Step-by-step guides to filing, serving, presenting, and collecting on small claims cases in every state.
Winning a California small claims case does not get you paid. This walks through how to collect a small claims judgment: locating the debtor’s assets through a judgment debtor exam, then levying a bank account, garnishing wages, or recording a property lien.
A step-by-step guide to preparing for a small claims hearing in a Texas justice court, covering evidence, witnesses, subpoenas, the trial sequence, and the appeal window.
As of 2026, the California small claims filing fee is $30, $50, or $75 depending on the claim amount, set by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.230. Frequent filers pay $100, and a fee waiver is available through form FW-001.
A bank levy lets a California small claims creditor collect a judgment by seizing money from the debtor’s bank account through a levying officer. This article covers getting a Writ of Execution, instructing the sheriff, and which funds are exempt.
Who can appeal a California small claims judgment, the 30-day deadline to file form SC-140, the $75 fee, and what the new superior court hearing involves.
Online filing for California small claims cases is available in some counties and not others. This article explains how to check your court, how e-filing works, and what it costs.
A reference on enforcing a California small claims judgment: the waiting period, locating the debtor’s assets, wage garnishment, bank levies, property liens, interest, and the 10-year enforcement window.
The deadline to file a California small claims case depends on the type of claim, four years for written contracts, two for oral contracts and injury, three for property damage and fraud, measured from when the cause of action accrued.
How a California abstract of judgment (form EJ-001) creates a lien on a judgment debtor’s real property: getting the abstract issued, recording it with the county recorder, and how long the lien lasts.
A losing party in a Texas justice court small claims case can appeal to county court for a trial de novo. The appeal is perfected by filing an appeal bond, cash deposit, or Statement of Inability within 21 days after the judgment is signed.
Winning in justice court is only half the job. This walks through how a judgment creditor in Texas turns a small claims judgment into money: recording an abstract of judgment, requesting a writ of execution, what property the law protects, and the deadlines that govern collection.
A creditor-side guide to California wage garnishment after a small claims judgment: the writ of execution, earnings withholding order, sheriff levy, and withholding limits.