Filing Small Claims in Ventura County, California

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In Ventura County, California, an individual cannot make a small claim for an amount exceeding $7500. In addition, although you are allowed to file as many small claims as you like within a year, claims for amounts greater than $2,500 will be restricted to only two during a single year.

 

The first step in trying to resolve a small claim dispute is of course to have direct communication with the defendant to verify the possibility of settling the claim out of court or through mediation. In case this fails, then as the plaintiff, you will have to file your claim by filling out form SC-100 online or in case you do not have access to a computer, you can obtain a copy of the form from the office of the court clerk. You will also have to pay the filing fee, usually from $30-$50 depending on the nature of the claim. The court clerk will then set a date for the trial, usually around 45 days from the date of filing the claim, and arrange for the notice to be served to the defendant.

 

On the assigned date of your hearing, you will have to appear in court with all necessary proof relating to the case such as witnesses and documents to present your case. The judge listens to your case and usually reaches a decision within a few weeks of your hearing. You will receive a notification of the decision by mail. As a plaintiff, you do not have the right to appeal if the decision is against you. However, the defendant may appeal if they disagree with a decision of the court that is not in their favor. Such an appeal is usually heard in a higher court.

 

Any person above the age of eighteen, who is directly involved in the dispute has the right to file a claim. In the case of a minor, a guardian can be appointed to file the claim on his or her behalf. For more information on small claims procedure in Ventura County, you can access the website of the County of Ventura Superior Courts.

 

Although you can get an attorney to advice you on your strategy, you will have to represent yourself as no attorneys are allowed in the small claims court except if they are filing a claim in a personal capacity. If you need legal advice before submitting your claim, you can search online to find a small claims attorney in a town close to you.