible, substituted service requires at least 25 days (in-county) or 30 days (out-of-county) before the hearing. Service may be made by the marshal, sheriff, a private process server, or anyone 18 or older who is not a party to the case.
Allowed methods: Personal service, Substituted service, Certified mail
Deadline: Serve at least 15 days before the hearing date.
Hearing Tips
- Bring witnesses, photos, bills, receipts, contracts, or any other proof you have to support your case.
- A lawyer cannot represent you in court, though you may consult one before or after your hearing.
- The clerk will typically schedule your hearing date approximately 45 days after you file.
- If you file as the plaintiff in small claims court, you give up the right to appeal the judge's decision to a higher court.
- You are expected to personally appear at your hearing (exceptions require qualifying under CCP 116.540); the court's published remote-appearance program does not list the Small Claims Division, so confirm with the clerk before assuming you can appear by phone or video.
✓ Interpreters available
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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