Small Claims Court Los Angeles: Everything You Need to File in LA County

Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States, and its small claims court system reflects that scale — with over a dozen courthouses spread across thousands of square miles, filing in the right location is your first real hurdle. Get it wrong and your case can be dismissed on a technicality before the judge ever hears your argument.

This guide covers where to file, which courthouse handles your case, clerk hours, local tips specific to LA County, and what to expect on the day of your hearing.

The Claim Limits in California (and Why They Matter)

Before you do anything else, confirm your claim falls within California's small claims limits. For individuals (natural persons), the maximum is $12,500 under CCP § 116.221. If you are a corporation or LLC, the ceiling drops to $6,250.

If your loss exceeds the limit, you have two choices: waive the excess and sue for the maximum, or file in regular civil court where attorneys are permitted. Most people suing for security deposits, car damage, or contractor disputes fall well within the $12,500 limit.

Which Courthouse in LA County?

Los Angeles County is divided into courthouse districts, and small claims cases are heard at hub courts — not all courthouses handle small claims. The correct courthouse depends on where the defendant lives, where the contract was signed, or where the incident occurred (CCP § 116.370).

Major LA County small claims hubs include:

• Stanley Mosk Courthouse — 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 (downtown LA, serves the Central district)
• Van Nuys Courthouse East — 6230 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401 (serves the San Fernando Valley)
• Alhambra Courthouse — 150 W. Commonwealth Ave., Alhambra, CA 91801 (serves the East district)
• Inglewood Courthouse — One Regent St., Inglewood, CA 90301 (serves the Southwest district)
• Downey Courthouse — 7500 E. Imperial Hwy., Downey, CA 90242 (serves the Southeast district)
• Antelope Valley Courthouse — 42011 4th St. West, Lancaster, CA 93534 (serves Lancaster/Palmdale area)

LA County's court website (lacourt.org) has a district locator tool. Type in the defendant's zip code or the incident zip code and it will tell you exactly which courthouse is correct.

Do not guess. Filing in the wrong district is one of the most common reasons LA County small claims cases get dismissed or transferred, costing you weeks of delay and potentially a missed statute of limitations.

Filing Hours and How to Submit Your Claim

Clerk's office hours at most LA County courthouses are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though some locations have slightly different windows. Arrive by 3:30 PM if you need same-day help — clerks stop accepting new filings before closing time.

You have two ways to file:

In person: Bring your completed Form SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court) plus the filing fee. The clerk will stamp and date your form, assign a hearing date, and provide copies. Bring an extra copy for yourself.

E-filing: Los Angeles County participates in the statewide Odyssey eFileCA system. For self-represented litigants, e-filing is permissive (allowed but not required). For attorneys filing on their own behalf, it may be mandatory. E-filing does not speed up the hearing date — it simply eliminates the trip to the courthouse for submission.

Filing fees are set by state law: - Claims up to $1,500: $30 - Claims from $1,500.01 to $5,000: $50 - Claims from $5,000.01 to $12,500: $75

If you cannot afford the fee, Form FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees) is available at no cost. You qualify if you receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or have income that makes paying fees a genuine hardship.

The LA County Small Claims Advisory Service

Every California county is required by law (CCP § 116.940) to provide free small claims advisory services. Los Angeles County's service is one of the most accessible in the state.

Contact: (800) 593-8222 or (213) 974-9759

The recorded line operates 24/7 with general information about small claims procedures. Live advisors are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. They can help you figure out which courthouse to use, explain how to fill out Form SC-100, and walk you through service of process options.

Advisors cannot represent you in court or give legal opinions about whether you will win — but they can steer you clear of procedural errors that kill otherwise valid cases.

Local Nuances Specific to LA County

Hearing wait times are longer. LA County courts are busy. Expect your hearing to be scheduled 30 to 70 days after you file, depending on the courthouse and current calendar. Downtown courthouses (Stanley Mosk) tend to be more congested than suburban hubs.

Bring three copies of everything. This is statewide advice, but LA judges are particularly pressed for time — 15 to 20 minutes per case is typical. One set for the judge, one for the defendant, one for yourself. Numbered exhibits and a one-page timeline of events are strongly recommended.

Service of process in LA. You cannot serve papers yourself — a disinterested adult (not a party to the case) must do it. Options include: - A friend or family member who is not involved in the dispute - A registered process server (typical cost: $40–$100) - The court clerk by certified mail ($15 fee, but only valid if the defendant personally signs the receipt)

Serve papers at least 15 days before the hearing if the defendant is in LA County, or 20 days if they are outside the county.

Parking and logistics. Downtown LA courthouses are in dense urban areas. Plan extra time for parking (the Stanley Mosk area has limited street parking — use adjacent paid garages) or take public transit. Van Nuys and Alhambra have better parking availability.

What Happens at the Hearing

You will check in with the clerk when your case is called. Both parties exchange any evidence they haven't shared yet. You speak first as the plaintiff — keep it factual and brief. State what happened, what you're owed, and why. Present your evidence. The defendant responds.

LA County judges typically mail their decision (called "taken under submission") within a few days of the hearing, though some judges rule from the bench. You will receive a Notice of Entry of Judgment (Form SC-130).

If you win and the defendant doesn't pay within 30 days, enforcement is your responsibility — the court does not collect for you. Options include wage garnishment, bank levies, and real estate liens.

Getting the Complete Process in One Place

If you're filing in LA County, the procedures above are accurate — but the full picture includes demand letters, correctly naming defendants (especially businesses), evidence prep, and what to do if the defendant countersues. The California Small Claims Court Filing Guide covers all of it in a format you can print and work through step by step.

Get the complete California Small Claims Court Filing Guide