Free California Small Claims Court Finder

Tell us what you know

Leave anything blank you're not sure about, you only need one or two of these to get an answer.

Good to know: your own address usually isn't a factor here. California venue is based on the defendant's location or where the incident or contract happened, not where you live. The exception is certain consumer purchases, credit cards, and vehicle loans, covered under "extra venue options" below, where you can file where you live.

Which county does the defendant live in?

Which county does the defendant do business in? (if you're suing a business)

Where did the injury or property damage happen?

Where was the agreement made, signed, or broken?

The defendant lives outside California

Consumer purchase, credit card, or vehicle loan? (extra venue options)

Does one of these apply?

Ready to actually file? We'll draft your paperwork.

This tool tells you which county. When our filing service launches, we'll also prepare your court forms, arrange service, track every deadline, and prep you for the hearing, for $179.

Get notified when it launches →

This tool applies California's general venue statute (CCP § 116.370) and the buyer-protective venue rules (CCP § 395(b), Civ. Code §§ 1812.10, 2984.4) to what you enter. It doesn't check every exception that can apply, and it tells you the county, not the exact courthouse or self-help center, use California's official court locator for that once you know your county. Your county's Small Claims Advisor (CCP § 116.940) can confirm the details for free before you file. SmallClaimsHQ is not a law firm.

Frequently asked

Which California county do I file my small claims case in?

Generally the county where the defendant lives or does business, or where an injury, property damage, or contract dispute occurred (Code Civ. Proc. § 116.370). Special rules give buyers extra options for consumer purchases, credit cards, and vehicle financing.

What if more than one county is valid?

All are legally valid places to file. Most people pick whichever is closest or most convenient, your hearing happens there.

Does this tool tell me the exact courthouse address?

No. It tells you the county. For the exact courthouse and self-help center within that county, it links you to California's official court locator, since courthouse assignments vary and we don't guess at addresses we haven't verified.

Is the court finder free and private?

Yes. It runs entirely in your browser, nothing you enter is sent to or stored by SmallClaimsHQ.