If this is what happens in your county, many cases may be scheduled at one time. If so, you have to sit in the courtroom until the name of your case is read by the judge or court commissioner or his clerk. When that happens, you should stand up and let the judge or court commissioner know you are there. If the defendant is not there, you can ask for an automatic judgment called a default judgment. In some counties, if the defendant denies owing the money, the judge or court commissioner may also set the time or place for the next court date.
Some counties have court commissioners that decide small claims cases.
If the court commissioner does not give you what you asked for, you have a right to have a trial with a judge. If you want a trial with a judge, you must ask for it as soon as possible after the court commissioner makes his decision. If the court commissioner s decision is oral, you have 10 days to ask for a trial with a judge. If the court commissioner s decision is written, you have 15 days from the date of mailing to ask for a trial with a judge. If you wait more than these time limits, you may lose your right to such a trial.