vania-janet/multiturn-rag-retrieval-data huggingface dataset:
The Superior Court of California - County of Ventura - Small Claims
Service by certified mail must be done by the clerk's office. The fee is $15.00 per defendant. You cannot serve the defendant yourself. 
 Certified mail is the least effective form of service and the green return receipt must be signed by the defendant personally or the court will delay your 
 hearing and ask you to attempt another form of service. You will need to check with the court prior to the hearing to see if the receipt for certified mail 
 was returned to the court.
Personal service. Personal service means someone gives the papers directly to the person being sued or to the agent authorized to accept service for a 
 business or public entity. A plaintiff cannot serve the defendant. Anyone over the age of 18, not a party to the action, may serve the defendant. The 
 person serving the claim must sign a proof of service form showing when the defendant was served and this form must be filed with the court 5 days prior 
 to the hearing date. You can have the Sheriff serve the defendant for a fee of $40.00 per defendant or you can hire a registered process service to 
 serve the defendant.
If service is not completed your case will be taken off calendar and you will need to reset the hearing and have the defendant re-served.

Settlement Before Court

If the case is settled after the filing of the claim and before the hearing date, the plaintiff must file Judicial Council form “Request For Dismissal” 
 (CIV-110) with the court. If the claim was satisfied with payment by check, 
 the plaintiff may want to wait until the check has cleared the bank before filing the dismissal.

Small Claims Mediation Program

Mediation at the Court.  Free mediation services for litigants in small claims cases is provided by trained 
 volunteer mediators through Ventura Center for Dispute Settlement who are available at the court at the time of your hearing.
Benefits:

Mediation is Power.  In mediation, the parties 
 determine the outcome of the case, rather than having the judge decide for you.
Save Business Relationships and Friendships.  Mediation 
 can help maintain important relationships without going to court.
Have Both Views of the Dispute Heard.  Many cases 
 aren’t just about money.
The Superior Court of California - County of Ventura - FAQs
Q:  When is Small Claims mediation appropriate?
A:  You can mediate your case before or after a small claims case has been filed. If you mediate before filing a case 
 and an agreement is reached at the mediation, there will be no need to file a small claims case. If a case has already been filed, 
 the agreement reached at the mediation can be entered into the court record without having to appear in court. You may also have 
 an opportunity to mediate your case on the day of the hearing at the courthouse.

 Mediation may be particularly useful when parties have a relationship they want to preserve. So when family members, neighbors, 
 or business partners have a dispute, mediation may be the most effective process to use. However, mediation may be beneficial in 
 almost any kind of dispute between people. Mediation is effective even when emotions are getting in the way of resolution. An 
 effective mediator can help the parties communicate with each other in a respectful and constructive manner.

Q:  When may Small Claims mediation be inappropriate?
A:  Mediation may not be appropriate if one of the parties is unwilling to cooperate or communicate. Mediation also 
 may not be effective if one of the parties has a significant advantage in power over the other. Therefore, mediation may not be 
 a good choice if the parties have a history of abuse or victimization. Mediation is not appropriate in cases in which a crime is involved.

Q:  What is the role of the Small Claims mediator?
A:  The mediator is an impartial neutral intermediary whose role is to facilitate a discussion of the issues and 
 perspectives between the parties in an effort to help them reach an agreement. The mediator does not impose a settlement, 
 but will assist the parties in exploring settlement options. Generally, the mediator does not communicate with the court except 
 to file the partiesâ settlement agreement.

Q:  Is Small Claims mediation confidential?
A:  All communication, negotiations, or settlement discussions in the court of a mediation or mediation consultation 
 are confidential. This means that whatever is said in the mediation meeting, even if no settlement is reached, may not be used 
 in any later court proceeding.
The Superior Court of California - County of Ventura - FAQs
but will assist the parties in exploring settlement options. Generally, the mediator does not communicate with the court except 
 to file the partiesâ settlement agreement.

Q:  Is Small Claims mediation confidential?
A:  All communication, negotiations, or settlement discussions in the court of a mediation or mediation consultation 
 are confidential. This means that whatever is said in the mediation meeting, even if no settlement is reached, may not be used 
 in any later court proceeding.

Q:  Is Small Claims mediation required by the court?
A:  Mediation is a "voluntary" process. Any party may end a mediation at any time without adverse consequences. 
 The mediator is not empowered to hold you in a mediation against your wishes. That said, there is so much that is offered by mediation, 
 and so little to lose, that you are encouraged to participate fully.

Q:  How long does a Small Claims mediation last and how do I prepare?
A:  Usually, mediation of a small claims dispute lasts around 30 minutes to an hour if held at the court. 
 You need to be prepared to discuss all relevant issues in your case. You need to be prepared to state your position and 
 to listen carefully to the other side. You will be required to exchange evidence with the other side. This will be a 
 requirement by the court even if you do not mediate in order to shorten trial time.

Q:  What if we donât settle our dispute at the Small claims mediation?
A:  If you and the other party are unable to reach a full agreement at the mediation, your case will still be 
 decided by the Judge, Commissioner or Temporary Judge assigned to your small claims case usually on the same day your hearing 
 was originally scheduled. If you mediate before filing a small claims case, but donât reach a full agreement, you can still 
 file a small claims case with the court.

 However, your claim may be time sensitive, so you may want to check with your attorney or with the Small Claims Advisor to 
 determine when you have to file your case. You can visit the Small Claims Advisor in person or call (805) 654-5054.

For more information please visit our Small Claims page.
What happens if you're sued | California Courts | Self Help Guide


What happens if you're sued | California Courts | Self Help Guide

 Skip to main content
 

 Judicial Branch of California

Supreme Court

Courts of Appeal

Superior Courts

Judicial Council

 California Courts | Self Help Guide

 

 

Type of Case

CARE Act

Child Custody

Child support

Civil Lawsuits

Conservatorship

Divorce

Eviction

Guardianship

Name Change

Parentage

Restraining Order

Small Claims

Traffic

Wills and estates

Court Information

Court basics

Your day in court

Request an interpreter

Services at court

Find court forms

Fee Waivers

 
Español

 

 

What happens if you're sued

Overview
What happens if you're sued

This is the typical process for what happens if you're sued in California. You may not need to take every step. For example, many people work out an agreement (settle) with the other side and never end up going to trial. Or, if you don't respond to the lawsuit, the judge can make a final decision (a judgment), likely against you, without a trial or our participation.
 
Select any phase shown below to learn more and get step-by-step instructions for your situation.
 

1. Decide what to do if you're sued
 You receive court papers that say you're being sued. Find out your options and how long you have to respond.
 

2. Respond and defend yourself
 If you decide to respond, you file a response in court.
 

3. Prepare your case
 This is usually the longest part of the process. You prepare your case by gathering evidence (called discovery). You and the other side can try to reach an agreement.
 

4. Prepare for your trial
 Once you're done with discovery you will need to start to prepare for trial. Even now, you may end up reaching an agreement.
 

5. Go to your trial
 If the case isn't settled, you'll go to trial. The judge or jury will decide who wins.
 

6. Pay or collect money
 If the judge or jury decided one side owes the other money, the money needs to be paid.
 

Already know what you are looking for?

Index: All Pages

 

Was this helpful?

Yes

No

did this information help you with your case?

Great! Anything you can share about what made it helpful?

Sorry to hear that! What would make this more helpful?

Any Additional Feedback?

Email (optional)

 CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Leave this field blank

 Was this helpful?

CALIFORNIA COURTS | SELF HELP GUIDE

 

 

 Judicial Branch of California

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

 ©
 2024
Small Claims Court Process: Sacramento Superior Court

contains information about how to collect the judgment.

Hearings Before Temporary Judges

 The Small Claims court uses temporary judges to 
 hear the cases. A temporary judge is an attorney who has been licensed to 
 practice law in California for a minimum of five years and who volunteers to 
 assist the court by hearing certain cases. They meet the same minimum 
 qualifications as a judge or commissioner. The temporary judge is required to 
 take a training program before hearing cases.

 You do not have to agree to have your case heard 
 by a temporary judge. If you wait until your court date to request a judge or 
 commissioner of the Superior Court, your case will be continued to a date when 
 one is available and this may delay your case.

 If you do know at the time of filing your claim 
 you are not willing to have a temporary judge hear your case, let the clerk know 
 so they can schedule your court date on a day and time when a judge or 
 commissioner is available.

 If you are the defendant and you know prior to 
 your court date that you are willing to have a temporary judge hear your case, 
 contact the clerk's office in writing to have the case heard by a judge or 
 commissioner.

What to Expect in Court

Children are not allowed in the courtroom, so you 
 should not bring them with you. There is a supervised
 
 children's waiting room
 on the first floor of the courthouse and you may leave children 
 who are at least 2-1/2 and toilet-trained there while you are in court. There is 
 no charge for this service. Younger children may use this facility as well, but 
 you will need to have a friend or relative stay with the infant.
 
Come to court organized and prepared.
 
Arrive promptly at your assigned court time; if 
 you arrive later, your case may be heard without you.
 
Bring enough photocopies of all your evidence for 
 each party and the judge.
 
Any original copies submitted to the judge the day 
 of trial may not be returned to you. Any documents you leave with the court are 
 destroyed. They are not kept in a file or scanned into the computer.
Small Claims Advisor | Superior Court of California | County of Tuolumne
Small Claims Advisor | Superior Court of California | County of Tuolumne

 Skip to main content
 

 

Skip to main content.

Judicial Branch of California

Supreme Court

Courts of Appeal

Superior Court

Judicial Council

County of Tuolumne

 

 

Home

Online Services
 

Court Calendar

Tentative Rulings

Check Your Juror Status

Probate Notes

Pay Traffic Ticket/Criminal Fine Online

Justice Links

Online Services
 

Forms, Filings, Rules
 

Fax Filing

Local Forms

Assembly Bill 1950

Evictions

Local Rules

Forms, Filings, Rules
 

Self Help
 

Family Law

Adjudicated Newspaper

Adoption

Cooperative Parenting Workshop

Divorce, Separation, Nullity, ETC.

Domestic Violence

Elder Abuse

Emancipation

Family Law Facilitator

Guardianship

Eviction/Unlawful Detainer

Law Library

Mediation

Name Change

Probate & Conservatorship

Restraining Orders

Self-Help Small Claims

Spanish Link

Workplace Violence

Self Help
 

Divisions
 

Appeals

Civil

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Civil Harassment

Minor's Compromised Claims

Criminal

Jury Services

Jury Services FAQs

Juvenile

Small Claims

Small Claims Advisor

Traffic

Collaborative Courts

Adult Drug Court

CARE Court

Dependency Drug Court

Divisions
 

General Information
 

ADA Information

Administration

Court Holidays

Court Reporter

Court Technology Services

Courthouse History

Courthouse Security

Employment/Human Resources

Employment Opportunities & Employment Application

Grand Jury

Airports Grand Jury Report

Elections Grand Jury Report

Jail and Prison Facilities Grand Jury Report

School Safety Grand Jury Report

Judicial Assignments

Judge Kevin M. Seibert Biography

Judge Laura L. Krieg Biography

Judge Hallie Gorman Campbell Biography

Judge David C. Beyersdorf Biography

Commissioner Steven S. Streger Biography

Justice Partners

Location & Contact Info

Visiting the Courthouse

Media Relations

News & Events

Procurement & Bids

Request an Interpreter
Were you served your small claims forms properly? | California Courts | Self Help Guide
Were you served your small claims forms properly? | California Courts | Self Help Guide

 Skip to main content
 

 Judicial Branch of California

Supreme Court

Courts of Appeal

Superior Courts

Judicial Council

 California Courts | Self Help Guide

 

 

Type of Case

CARE Act

Child Custody

Child support

Civil Lawsuits

Conservatorship

Divorce

Eviction

Guardianship

Name Change

Parentage

Restraining Order

Small Claims

Traffic

Wills and estates

Court Information

Court basics

Your day in court

Request an interpreter

Services at court

Find court forms

Fee Waivers

 
Español

 

 

Previous Page

Index: All Pages

Were you served your small claims forms properly?

PRINT

EMAIL

 

Enter your email

 We'll only use this email to send this link
 

TEXT

 

Enter your mobile number 

Ten digit mobile number starting with the area code (e.g. 4158654200)
 

Select your mobile carrier
Select your mobile carrierBoost MobileCricket WirelessAlltelGoogle FiMetroPCSAT&TRepublic WirelessSprintT-MobileVerizonU.S. CellularVirgin Mobile

 We'll only use this mobile number to send this link
 

Check if you were served the Plaintiff's Claim the right way
Whoever’s suing you must have the forms given to you in an exact way and a specific number of days before the trial date. 
The person suing you can't personally hand or mail you the Plaintiff's Claim. They must have another adult do it.
The Plaintiff's Claim must be:
Handed to you by someone 18 or older (called personal service)
If you live in the county where the case is filed you have to have the forms handed to you 15 days, or more, before your court date.
If you do not live in the county where the case is filed you have to have the forms handed to you 20 days, or more, before your court date.
The Superior Court of California - County of Ventura - Small Claims
The buyer signed the contract, now lives or lived in Ventura County when the contract was made, if this claim is about a retail installment contract (like a credit card).
The buyer signed the contract, now lives, or lived in Ventura County when the contract was made, or where the vehicle is permanently garaged, if this claim is about a vehicle finance sale.
If your claim occurred in the east end of the county, your case will be set for hearing in the East County Division / Simi Valley location.

91301
91302
91304
91307

91360
91361
91362
91377

93020
93021
93062
93063

93064
93065
93093
 

If your claim occurred in any other zip code in the county, your case will be set for hearing at the Juvenile Justice Center / Oxnard location.
All Small Claims filings regardless of your hearing location must be filed with the Hall of Justice in Ventura. The East County Division and Juvenile Justice Center do not accept Small Claims filings.
The District Attorney's Small Claims Advisor is located in the Courthouse in Ventura and may be reached by calling (805) 654-5054.

Who can file?

You must be at least 18 years old to file a claim. If you are not yet 18, you may ask the court to appoint a guardian ad litem.
You must be the original owner of the claim.

How Do I File a Claim?

A person who sues in small claims court must first make a demand when possible. This means you have asked the defendant to pay and the defendant has refused.
The forms to file a small claims case can be located on the court website under Online Forms by selecting the Judicial Council hyperlink. If you do not have 
 access to a computer, you may either come directly to the clerk’s office to fill out the appropriate paperwork or have the paperwork mailed to you by sending in 
 your request along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Small Claims forms cannot be filed by fax.
Self-Help Glossary - selfhelp
judgment debtor's statement of assets: In small claims, the form listing the judgment debtor's assets and sources of income that the judgment debtor must complete and send to the judgment creditor within 30 days after receiving notice of the court's decision.
judicial: Belonging to or appropriate to the office of a judge; relates to the administration of justice.
Judicial Council: The Judicial Council of California is the constitutionally mandated body responsible for improving the administration of justice in the state. The council is made up of judges, court executives, attorneys, and legislators. It was established to standardize court administration, practice, and procedure by adopting and enforcing court rules.
Judicial Council forms: The Judicial Council of California has created many forms (called "Judicial Council forms") to standardize the preparation of court documents. People involved in lawsuits (also called "litigants") must use Judicial Council forms that are labeled "mandatory" and may use forms that are labeled "optional."
judicial district: The state is divided into judicial districts that define the geographical area of each court's authority.
judicial officer: Judges, referees, and commissioners that make court decisions as a judge.
judicial positions: The judge, referee, and commissioner positions authorized by the state Legislature for a particular court jurisdiction.
jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case; (2) the geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases; (3) the territory, subject matter, or persons over which lawful authority may be exercised by a court.
jurisdictional limit: The maximum amount of money that a court can award. The limit is $5,000 for most small claims cases, but a claimant can't file more than 2 small claims court actions for more than $2,500 anywhere in the state during any calendar year.
jurisprudence: The study of law and the structure of the legal system.
juror: A person selected to be on a jury.
jury: A group of citizens picked according to law and authorized to decide a case.
Small Claims | Superior Court of California | County of Alameda
Small Claims | Superior Court of California | County of Alameda

 Skip to main content
 

 

Skip to main content.

Judicial Branch of California

Supreme Court

Courts of Appeal

Superior Courts

Judicial Council

County of Alameda

 

 

Home

Online Services
 

Criminal Case Portal

eCourt Public Portal (Civil, Family, Probate, Mental Health)

Court Reporter Transcripts

Criminal Record Requests

Find Your Court Date

Pay Your Traffic Ticket

Mobile App

Clerk's Office Appointments (Civil or Family)

E-Filing

Online Services
 

Forms & Filing
 

Forms

Fee & Bail Schedules

Forms & Filing
 

Self-Help

Divisions
 

Civil

ADR

Rulings on Motions

Tentative Rulings

Small Claims

Get Help with Your Case

Rules & Forms

Family Law

Family Court Services

Child Custody & Visitation

Divorce or Separation

Domestic Violence

Elder Abuse/Dependent Adult

Parentage

Rules and Forms

Probate

Hearings

Learn About Probate

Probate Rules & Forms

Probate Zoom Links

Criminal

Juvenile

Traffic

Traffic Court Basics

Look Up and Pay Your Traffic Ticket

Contesting a Traffic Ticket

Financial Hardship and Ability to Pay

Traffic School

Collaborative Courts

Drug Court

Family Treatment Court

Reentry Court

Veterans Treatment Court

Divisions
 

General Information
 

Alameda County Index of Supportive Services and Resources

About the Court

ADA Accommodations

Calendars

Children's Waiting Room

Community Outreach

Contract Opportunities

Employment

Job Classifications

Hiring Process

Job Opportunities

Holidays

Interpreters & Language Access

Judicial Administrative Records

Judicial Directory and Assignments

Judicial Mentor Program

Judicial Mentor Program FAQs

Jury Service

Jury Duty Reporting

Civil Grand Jury

Criminal Grand Jury

Trial Process

Live Stream

Alameda - George E. McDonald Hall of Justice Livestreams

Berkeley Courthouse Livestreams

Dublin - East County Hall of Justice Livestreams

Fremont Hall of Justice Livestreams
Were you served your small claims forms properly? | California Courts | Self Help Guide
They must have another adult do it.
The Plaintiff's Claim must be:
Handed to you by someone 18 or older (called personal service)
If you live in the county where the case is filed you have to have the forms handed to you 15 days, or more, before your court date.
If you do not live in the county where the case is filed you have to have the forms handed to you 20 days, or more, before your court date.

Handed to someone at your home or work, then a 2nd copy mailed to you (also by someone 18 or older) (called substituted service)
Certified mail by the court (not by the other side)
Check what day this is:  

If the latest day you could have been served is a Monday through Friday and not a court holiday or closure, you must have been handed the forms by the end of that day. 

If the latest day you could have been served is a Saturday or Sunday, court holiday or closure, count back to a day that court will be open. You must have been handed the forms by the end of that day. 

You have options if you weren't given forms the right way 
You can go to the court date and have the trial as if you were served correctly (called "waiving defective service")

+ Plus
You finish your trial and the problem is solved.

- Minus
You may not have had enough time to get ready for the court date.

You can go to the court date and ask to have the court date cancelled because you weren’t served correctly. 
 

+ Plus
If the judge agrees you weren’t served correctly, they will probably reschedule the trial, not cancel it, so you have time to get ready.

- Minus
You’ll probably be served at the trial since you weren’t served correctly before.

You can mail the court a letter to let them know you weren’t served in time and that you want the court date cancelled until you are served correctly.
 

+ Plus
You don’t have to go to court to ask for this.

- Minus
The disagreement you and the other side have won’t be solved for awhile.