If you received a Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (form SC-100), that means someone is suing you in small claims court. What to do? Read our helpful tips to see what you can do next.
What does it mean if you received a Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (form SC-100)?
No one wants to get involved in a small claims legal dispute for no reason. If you received a Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (form SC-100), that means someone has filed a small claims case against you in California. The court orders you to go to court on the date stated on the form. The judge would like to hear from both sides before he/she makes a decision.
In this post, we are going to take about the general steps of what you could do if you are sued in Small Claims court in California.
Ready? Go! 🚀
High-Level Summary
At a high-level, you can refer to the chart below for a high-level understanding of what you could do if you are sued in Small Claims court in California.
Step 1: Find out when and where you are ordered to go to court
On page 1 of the form, the court will clearly list when and where you are ordered to go to court.
If you choose to go to court, check if you can go to court that day. If you can't go to court on the date and time listed, you can reschedule with the court. Fill out and file the Request to Postpone Trial (form SC-150) as soon as possible.
Step 2: Find out who is suing you
On page 2 of the form, you can find out who is suing you. Confirm if you know the other side. Make sure you know them and are aware of the dispute.
Step 3: Understand how much they ask for and why
On page 2 of the form, you can find out how much the other side is asking for, and why. Sometimes, they will attach additional attachments to support their argument. Make sure you have all the information.
Step 4: Choose your option to respond
At this stage, I think you figure out what the other side asks for and their reason. Based on your situation, you can choose to:
Reach an agreement
If you can still work with the other side (it's safe and no restraining order is involved), you two may come to an agreement to settle the case without going to court. If the case is settled without going to court, you both should dismiss the court case.
Go to Court
Sue them back and go to court
Choose not to respond
You might probably lose the case and owe the other side money if you choose not to respond. Choose your option wisely.
What's Next?
Once you decide if and how you’re going to react to the other side’s forms, we recommend you do something as early as possible. Keep in mind that, if you want to sue the other side back, there is a deadline you need to meet.
Consider Getting Help with FillMeForms 😎
Here at FillMeForms, our goal is to help you navigate the Small Claims process smoothly and effectively. Check out how we can help 👋
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