Article Structure
The SC-100 form, officially titled "Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court," is essential for anyone involved in a small claims case in California. It serves both plaintiffs, who seek to claim money or damages, and defendants, who are responding to a lawsuit. Each party must adhere to specific instructions outlined on the form to ensure a fair process. For the defendant, it is crucial to understand that their name appears in section two of the form, while the plaintiff is listed in section one. Both parties are required to attend court on the scheduled trial date, or they risk losing the case. The form emphasizes the need to bring relevant evidence, such as witnesses and receipts, to support their claims. Additionally, the SC-100 provides guidance on filling it out correctly, including the necessity of making copies for each involved party. This form not only facilitates an organized court process but also protects the rights of both parties involved. Knowing how to use the SC-100 effectively can make a significant difference in the outcome of a small claims case.
Sc 100 Example
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Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER |
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Clerk stamps date here when form is filed. |
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to Go to Small Claims Court |
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Notice to the person being sued:
•You are the defendant if your name is listed in 2 on page 2 of this form. The person suing you is the plaintiff, listed in 1 on page 2.
•You and the plaintiff must go to court on the trial date listed below. If you do not go to court, you may lose the case.
•If you lose, the court can order that your wages, money, or property be taken to pay this claim.
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Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case. |
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Fill in court name and street address: |
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Read this form and all pages attached to understand the claim against you |
Superior Court of California, County of |
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and to protect your rights. |
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Aviso al Demandado:
•Usted es el Demandado si su nombre figura en 2 de la página 2 de este formulario. La persona que lo demanda es el Demandante, la que figura en
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1 de la página 2. |
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Court fills in case number when form is filed. |
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Usted y el Demandante tienen que presentarse en la corte en la fecha del |
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juicio indicada a continuación. Si no se presenta, puede perder el caso. |
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Si pierde el caso la corte podría ordenar que le quiten de su sueldo, dinero u |
Case Name: |
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otros bienes para pagar este reclamo. |
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•Lleve testigos, recibos y cualquier otra prueba que necesite para probar su caso.
•Lea este formulario y todas las páginas adjuntas para entender la demanda en su contra y para proteger sus derechos.
Order to Go to Court
The people in 1 and 2 must go to court: (Clerk fills out section below.)
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Clerk, by |
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, Deputy |
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Instructions for the person suing:
•You are the plaintiff. The person you are suing is the defendant.
•Before you fill out this form, read form
•Fill out pages 2 and 3 of this form. Then make copies of all pages of this form. (Make one copy for each party named in this case and an extra copy for yourself.) Take or mail the original and these copies to the court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee. The clerk will write the date of your trial in the box above.
•You must have someone at least
•Go to court on your trial date listed above. Bring witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case.
Judicial Council of California, www.courts.ca.gov Revised January 1, 2020, Mandatory Form Code of Civil Procedure, §§ 116.110 et seq., 116.220(c), 116.340(g)
Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER |
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to Go to Small Claims Court |
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(Small Claims) |
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Plaintiff (list names):
Case Number:
1The plaintiff (the person, business, or public entity that is suing) is:
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Check here if more than two plaintiffs and attach form
Check here if either plaintiff listed above is doing business under a fictitious name. If so, attach form
Check here if any plaintiff is a “licensee” or “deferred deposit originator” (payday lender) under Financial Code sections 23000 et seq.
2The defendant (the person, business, or public entity being sued) is:
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If the defendant is a corporation, limited liability company, or public entity, list the person or agent authorized for service of process here:
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Job title, if known: |
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Check here if your case is against more than one defendant, and attach form
Check here if any defendant is on active military duty, and write his or her name here:
3 The plaintiff claims the defendant owes $ |
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a. Why does the defendant owe the plaintiff money?
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b. If no specific date, give the time period: Date started: |
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c.How did you calculate the money owed to you? (Do not include court costs or fees for service.)
Check here if you need more space. Attach one sheet of paper or form
Revised January 1, 2020
Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court
(Small Claims)
This courthouse covers the area (check the one that applies):
a. (1) Where the defendant lives or does business.
(2) Where the plaintiff’s property was damaged.
(3) Where the plaintiff was injured.
Plaintiff (list names):
Case Number:
4You must ask the defendant (in person, in writing, or by phone) to pay you before you sue. If your claim is for possession of property, you must ask the defendant to give you the property. Have you done this?
Yes
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If no, explain why not: |
5Why are you filing your claim at this courthouse?
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(4)Where a contract (written or spoken) was made, signed, performed, or broken by the defendant or where the defendant lived or did business when the defendant made the contract.
Where the buyer or lessee signed the contract, lives now, or lived when the contract was made, if this claim, is about an offer or contract for personal, family, or household goods, services, or loans. (Code Civ. Proc., § 395(b).)
Where the buyer signed the contract, lives now, or lived when the contract was made, if this claim is about a retail installment contract (like a credit card). (Civ Code, § 1812.10.)
Where the buyer signed the contract, lives now, or lived when the contract was made, or where the vehicle is permanently garaged, if this claim is about a vehicle finance sale. (Civ Code, § 2984.4.)
Other (specify):
6List the zip code of the place checked in 5 above (if you know):
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Is your claim about an |
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If yes, and if you have had arbitration, fill out form |
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Are you suing a public entity? |
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If yes, you must file a written claim with the entity first. |
A claim was filed on (date): |
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If the public entity denies your claim or does not answer within the time allowed by law, you can file this form.
9Have you filed more than 12 other small claims within the last 12 months in California?
Yes
No If yes, the filing fee for this case will be higher.
10 Is your claim for more than $2,500? |
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If yes, I have not filed, and understand that I cannot file, more than two small claims cases for more than $2,500 in California during this calendar year.
11I understand that by filing a claim in small claims court, I have no right to appeal this claim.
I declare, under penalty of perjury under California State law, that the information above and on any attachments to this form is true and correct.
Date:
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Plaintiff types or prints name here |
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Plaintiff signs here |
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Second plaintiff types or prints name here |
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Second plaintiff signs here |
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Requests for Accommodations
Assistive listening systems,
Revised January 1, 2020
Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court
(Small Claims)
Information for the defendant (the person being sued) |
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"Small claims court" is a special court where claims for $10,000 or less are decided. Individuals, including "natural persons" and sole proprietors, may claim up to $10,000. Corporations, partnerships, public entities, and other businesses are limited to claims of $5,000. (See below for exceptions.*) The process is quick and cheap. The rules are simple and informal. You are the
Do I need a lawyer? You may talk to a lawyer before or after the case. But you may not have a lawyer represent you in court (unless this is an appeal from a small claims case).
How do I get ready for court? You don’t have to file any papers before your trial, unless you think this is the wrong court for your case. But bring to your trial any witnesses, receipts, and evidence that supports your case. And read “Be Prepared for Your Trial” at www.courts.ca.gov/smallclaims/prepare.
What if I need an accommodation? If you have a disability or are hearing impaired, fill out form
What if I don’t speak English well? Ask the court clerk as soon as possible for a
Where can I get the court forms I need? Go to any courthouse or your county law library, or print forms at www. courts.ca.gov/smallclaims/forms.
What happens at the trial? The judge will listen to both sides. The judge may make a decision at your trial or mail the decision to you later.
What if I lose the case?If you lose, you may appeal. You’ll have to pay a fee. (Plaintiffs cannot appeal their own claims.)
•If you were at the trial, file form
•If you were not at the trial, fill out and file form
For more information on appeals, see www.courts.ca.gov/ smallclaims/appeals.
Do I have options?
Yes. If you are being sued, you can:
•Settle your case before the trial. If you and the
plaintiff agree on how to settle the case, the plaintiff must file form
•Prove this is the wrong court. Send a letter to the court
before your trial explaining why you think this is the wrong court. Ask the court to dismiss the claim. You must serve (give) a copy of your letter (by mail or in person) to all parties. (Your letter to the court must say you have done so.)
•Go to the trial and try to win your case. Bring
witnesses, receipts, and any evidence you need to prove your case. To have the court order a witness to go to the trial, fill out form
•Sue the person who is suing you. If you have a claim
against the plaintiff, and the claim is appropriate for small claims court as described on this form, you may file Defendant's Claim (form
•Agree with the plaintiff's claim and pay the
money. Or, if you can’t pay the money now, go to your trial and say you want to make payments.
•Let the case "default." If you don’t settle and do not go to the trial (default), the judge may give the plaintiff what he or she is asking for plus court costs. If this happens, the plaintiff can legally take your money, wages, and property to pay the judgment.
What if I need more time?
You can change the trial date if:
You cannot go to court on the scheduled date (you will have to
•pay a fee to postpone the trial), or
You did not get served (receive this order to go to court) at least
•15 days before the trial (or 20 days if you live outside the county), or
You need more time to get an interpreter. One postponement is
•allowed, and you will not have to pay a fee to delay the trial. Ask the Small Claims Clerk about the rules and fees for postponing a trial. Or fill out form
? Need help?
Your county’s Small Claims Advisor can help for free.
Or go to www.courts.ca.gov/smallclaims/advisor.
* Exceptions: Different limits apply in an action against a defendant who is a guarantor. (See Code Civ. Proc., § 116.220(c).)
Revised January 1, 2020
Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court
(Small Claims)
Información para el demandado (la persona demandada) |
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La “Corte de reclamos menores” es una corte especial donde se deciden casos por $10,000 o menos. Los individuos, o sea las “personas físicas” y los propietarios por cuenta propia, pueden reclamar hasta $10,000. Las corporaciones, asociaciones, entidades públicas y otras empresas solo pueden reclamar hasta $5,000. (Vea abajo para las excepciones.*) El proceso es rápido y barato. Las reglas son sencillas e informales. Usted es el
¿Necesito un abogado? Puede hablar con un abogado antes o después del caso. Pero no puede tener a un abogado que lo represente ante la corte (a menos que se trate de una apelación de un caso de reclamos menores).
¿Cómo me preparo para ir a la corte? No tiene que presentar ningunos papeles antes del juicio, a menos que piense que ésta es la corte equivocada para su caso. Pero lleve al juicio cualquier testigos, recibos y pruebas que apoyan su caso. Y lea “Esté preparado para su juicio” en www.courts.ca.gov/reclamosmenores/preparese.
¿Qué hago si necesito una adaptación? Si tiene una discapacidad o tiene impedimentos de audición, llene el formulario
¿Qué pasa si no hablo bien inglés? Solicite un intérprete al secretario de la corte lo más pronto posible. Puede usar el formulario
¿Dónde puedo obtener los formularios de la corte que necesito? Vaya a cualquier edificio de la corte, la biblioteca legal de su condado, o imprima los formularios en www.courts.ca.gov/ smallclaims/forms (página está en inglés).
¿Qué pasa en el juicio? El juez escuchará a ambas partes. El juez puede tomar su decisión durante la audiencia o enviársela por correo después.
¿Qué pasa si pierdo el caso? Si pierde, puede apelar. Tendrá que pagar una cuota. (El Demandante no puede apelar su propio reclamo.)
•Si estuvo presente en el juicio, llene el formulario
•Si no estuvo en el juicio, llene y presente el formulario
Para obtener más información sobre las apelaciones, vea www.
courts.ca.gov/reclamosmenores/apelaciones.
¿Tengo otras opciones? Sí. Si lo están demandando, puede:
•Resolver su caso antes del juicio. Si usted y el Demandante se ponen de acuerdo en cómo resolver el caso, el Demandante tiene que presentar el formulario
•Probar que es la corte equivocada. Envíe una carta a la corte antes del juicio explicando por qué cree que es la corte equivocada. Pídale a la corte que despida el reclamo.Tiene que entregar (dar) una copia de su carta (por correo o en persona) a todas las partes. (Su carta a la corte tiene que decir que hizo la entrega.)
•Ir al juicio y tratar de ganar el caso. Lleve testigos, recibos y cualquier prueba que necesite para probar su caso. Si desea que la corte emita una orden de comparecencia para que los testigos vayan al juicio, llene el formulario
•Demandar a la persona que lo demandó. Si tiene un reclamo contra el Demandante, y el reclamo se puede presentar en la corte de reclamos menores, tal como se describe en este formulario, puede presentar el formulario
•Aeptar el reclamo del Demandante y pagar el dinero. O, si no puede pagar en ese momento, vaya al juicio y diga que quiere hacer los pagos.
•No ir al juicio y aceptar el fallo por falta de comparecencia. Si no llega a un acuerdo con el Demandante y no va al juicio (fallo por falta de comparecencia), el juez le puede otorgar al Demandante lo que está reclamando más los costos de la corte. En ese caso, el Demandante legalmente puede tomar su dinero, su sueldo o sus bienes para cobrar el fallo.
¿Qué hago si necesito más tiempo? Puede cambiar la fecha del juicio si:
•No puede ir a la corte en la fecha programada (tendrá que pagar una cuota para aplazar el juicio), o
•No le entregaron los documentos legalmente (no recibió la orden para ir a la corte) por lo menos 15 días antes del juicio (ó 20 días si vive fuera del condado), o
•Necesita más tiempo para conseguir intérprete. (Se permite un solo aplazamiento sin tener que pagar cuota para aplazar el
juicio).
Pregúntele al secretario de reclamos menores sobre las reglas y las cuotas para aplazar un juicio. O llene el formulario
?¿Necesita ayuda? El Asesor de Reclamos Menores de su condado le puede ayudar sin cargo.
O visite www.courts.ca.gov/reclamosmenores/asesores.
* Excepciones: Existen diferentes límites en un reclamo contra un garante. (Vea el Código de Procedimiento Civil, sección 116.220 (c).)
Revised January 1, 2020
Reclamo del Demandante y ORDEN |
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Para Ir a la Corte de Reclamos Menores |
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(Reclamos Menores) |
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Form Characteristics
| Fact Name | Detail |
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| Form Title | The SC-100 form is titled "Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court." |
| Who Uses It | This form is used by both plaintiffs (those suing) and defendants (those being sued) in small claims cases. |
| Trial Requirements | Both parties are required to attend the court on the specified trial date; failing to do so can result in losing the case. |
| Claim Amount Limits | Individuals can claim up to $10,000, while businesses have a limit of $5,000 under California law. |
| Governing Law | This form is governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure, specifically sections 116.110 et seq., 116.220(c), and 116.340(g). |
| Accommodation Requests | Individuals needing assistance, such as interpreters or disability accommodations, should submit a request at least five days before the trial. |
Guidelines on Utilizing Sc 100
Completing the SC-100 form is an essential step before taking your case to small claims court. It will require detailed information regarding the parties involved and the nature of your claim. Follow these steps to ensure you fill out the form correctly.
- Obtain the SC-100 form from a courthouse, county law library, or the California courts website.
- Carefully read the entire form and any instructions attached to it.
- In section 1, fill in the plaintiff's name, contact details, and address. If there are multiple plaintiffs, provide their information as well.
- In section 2, enter the defendant's name and contact information. If a corporation or entity is involved, include the name of the authorized agent for service of process.
- In section 3, state the amount the defendant owes. Provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for the claim, including any relevant dates and the method of calculating the owed amount.
- Move to section 4 and indicate whether you have asked the defendant to pay back the owed amount before filing this claim. If not, explain why.
- In section 5, explain why you are filing your claim at the chosen courthouse. Reference specific conditions that apply to your situation.
- Check the relevant boxes in sections 6 through 11 that relate to your claim, such as whether it involves more than one defendant or an attorney-client fee dispute.
- Sign and date the form at the bottom, confirming that all information provided is accurate and truthful.
- Make copies of the completed form for all parties involved, then file the original form and copies with the court clerk and pay the required filing fee.
- Ensure that someone aged 18 or older delivers the stamped copies to the defendant, unless otherwise specified, following the "serving" rules if public entities are involved.
After completing these steps, you will be ready to attend the court hearing on the scheduled trial date. Gather all necessary documents, witnesses, and evidence to support your claim.
What You Should Know About This Form
What is the SC-100 form used for?
The SC-100 form, known as the Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court, is a legal document used by individuals or businesses to file a claim in small claims court. This form outlines the plaintiff’s claim against the defendant and includes essential details such as parties involved, the amount claimed, and the reasons for the claim. It initiates the small claims process and sets a court date for hearing the case.
Who is the plaintiff and who is the defendant in this form?
The plaintiff is the person or entity that is filing the lawsuit. This can be an individual, a business, or even a public entity. The defendant, on the other hand, is the individual or entity being sued. The SC-100 form clearly identifies both parties, with the plaintiff listed in section 1 and the defendant in section 2.
What happens if I do not attend the court date specified in the SC-100?
If either party fails to appear for the scheduled court date, that party risks losing the case. The judge may automatically rule in favor of the party that did appear, granting them the claim they are pursuing, along with any applicable court costs. Attendance is crucial to present your case effectively.
What should I bring to court on the day of the trial?
Both parties should come prepared with all relevant documentation and evidence. This includes receipts, contracts, and witness statements that support their claims or defenses. The more organized and thorough your evidence, the better prepared you will be to make your case.
Can I have a lawyer represent me in small claims court?
In small claims court, individuals cannot be represented by a lawyer during the trial. However, you are allowed to consult with a lawyer before or after the trial for advice. The rules are designed to keep the process straightforward and accessible to those who may not have legal representation.
What should I do if I require accommodations due to a disability?
If you need accommodations for a disability or require assistance during the trial, it is essential to request accommodations at least five days prior to the court date. You can fill out form MC-410 and submit it to the court clerk’s office. This ensures that necessary arrangements are in place for your participation in the proceedings.
What are my options if I want to settle before the trial?
You can resolve the matter before trial by reaching an agreement with the plaintiff. If an agreement is made, the plaintiff must file a Request for Dismissal with the court. Settling before the trial can save both time and expenses, allowing both parties to avoid the uncertainties of a court ruling.
Common mistakes
Filling out the SC-100 form can be tricky. Many people unknowingly make mistakes that can impact their case. Here are eight common errors to avoid.
First, failing to correctly identify the defendant can lead to significant complications. Ensure that the name and address of the person being sued are accurate. The defendant's information should match their legal name. Errors here may result in delays or dismissal of the case.
Second, some people neglect to specify the amount of money owed. This section is crucial. If the amount is ambiguous or missing, the court may require you to amend your claim, wasting valuable time that could delay your hearing.
Third, a lack of supporting evidence is a frequent issue. Many forget to bring necessary documents such as receipts or contracts to court. Having this evidence ready is vital for supporting your claims. Without it, proving your case could become much more difficult.
Another common mistake is not properly indicating the reason for filing in a specific courthouse. Choosing the correct venue is essential. Each courtroom covers different regions, and if you’re in the wrong place, your case may be dismissed outright.
Some individuals also forget to include a declaration of prior attempts to resolve the issue before filing. The form requires you to confirm whether you've asked the defendant to pay. If this step is overlooked, the court may view the claim unfavorably.
Miscommunication surrounding service of process can also derail a case. You must have someone at least 18 years old, other than yourself, deliver a copy of the SC-100 to the defendant. Skipping this requirement can lead to technical issues, hindering your ability to proceed.
Furthermore, filing multiple claims within a short timeframe can result in higher fees. If you've submitted more than twelve small claims within the past year, be mindful of the costs associated. Understanding these fees upfront can help avoid budgeting surprises.
Finally, many people don't prepare for court proceedings adequately. Reading through the entire SC-100 form, including attached instructions, is necessary. Familiarity with court procedures and policies can help ensure you are ready when the trial date arrives.
Documents used along the form
In addition to the SC-100 form, several other documents may be necessary during the small claims process. Each of these forms serves a specific purpose and helps ensure a fair and organized court proceeding. Below is a list of these forms along with brief descriptions to guide you through the process.
- SC-101, Claim of the Plaintiff's Attorney: This form is used if a party wishes to assert a claim regarding attorney fees in small claims court. It provides a way for parties to present any disputes related to attorneys’ fees that may arise.
- SC-120, Defendant's Claim: Should a defendant wish to counter-sue the plaintiff, this form is required. It allows the defendant to file their own claim against the plaintiff during the same court appearance.
- SC-135, Notice of Motion to Vacate Judgment: If a party misses their court date and a judgment has been issued against them, this form allows them to request that the judgment be overturned, offering a chance to present their case.
- SC-140, Notice of Appeal: If a party disagrees with the judgment issued by the court, this form can be filed to initiate the appeal process. It notifies the court of the intent to contest the decision made during the trial.
- SC-150, Request to Postpone Trial: This form is utilized when a party needs to postpone their trial date for valid reasons. It formally requests that the court allow additional time for preparation or other considerations.
Understanding these accompanying forms can greatly aid in the small claims process. Each serves a vital function in ensuring that all parties have the opportunity to present their cases fully and fairly. It is crucial to ensure that all required documents are completed accurately and filed in a timely manner to promote an effective resolution.
Similar forms
Defendant's Claim (SC-120): Like the SC-100 form, the Defendant's Claim is also used in small claims court. It allows a defendant to file a claim against the plaintiff and address issues related to the same transaction. This form must be filed before the trial, similarly to how the SC-100 must be filed to initiate a claim.
Request for Dismissal (CIV-110): This document is utilized when both parties agree to resolve their dispute without going to trial. Just as the SC-100 initiates a case, the CIV-110 allows a formal end to that process, ensuring that the case is dismissed with the court’s consent.
Small Claims Subpoena (SC-107): The SC-107 is similar to the SC-100 in that both involve court appearances. The subpoena is used to compel a witness to attend the trial to provide testimony, thereby supporting the claims made in the SC-100 and ensuring that all relevant evidence can be presented in court.
Forms for Serving Documents (SC-104, SC-104B, SC-104C): These forms guide plaintiffs on serving documents to defendants. Much like the SC-100 requires proper notification of the defendant, these forms ensure that the defendant is legally served with the necessary information and documents related to the case.
Dos and Don'ts
- Read the entire form carefully. Understanding the details is crucial to protect your rights and comprehend the claim being made against you.
- Provide accurate information. Ensure that names, addresses, and claims are filled out precisely. Mistakes can lead to delays or complications.
- Bring evidence to court. This includes witnesses, receipts, and any other supporting documentation to prove your case.
- Pay attention to the filing deadlines. Make sure to file your claim on time to avoid dismissal or other issues.
- Follow procedures for serving the documents. Ensure that all involved parties receive their copies in accordance with court requirements.
- Don’t ignore the court date. Failing to appear can result in a default judgment against you.
- Don’t submit false information. Doing so can jeopardize your case and possibly lead to legal consequences.
- Don’t go to court unprepared. Without necessary evidence and documentation, proving your side can become challenging.
- Don’t attempt to dispute claims without solid evidence. hastily challenging the claims without substantial backing can weaken your position.
- Don’t hesitate to seek help. Utilize resources such as a Small Claims Advisor to understand the process and prepare effectively.
Misconceptions
- Misconception 1: The SC-100 form is only for individuals.
- Misconception 2: You need a lawyer to file the SC-100 form.
- Misconception 3: Filing the SC-100 form guarantees a win in court.
- Misconception 4: You cannot appeal a judgment from small claims court.
- Misconception 5: You don’t need to bring any evidence or witnesses to court.
- Misconception 6: The SC-100 form is solely applicable in California.
This form is designed for a variety of claimants, including individuals, businesses, and public entities. Claims can also be filed by sole proprietors, but corporations and partnerships have a lower monetary limit.
While consultation with a lawyer is recommended, especially for guidance prior to court, representation by a lawyer is generally not allowed in small claims court unless you are appealing a decision.
Filing the form alone does not secure a victory. Both parties present their cases, and the judge makes the decision based on the evidence and arguments presented during the trial.
While plaintiffs cannot appeal their own claims, defendants do have the option to appeal if they believe the judgment was not justified. This requires specific forms and must be done within a designated timeframe.
All parties are encouraged to bring relevant evidence, witnesses, and documentation to support their case. Without proper evidence, it may be challenging to prove your claims successfully.
Although the SC-100 form is specific to California small claims courts, many states have similar forms and processes. Always check local court requirements and procedures to ensure compliance.
Key takeaways
Understanding the SC-100 Form is crucial for anyone involved in a small claims case. Here are five key takeaways about filling out and using the SC-100 form:
- The plaintiff is the person or entity bringing the claim, while the defendant is the person being sued. This distinction is essential to understand your role in the process.
- You must prepare for your trial by collecting relevant evidence, such as witnesses and receipts, to support your case. Bring this information with you on the trial day.
- The information provided on the form should be clear and accurate. This includes your claim's details, such as why the defendant owes you money and how you calculated that amount.
- It's important to file the SC-100 form in the correct courthouse based on where the claim originated. Your options include where the defendant lives or where the transaction occurred.
- If you lose the case, you have the right to appeal, but the process and deadlines for doing so are strict. Make sure to familiarize yourself with this process beforehand.
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