Sierra County Small Claims Court

Court Information

Court name

Sierra County Superior Court -- Small Claims Division

Address

100 Courthouse Square, Second Floor, Downieville, CA 95936

Phone

(530) 289-3698

Hours

Mon-Fri 8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm

Official website

https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/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 Sierra County Superior Court Clerk's Office, 100 Courthouse Square, Second Floor, Downieville, CA 95936 (mailing address: PO Box 476, Downieville, CA 95936). Forms, including the SC-100 (Claim), are available at the Clerk's Office or online through the California Courts website. Bring the filing fee, or file form FW-001 to request a fee waiver if you cannot afford it. Attorneys may not represent either party at a small claims trial (except on appeal).

Serving the Defendant

The defendant must be served with the Claim and Order (SC-100) at least 15 days before the hearing if served within California, or at least 20 days before the hearing if served outside California. Service may be made by personal delivery, substituted service, or certified mail, and proof of service (SC-104) must be filed with the court before the hearing.

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

Hearing Tips

Attorneys are not permitted to represent either party at the small claims hearing, except on appeal.
Evidentiary hearings, including small claims trials, generally require all parties and witnesses to appear in person; telephonic or remote video appearance is available only with prior court permission granted for good cause, requested by ex parte application.
Bring your completed SC-100 form, the filing fee (or an approved fee waiver), and any evidence and witnesses to your hearing.
Contact the Court Clerk at (530) 289-3698 or the court's Self-Help Center (SHARP) if you need help preparing your small claims forms.

✓ Interpreters available ✓ Phone appearance allowed

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