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The Superior Court of California - County of Ventura - Small Claims
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. However, in front of a judge, they may be. Mediation gives each party a chance to resolve all issues 
 so they can move on with their lives.
Save Time.  In small claims cases, as soon as a 
 settlement is reached the mediator will take your settlement agreement back to court and your case will be heard more quickly. 
 The judge will review and sign the settlement agreement and the parties are then free to go.
Nothing to Lose.  If an agreement is not reached 
 in mediation, you will still have your opportunity to have your matter heard by the court.

Mediation prior to court.  In addition to providing mediation services at the Court, free of charge, the Ventura Center for Dispute Settlement dba Conflict Resolution Institute also provides mediation services at its offices where you can resolve disputes before filing a court action or prior to an existing court date for low or no fees . Contact Information:
Conflict Resolution Institute
 555 Airport Way Ste. D
 Camarillo, CA 93010
 805-384-1313
www.conflictresolutionvc.org
 Email: office@ConflictResolutionVC.org

Collection of Judgments

If you won the case and the court awarded you money and the defendant does not voluntarily pay the judgment, the court will not collect the money or 
 enforce the judgment for you. You must pursue collection of the judgment. This information is provided on the reverse side of the "Notice of Entry of 
 Judgment" which is mailed to all parties after the hearing.
If you do not have information regarding the judgment debtor’s income or property, you may make the debtor come to court to answer questions. This 
 is done by filing an order for examination.
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The Superior Court of California - County of Ventura - Small Claims
* * * PUBLIC NOTICE * * *

Effective 1/22/24 - Small Claims, Appeals, Mental Health Clerk’s Office Appointments no Longer Required.
Administrative Order 20.22 - 2nd AMENDED, RE Small Claims Trials posted 11/14/2022
  (Español)

Check back often for updates.

Small Claims is for the recovery of money only. A corporation, partnership, public entity, or other business can sue for up to $6,250.  A “natural person” (not a business or public entity) 
 may claim up to $12,500. You cannot file more than two claims for more than $2500 each during a calendar year. No attorneys are permitted to represent 
 either party. Forms for filing small claims can be obtained at any court location. They are also available electronically at this site. To receive 
 forms by mail send a request with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the court.
You must sue in the right county. If you file your claim in the wrong county, the court will dismiss the claim. Ventura County is the proper place to file if:
The defendant lives or does business in Ventura County.
The property was damaged or the injury occurred in Ventura County.
A contract (written or spoken) was made, signed, performed or broken by the Defendant in Ventura County.
The defendant lived or did business in Ventura County when the contract was broken.
The buyer or lessee signed the contract, now lives or lived in Ventura County when the contract was made, if this claim is about an offer or contract for personal, family, or household goods, services, or loans.
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
Self-Help Glossary - selfhelp
referee: A person appointed by the court to hear and make decisions on limited legal matters, like juvenile or traffic offenses.
referral: Usually refers to an alternative program, like drug/alcohol rehabilitation ("rehab") instead of serving time in jail.
register of actions: The official permanent court record of actions in civil cases, including small claims. May be kept electronically and/or in a ledger.
reinstated bail: When bail that had been forfeited, exonerated, or reduced is reestablished in its original amount. (See also bail exoneration, bail forfeiture.)
remand: (1) When an appellate court sends a case to a lower court for further proceedings; (2) to return a prisoner to custody.
remanding order: An order to the sheriff to hold a defendant in custody until his or her next court appearance, or until bail is posted.
remittitur (of record): The transfer of the records of a case from a Court of Appeal to the original trial court for further action or other disposition as ordered by the appellate court.
rent control ordinances: Laws in some communities that limit or prohibit rent increases, or that limit the reasons why a landlord can evict a tenant.
rental agreement: An oral or written agreement between a tenant and a landlord, made before the tenant moves in that sets the terms of the tenancy, like the amount of the rent and when it is due. See lease and periodic rental agreement.
rental application form: A form that a landlord may ask a tenant to fill out before renting that asks for information about the tenant, like the tenant's address, telephone number, employment history, and credit references.
rental unit: an apartment, house, duplex, condominium, or room that a landlord rents to a tenant to live in. When a tenant uses the rental unit to live in, it is called a "residential rental unit."
renter's insurance: Insurance that protects the tenant's property against losses, including theft or fire. This insurance usually also protects the tenant against liability (legal responsibility) for claims or lawsuits filed by the landlord or by others who may claim that the tenant negligently injured another person or property.
Personal injury cases | California Courts | Self Help Guide
Personal injury cases | California Courts | Self Help Guide

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Personal injury cases
If someone has been injured, they might decide to sue the person they believe is responsible for the injury. There can be different types of injuries, physical, emotional, or psychological. The person who is injured might ask for medical expenses, lost wages as a result of the injury, money to compensate for emotional or psychological injuries, or other losses related to the injury.

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This page doesn't cover suing a healthcare provider (medical malpractice). 
Those tend to be very expensive and complex cases. 
 

On this page:
Types of personal injury cases
Basic things to consider before suing
Forms you can use in a lawsuit
When talking to a lawyer is particularly important
Types of personal injury cases
There are many types of personal injury cases. In most cases, the injured person (the plaintiff) is suing a person, business, or both (a defendant) because the defendant accidentally or intentionally hurt the plaintiff and caused them an injury of some type.
After you serve the Summons and Complaint | California Courts | Self Help Guide
A Demurrer can delay the case by a few weeks, and if the tenant wins, you might have to start the case all over or even have to give the tenant a new Notice.
Motion to Quash Service
A Motion to Quash Service is filed when the tenant says that the landlord didn’t serve the Summons and Complaint properly. If the tenant wins, the landlord has to re-serve the Summons and Complaint. If the landlord wins, the tenant will have to file an Answer to the Complaint right away.
 
If the tenant files either a Motion to Quash Service or a Demurrer, you should get legal help because there are steps you need to take to avoid slowing down the case, to fix any problems, and continue with the case.
 

 If your tenant moved out or you have an agreement, close the case (dismiss)

 If the tenant moved out or you and the tenant agreed to close the case
If the tenant already moved out, you have to close (or dismiss) your eviction case. If you are owed back rent, you can file a small claims or civil case for the money instead,If you and the tenant have an agreement, you can also dismiss your case. If your tenant hasn't done what they agreed to do yet, you can ask the judge if they can move your trial date (continue it). This gives you more time to make sure your tenant has done everything they promised before you dismiss the case.
How to dismiss your case

 If your tenant filed a Declaration of Financial Distress

 If your tenant filed a COVID-19 Declaration of Financial Distress, the court will set a court date. At the court date, the judge will decide whether or not your tenant had a good reason (called good cause) for not turning in the Declaration on time after you gave them Notice.
If the judge decides they have good cause, then your eviction case will not go forward at this time. Find out more in COVID-19 eviction protections.
If the judge decides they did not have good cause, then your eviction case can move forward. 

Eviction
What's next?
The Superior Court of California - County of Ventura - FAQs
clerk's office for assistance or the Small Claims Legal Advisor at (805)654-5054, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., for an explanation 
 of your options. If you do not have information regarding the judgment debtorâs income or property, you may make the debtor come to court to answer questions. This is done 
 by filing an order of examination. There is a $60.00 filing fee.
Once you have the financial information needed, you may file a writ of execution . There is a $25.00 filing. A writ of execution is a court paper which tells a law officer 
 to take property of the judgment debtor to pay your claim. The kinds of property an officer may be able to take: wages, bank accounts, automobiles, business property or 
 rental income. The Sheriff will charge a fee to execute the writ.
If the debtor owns property you may want to record an abstract to place a lien so that you will be able to be paid if the property is purchased, sold or financed. There 
 is a $25.00 filing fee. The abstract is recorded with the County Recorder in the county where the property is located. The Recorder will charge a fee to have the abstract recorded.

Q:  I won my small claims case and the judgment debtor has paid me in full. Is there anyone I should notify?
A:  After full payment of the judgment is made, the judgment creditor must immediately file with the court Judicial Council form âAcknowledgment of Satisfaction of 
 Judgment (EJ-100). The judgment creditor may be liable for damages if satisfaction of judgment is not filed with the court in a timely manner.

Q:  I failed to appear at my small claims trial and now there is a judgment against me. Is there anything I can do?
A:  You may ask the court to vacate the judgment. To make this request you must file Judicial Council form Notice of Motion to Vacate Judgment and
Get Help with Your Case | Superior Court of California | County of Alameda
The court offers these services in collaboration with volunteer mediators. Parties interested in these services may ask for them the day of their trial or settlement conference. Availability of these services is dependent on volunteer mediators’ availability and participation. Learn more about Alternate Dispute Resolution. (ADR).
Fee Waivers
The court charges fees for some of its procedures and servivces. The court may excuse you from paying these fees if you cannot afford them. Read the Information Sheet on Waiver of Court Fees and Costs to find out if you meet the requirements. Submit a completed Fee Waiver form (FW-001) when you file your claim asking the court to excuse you from paying fees, if you think you qualify.
Advisors
The law requires each county to provide assistance in small claims cases free of charge.
Information is available to all parties in SMALL CLAIMS COURT - both plaintiffs and defendants - ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE.

Procedural information and materials are available through the Self-Help Center, both in person and over the phone. Click here for the Self-Help Center locations, hours and phone number. If you come to a Self-Help Center for assistance, please remember to bring copies of all papers relating to your case with you and have your questions written down beforehand.

Important Links
Information Sheet on Waiver of Court Fees and Costs
Fee Waiver
Self-Help Office Hours & Location
California Courts Small Claims

 

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Jury Service - jury_service
If a member of the media, a lawyer, or a friend or family member of one of the people involved in the case approaches you during the trial, let the judge know immediately. This type of contact is inappropriate during a trial. After the trial is over, the media and parties to the case may be able to contact you, but you do not have to talk to them. Contact the court if you feel harassed.
What happens after the verdict?
Once the verdict is read in court by the clerk, the members of the jury may be polled and asked how they voted. Jurors are given proof of their service and often certificates of appreciation or thank-you letters and then are released from jury service. Some jurors find it is helpful to give the judge and attorneys feedback about the trial. Sometimes jurors even exchange phone numbers in order to discuss aspects of the case with other people who shared the same experience. If you do not wish to be contacted after the trial, let the judge know.
After long and stressful trials, some jurors may feel disoriented. Some jurors may also need to talk to a professional about feelings that the trial may have brought up. The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) publishes a manual titled Through the Eyes of the Juror: A Manual for Addressing Juror Stress. The NCSC can be contacted at 800-877-1233.
What if I am called as a grand juror?
The grand jury is different from a trial jury (known as a petit jury). The terms and purposes of service for each are different and are defined in section 888 of the Penal Code. People called for grand jury duty should contact the court that has summoned them with specific questions. Additional information can be found through the California Grand Jurors Association.
How do I apply for a job in jury management with my local court or the state judicial branch?
The California Judicial Branch offers diverse career opportunities in a variety of fields including jury management, as well as court operations, finance, information technology, legal, facilitates, administrative support, and more. Please click on the "careers" link at the bottom of our website.

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Limited-scope representation | California Courts | Self Help Guide
Limited-scope representation | California Courts | Self Help Guide

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 Judicial Branch of California

Supreme Court

Courts of Appeal

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 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

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Work with a lawyer for part of your case
A lawyer can handle some parts of your case while you handle others. This is called limited-scope representation. Limited-scope representation can be a great way for you to have legal help with your case while keeping costs down.

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Benefits to limited-scope representation
Compared to hiring a lawyer to help you with all of your case (full-representation), limited-scope representation can help you save money. Your lawyer can focus on things you can't effectively do yourself and leave other more time-consuming tasks to you. You can also have greater control over your case.
Compared to being your own lawyer (self-representation), limited-scope representation can save you time and energy. The lawyer can identify potential problems or hidden complications early on, so you can avoid making a costly mistake.
Decide if limited-scope representation is right for you
When deciding if a limited-scope arrangement is right for you, you should:
Personal injury cases | California Courts | Self Help Guide
This gives the injured person the right to sue in court. For example, a defendant acting in a careless manner and causing injury (negligence) is a cause of action. Intentionally hitting someone and causing injury is a cause of action (battery). 
Every part (element) in that cause of action has to be proven by the person bringing the case (the plaintiff). The defendant should also be aware of what the plaintiff needs to prove and how they can defend themselves.
Damages: What damages have you suffered and how much to ask for
Think about what damages you have suffered and are going to ask for. This could be as straightforward as only your medical expenses. But it could be more complicated if you missed work or the damage is ongoing and you don’t know the full extent of it, or you may not be able to work in the future. Emotional distress is recognized by the law as requiring compensation even though there is no bill for it and it may be harder to put a money value on.
Proof: What evidence do you have to prove your side
Collect and keep safe evidence proving your position. Examples of evidence include pictures of the accident scene, pictures of vehicle damage or physical injuries, medical bills, doctor’s reports, witness statements, and police reports. There are rules of evidence that must be followed to have a court consider your evidence. 
Forms you can use
In civil cases, most of the court forms are optional. You can use the optional forms if they work for your case, or you can create your own documents called “pleadings.” Forms can be easier to use when they are available because they help you understand what you can or need to include.
For the plaintiff
As a plaintiff, you always need a Summons and a Complaint. The complaint must include at least one cause of action.
You must use the Summons (form SUM-100) and a Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010)
You can use Complaint–Personal Injury, Property Damage, Wrongful Death (form PLD-PI-001) plus at least one case of action or create your own.
There are several causes of action forms you can use if they fit your situation: