Small claims court in Orange County, California
In Orange County, small claims cases up to $12,500 are heard by more than one court: 3 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: 657-622-8451 (Superior Court of California, County of Orange (Small Claims) - Central Justice Center) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in Orange County
One of several courts in Orange County: 3 courthouses hear small claims. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Superior Court of California, County of Orange (Small Claims) - Central Justice Center
Address: 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701 · Map
Phone: 657-622-8451
Online filing: available, per the court
3 courthouses hear small claims: also Harbor Justice Center (4601 Jamboree Road, Newport Beach, CA 92660); North Justice Center (1275 North Berkeley Avenue, Fullerton, CA 92832). 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 Orange 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 Orange County?
Orange County has more than one small claims court (3 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 Orange (Small Claims) - Central Justice Center, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Phone: 657-622-8451. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://courts.ca.gov/find-my-court
How much can I sue for in Orange 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 Orange 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).
Can I file a small claim online in Orange County?
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.