Frequently Asked Questions About Small Claims

This section gives you answers to frequently asked questions. It tells you about small claims court in general and how to take some actions that will help you in your court case.

There is a list of questions under each category.
To get started, please click on a topic below:

Do I Need a Lawyer?

NOTE: A lawyer cannot represent you in Small Claims court but they may help you prepare for your case.

Before a legal proceeding is started
During a legal proceeding
After a legal proceeding

If you have questions that are not asked in this section, you may want to ask the Small Claims Advisor in your area for help.

If you have questions that are not asked in this section, you may want to ask a law librarian for help.

AskNow's law librarian service lets you ask questions and get answers, in real time, right here on the Internet, from live law librarians throughout California. The AskNow law librarian service is available:

Monday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. & 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday -Thursday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Live Reference staff are not available on Holidays

You might also get help by looking at more helpful links.

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