If you’re thinking about filing a small claims case in California, one of the first steps is making sure you have the right forms — and that they’re filled out correctly.
But let’s be honest: court paperwork can be confusing.
Which form do you need? Where do you get it?
What if you’re suing as a business or have multiple defendants?
We’ve got answers — and we’ve got a better way.
Essential California Small Claims Court Forms (And What They’re For)
Here are the most commonly used small claims forms in California:
| Form Name | Form Number | Use Case |
| Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Court | SC-100 | The main form to start a small claims case |
| Other Plaintiffs or Defendants (Attachment) | SC-100A | Add extra plaintiffs or defendants (if there’s more than one) |
| Fictitious Business Name (Declaration) | SC-103 | Required if you’re suing under a business name (DBA) |
| Attorney Fee Dispute (After Arbitration) | SC-101 | Used in attorney-client disputes following mandatory fee arbitration |
Note: SC-101 is only used in very specific attorney-client fee dispute cases — most people filing a typical claim won’t need it.
Where to Get the Official Forms for Free
You can download all official small claims court forms directly from the California courts website:
Visit the Judicial Council’s Small Claims Forms Page
There you’ll find:
- SC-100: Plaintiff’s Claim
- SC-100A: Attachment for multiple parties
- SC-103: Fictitious Business Declaration
- SC-101: Attorney Fee Dispute (if applicable)
- SC-104: Proof of Service
- FW-001: Fee Waiver Request
- And many others
But here’s the problem: These are blank PDFs — and it’s easy to make costly mistakes if you don’t know exactly how to complete them.
Want Help Choosing and Filling Out the Right Forms?
Let Countrywide Process walk you through the process with our smart, self-guided online tool.
With just a few plain-English questions, we’ll:
- Identify the exact forms you need
- Generate and fill them out automatically
- File them with the correct court
- Serve the other party legally and on time
- File the Proof of Service after successful service
No confusing PDFs. No courthouse lines. No missed details.
Start your small claims case now
Forms We Handle Automatically in Our Guided Interview
Our platform prepares and manages:
- SC-100 — Plaintiff’s Claim
- SC-100A — Extra plaintiffs or defendants
- SC-103 — Fictitious Business declaration
- SC-104 — Proof of Service
- SC-101 — Attorney Fee Dispute (only if your case qualifies)
We also auto-generate a formal demand letter, file with the right court, and track your process from start to finish.
Need to Know What You’ll Need Before You Start?
Before you dive in, use our free prep checklist so you’re not missing anything:
Check out our California Small Claims Checklist
You’ll be ready with:
- Names and addresses of defendants
- Contract, invoice, or damage records
- Communication history
- Exact dollar amount you’re claiming
Filing Small Claims Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Court forms may be free — but if they’re filled out incorrectly or missing info, your case could be delayed or dismissed.
Our step-by-step guided system ensures:
- Accuracy
- Legal compliance
- Fast filing
- Proper service of process
Let us prepare and file your small claims forms for you
Final Thought: Skip the Guesswork. Get Results.
You can go the DIY route and download blank forms. Or you can use a smarter, guided option that handles everything — correctly, quickly, and affordably.
If you’re owed money and ready to take action, we’ll help you do it right.
