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 at the Old Solano Courthouse Clerk's Office (580 Texas St, Fairfield). Clerk drop-in and appointment hours are Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm; phones are answered 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-3:00pm. Hearings are held at the Hall of Justice (600 Union Ave, Fairfield), Courtroom 303, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 1:00pm. Bring the SC-100 and the filing fee (or fee waiver form FW-001).
Serving the Defendant
Serve the defendant at least 15 days before the hearing (20 days if the defendant lives outside Solano County). Service can be made by the Solano County Sheriff for a fee, by a registered process server, or by any adult who is not a party. File proof of service (SC-104) 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
- Hearings are held Mon-Wed at 1:00pm in Courtroom 303 at the Hall of Justice (600 Union Ave, Fairfield) — note this is a different building from the filing clerk's office.
- Phone hours are split: 8am-12pm and 1pm-3pm — avoid calling at lunch.
- The Small Claims Advisor is available by phone at (707) 863-1643, Mon-Thu 9:00am-2:00pm.
- 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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