Free California Small Claims Filing Checklist

Most people who should file in small claims court never do. They get overwhelmed, assume it's too complicated, or worry they'll say the wrong thing in court.

This 2-page checklist walks you through the three phases of a California small claims case: pre-court resolution, case preparation, and court day. By the end, you'll know whether to file, what to gather, and what the process actually looks like. No legal jargon. No lawyer needed.

What's inside

• Phase 1: Pre-Court Resolution. The 6 things to confirm before you file (dollar limit, statute of limitations, defendant identity, demand letter, proof).
• Phase 2: Case Preparation. The 6 evidence checks judges look for (timeline, money summary, foundation docs, proof of problem, communications, irrelevant cuts).
• Phase 3: Filing and Court. The 4 things you need to walk into court calm (right county, 60-second summary, 3 packet copies, 10-second evidence pointer).

Who this is for

Anyone in California facing a small claims situation. Renters chasing a security deposit. Freelancers chasing unpaid invoices. Anyone who got served and needs to figure out what's next.

Why we made it free

Most of the small claims process is unfamiliar, not actually hard. This checklist is the part everyone needs. ClaimKit's paid kits are the templates, scripts, and guides for the steps that follow.

ClaimKit is an educational guide, not legal advice. For legal advice, consult a licensed California attorney.