Small Claims Advisor Program
There are no attorneys allowed in Small Claims Court. To help you, the Courts provide free Small Claims Advisors, available to both sides in a dispute. The Small Claims Advisor Program gives legal and procedural information and helps you fill out court forms.
Questions? call the Small Claims Advisor Program
(831) 786-7370
Leave a message any time. When leaving a message, please repeat your phone number slowly 2 times. Calls are returned within 72 hours. It is a good idea to call before coming to see us in person. We may be able to answer your question or give you guidance over the phone.
In-Person Hours in Watsonville
In-person help is provided on a first come, first served basis. Please note that availability may fill up before the end of the stated hours of operation. Please call the Small Claims Advisor Program for a phone consultation before you use our in-person service.
Monday through Thursdays
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Small Claims Workshop
Our Small Claims informational workshop on the process for Santa Cruz County has now been recorded. After viewing we invite you to a monthly Drop-In Q&A via Zoom held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. During this time staff will be available to answer your questions. The link for the Q&A is https://santacruzcourt-org.zoomgov.com/j/1618263934
Please email us at selfhelp.information@santacruzcourt.org by 8:00 a.m. on the day of the Zoom to indicate your interest in attending. If no emails are received, staff will not log in. The next scheduled dates for 2024 are 4/17, 5/15, and 6/12 (the 3rd Wed. in June is a holiday so this will be the 2nd Wed.) If you cannot drop in, you can send your questions via email, call us, or stop by during our walk-in hours.
Links from the recorded Small Claims informational workshop.
What does the small claims advisor program do?
The Small Claims Advisor Program provides legal information, assistance preparing court forms, and procedural advice to self-represented litigants, such as:
- What to do Before Filing
- Filing Defendant's Claim
- Jurisdiction and Venue
- Requesting a Continuance of the Trial
- Where to File
- Mediation Options
- How to Name a Defendant
- Paying Judgment in Installments
- Service of Process
- How to Collect a Judgment
There is no attorney-client relationship or confidentiality between the public and the Small Claims Advisor Program. The Small Claims Advisor Program remains neutral and is available to all parties in a dispute. The Small Claims Advisor Program is not responsible for the outcome of any case
Contact Information
Office Location:
Superior Court of California,
County of Santa Cruz
1 Second Street, Room 301
Watsonville, CA 95076
Map
Mailing Address:
Superior Court of California,
County of Santa Cruz
Small Claims Advisor Program
1 Second St. Room 300
Watsonville, CA 95076
Small Claims Advisor Program
(831) 786-7370
Small Claims Mediation (Conflict Resolution Center)
(831) 475-6117