County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs Information Sheet

Small Claims Advisor Service

Free help for Small Claims Court litigants

GET ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

Small Claims help is available to individuals and businesses suing or being sued in a Los Angeles County Small Claims Court. Our staff will provide you with information on small claims paperwork and procedures. 

We’re always open

Information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Call (213) 974-9759.

You can speak personally with an advisor

You can speak with a Small Claims Advisor, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Visit our main office

Department of Consumer Affairs
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street, Room B-96
Los Angeles, CA 90012

We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

INFORMATION WE PROVIDE:

Before going to court

• How to file your case
• Where to file
• Time limits
• Naming the Plaintiff & Defendant
• Subpoenas / Witnesses
• Evidence
• Changing your court date
• Suing the party who is suing you
• Mediation
• Bad check / Stop payment
• Suing government agencies
• Preparing for court

After the trial

• Appealing the judgment
• Default judgment
• Collecting the judgment
• Recovering costs and interest
• Satisfaction of judgment

Branch Locations & Hours

* New walk-ins should arrive before 4 p.m. to guarantee service

Court forms are available here and at California Courts - Forms. Select "Small Claims" from the pull down menu. Forms are also available at the Court Clerk's office.

Updated April 26, 2013

For more information:
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
B-96 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street * Los Angeles, CA 90012-2706
Telephone (800) 593-8222 (within LA County)
web site: dca.lacounty.gov