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 in person at the Civil and Family Law Courthouse (3055 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa). Office hours are Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:30pm; phones are answered 8:00am-12:00pm. Bring the SC-100 and filing fee (or fee waiver form FW-001). Sonoma County also offers voluntary e-service for case documents through the Sonoma County Bar Association portal.
Serving the Defendant
Serve the defendant at least 15 days before the hearing (20 days if the defendant lives outside Sonoma County). Service can be made by the Sonoma 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
- The clerk's office closes at 3:30pm — arrive well before then to file same-day documents.
- Phone inquiries are only answered until noon; call in the morning for best access.
- The Civil Self-Help Center provides small claims advisory services — contact them for case preparation assistance.
- 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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