What to Expect at a California Small Claims Court Hearing

Walking into a courtroom for the first time is nerve-wracking. Not knowing what will happen makes it worse. California small claims hearings follow a predictable structure, and understanding that structure ahead of time gives you a significant advantage over parties who show up unprepared.

Here is exactly what happens from the moment you arrive at the courthouse to the moment you leave.

Before the Hearing Starts

Arrive early

Plan to arrive at the courthouse at least 30 minutes before your scheduled hearing time. You will need to find the right courtroom, pass through security screening, and settle in.

Courthouses do not allow weapons, pocket knives, or certain electronics past security. Bring only what you need: your evidence, identification, and something to write with.

Check in with the clerk

When you find the correct courtroom, check in with the courtroom clerk. They will confirm your case number and mark you as present. If the defendant has not checked in by the hearing time, the judge may wait a few minutes before proceeding.

Mediation option

Many California counties offer free mediation on the day of your hearing. A neutral mediator helps both parties try to reach a settlement before going before the judge. Mediation is voluntary and confidential. If you reach an agreement, it becomes a binding court order. If mediation fails, you proceed to the hearing as scheduled.

Sacramento County, for example, has a strong on-site mediation program. It is worth considering, especially if the other party seems open to resolving the dispute.

The Hearing Structure

Roll call

The judge or clerk calls the case. Both parties stand, identify themselves, and confirm they are ready to proceed. If one party does not appear, the judge may proceed with a default judgment in favor of the party who showed up.

Evidence exchange

If the parties have not already shared evidence, the judge may direct them to exchange copies at this point. This is why you need three sets of everything: one for the judge, one for the opposing party, and one for yourself.

Plaintiff speaks first

The plaintiff (the person who filed the case) presents their side. The judge expects a concise, factual statement. A strong opening sounds like this:

"Your Honor, I am suing [defendant's name] for [dollar amount] because [brief factual summary]. I have [type of evidence] to support my claim."

Then walk the judge through your evidence in chronological order. Refer to specific documents, photos, or records as you discuss them.

Defendant responds

After the plaintiff finishes, the defendant presents their side. They may dispute the facts, challenge the evidence, or raise a defense (such as the statute of limitations or that the plaintiff is suing the wrong party).

If the defendant filed a counter-claim (Form SC-120), they will also present that claim during this portion.

Judge asks questions

This is often the longest part of the hearing. The judge asks clarifying questions of both parties. These questions are not hostile. The judge is trying to understand the facts and determine who has the stronger case.

Answer directly and honestly. If you do not know the answer to something, say so. Do not guess or speculate.

No cross-examination

Unlike regular court, there is no formal cross-examination in small claims. The judge controls the questioning. Parties typically do not question each other directly, although the judge may allow it in some cases.

How Long Does It Take?

Most small claims hearings last 15 to 20 minutes. Complex cases with multiple witnesses or extensive evidence may run longer, but the judge has a full calendar and will keep things moving.

This means you need to be efficient. Rambling or repeating yourself wastes your limited time. Practice your presentation at home. If you can summarize your case in three minutes and then answer questions for the remaining time, you are well prepared.

The Decision

The judge will handle the decision in one of two ways:

Announced in court: The judge states the ruling immediately after hearing both sides. This is more common in straightforward cases.

Taken under submission: The judge tells both parties that a decision will be mailed. This is more common when the judge needs time to review evidence or research a legal question.

Either way, the court mails the official Notice of Entry of Judgment (Form SC-130) to both parties. This document states who won, the judgment amount, and the date of entry.

What Judges Look For

Understanding the judge's perspective helps you present a winning case:

• Documentation over testimony. Written evidence (contracts, receipts, photos, text messages) is more persuasive than verbal claims. A written contract trumps a verbal promise in almost every case.
• Chronological clarity. Judges appreciate a clear timeline. If you bring a one-page chronology of events, the judge can follow your story easily.
• Specific damages. State the exact dollar amount and show how you calculated it. Vague claims like "I lost a lot of money" are not helpful.
• Professionalism. Address the judge as "Your Honor." Do not interrupt the other party. Do not argue with the judge. Emotional outbursts hurt your credibility.

Common Mistakes

Not bringing enough evidence

Your word alone is often not enough. Judges need something tangible to support your claims. Photos, receipts, contracts, and written communications are all far more persuasive than testimony.

Suing the wrong entity

If your contract is with "Smith Enterprises LLC" but you sued "John Smith," the judge may not be able to award a judgment against the correct party. Verify business names through the Secretary of State before filing.

Missing the hearing

If you do not show up, the judge can dismiss your case (if you are the plaintiff) or enter a default judgment against you (if you are the defendant). If something prevents you from attending, contact the court clerk as early as possible to request a continuance.

Bringing witnesses without planning

Witnesses can strengthen your case, but only if they have direct knowledge of the facts. Character witnesses are generally not useful. A friend who saw the accident or a contractor who can testify about the quality of the work is valuable. A family member who thinks you are a good person is not.

After the Hearing

Once the judgment is entered, there is a 30-day waiting period before enforcement can begin. If the other party does not pay voluntarily, you will need to pursue collection through tools like wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens.

The complete California Small Claims Court Filing Guide walks you through every step -- from demand letter templates and SC-100 form instructions to evidence worksheets and post-judgment collection methods. It includes a hearing preparation checklist and opening statement template so you can walk into the courtroom confident and organized.