Small claims court in Merced County, California
In Merced County, small claims cases up to $12,500 are heard by more than one court: 2 courthouses hear small claims. File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
Not sure which court? Call the clerk: 209-725-4100 (Superior Court of California, County of Merced (Small Claims) - Old Merced Courthouse) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in Merced County
One of several courts in Merced County: 2 courthouses hear small claims. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Superior Court of California, County of Merced (Small Claims) - Old Merced Courthouse
Address: 627 W 21st Street, Merced, CA 95340 · Map
Phone: 209-725-4100
2 courthouses hear small claims: also The Robert M. Falasco Justice Center (1159 G Street, Los Banos, CA 93635). Check the court's small claims page for which courthouse handles your case.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
Usually the county where the defendant lives or does business, where the contract was signed, or where the damage happened. Use the defendant's exact legal name.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all California counties.
How to file in Merced County
Ask for payment in writing
California requires you to ask the other side to pay before you file, where you reasonably can. Make a free demand letter.
Fill out the claim form
Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100).
File it with the right court and pay the fee
$30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 up to $5,000, and $75 above that ($100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months). Serving the papers costs extra. Fee waiver: Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001).
Have the papers served
You cannot hand the papers over yourself. Use the sheriff, an adult who isn't part of the case, a process server, or certified mail through the clerk, then file a Proof of Service (form SC-104).
Go to the hearing
About 1 to 2 months after you file. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full California filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Merced County?
Merced County has more than one small claims court (2 courthouses hear small claims). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Superior Court of California, County of Merced (Small Claims) - Old Merced Courthouse, 627 W 21st Street, Merced, CA 95340. Phone: 209-725-4100. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://courts.ca.gov/find-my-court
How much can I sue for in Merced County small claims court?
Up to $12,500. People and sole proprietors can sue for up to $12,500; businesses and public entities for up to $6,250. You can file any number of claims up to $2,500, but only two claims over $2,500 per calendar year.
How much does it cost to file in Merced County?
$30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 up to $5,000, and $75 above that ($100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months). Serving the papers costs extra. Fee waiver: Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001).