Sue someone in small claims court for up to $12,500.
Self-help guided fill for California's SC-100, the Plaintiff's Claim and Order. We help you complete the form. You file it yourself.
What's included
Story-driven fill
Tell us what happened in your own words: who owes you what, when, and why. AI extracts every fact and pre-fills the SC-100, including the claim amount, plaintiff and defendant blocks, and the demand statement.
Venue helper
Small claims must be filed in the right courthouse, defendant's home county, where the contract was signed, or where the property is. We pre-fill the venue checkboxes based on your facts; you confirm.
AI procedural review
Before you print, an AI review reads your filled SC-100 against the form's instructions and flags missing case caption pieces, empty claim calculation, or military-status questions you skipped.
Pro plan unlocks more
Pro users can also fill MC-025 (attachment continuation) and POS-030 (proof of service by mail) in the same workspace. Single Filings cover the SC-100 itself.
Common reasons people file SC-100
Security deposit not returned
Landlord didn't refund your deposit or send an itemized statement within 21 days of move-out (Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5).
Unpaid wages or commissions
Employer didn't pay you what you earned. Small claims is fast and lawyer-free.
Property damage
Someone damaged your car or property; you have repair invoices.
Unpaid loan or invoice
You loaned money or did work and the other side won't pay.
Bad services or goods
You paid for something that wasn't delivered or was significantly defective.
Auto accident, minor injury
Out-of-pocket costs after an accident, under the small claims limit.
How it works
Tell your story
Who owes you, how much, and what happened. Dates, amounts, what was promised.
Confirm parties
Plaintiff (you) and defendant blocks, address for service, phone numbers.
Claim & venue
Confirm the dollar amount, the calculation, and which courthouse you're filing at.
Sign & file
AI review flags any procedural issues. Print, sign, file with the small claims clerk.
Start filing
Small Claims Kit (SC-100)
Frequently asked questions
How much can I sue for in small claims?
In California, individuals can sue for up to $12,500 (raised by SB-1200 effective 2024). Businesses are capped at $6,250. You can only file two claims over $2,500 per calendar year statewide; below that, no annual cap.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. In fact, lawyers are not allowed to represent either side at the small claims trial itself, by design. You can consult a lawyer to prepare, but on hearing day it's just you and the other side telling the judge what happened.
Is Ezel a law firm?
No. Ezel is a self-help tool. We don't represent you, file on your behalf, or give legal advice. We help you fill the form correctly. You file it yourself.
Where do I file?
The right courthouse is generally where the defendant lives, where the contract was signed or performed, where the buyer signed or where the goods or services were paid for, or where the damaged property is located. SC-100 has checkboxes for each option; we pre-fill the right one based on your story.
What about serving the defendant?
After filing SC-100, the defendant must be officially served with the papers. You can't serve them yourself. Common methods: certified mail by the clerk, a sheriff or marshal, or a process server. Once served, the proof of service (POS-030 or court equivalent) goes into the case file before your hearing.
What's the filing fee?
For most people, $30 to $75 depending on the claim amount. Frequent filers (12+ small claims claims in a year) pay $100. If you can't afford the fee, file FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees) at the same time. Ezel supports FW-001 too.
How long until my hearing?
Usually 30 to 70 days from filing, depending on your courthouse's calendar. The clerk will mail you a hearing date once SC-100 is filed and the defendant is served.
What does the 30-day workspace cover?
You can come back, edit your answers, re-render the PDF, and download it again for 30 days from purchase. After that, your responses remain saved but you'll need to extend (another $49) to re-render.
Where can I get free legal help?
Every California Superior Court has a Small Claims Advisor who can answer procedural questions for free. Find yours via your county court's website. For broader legal aid, visit lawhelpca.org.