Small Claims Court in Tulare County

In Tulare County, CA small claims cases are filed in the Small Claim Court. Tulare County has two Courthouses that handle small claims, serving different jurisdictions.

Squabble can help you easily navigate the small claims court system to file a claim. We understand that not everyone is a legal expert, and we're here to make the process as simple as possible. In this guide, we'll address your questions about filing claims in the Ventura Court System.

Small Claims Court

Tulare County small claims court is designed to help resolve disputes faster with simplified procedures and informal rules. Here’s a summary of the key points:

• Plaintiff and Defendant: The person who sues is the plaintiff, and the person who is being sued is the defendant.
• Lawyers in Court: While you can seek legal advice from a lawyer before your court date, you cannot have a lawyer represent you in court.
• Claim Limits:
  • Your claim cannot exceed $12,500 for individuals.
  • If your claim is for more than $12,500, you have two options:
    1. File a limited civil case for the amount over $12,500.
    2. File in small claims court but give up the right to claim any amount above $12,500.
• Limit on Filing: You can only file two small claims cases for amounts over $2,500 within a calendar year.

Before you file a Claim

Here are the key requirements and points to keep in mind when filing a claim in small claims court:

1. Age Requirement:
   • You must be at least 18 years old to file a claim.
   • If you are under 18, you can request the court to appoint a guardian ad litem (usually a parent, relative, or adult friend) to act on your behalf.
2. Demand Requirement:
   • Make a demand: Before filing a claim, you should ask the defendant to pay you or resolve the issue. If the defendant refuses or doesn’t respond, then you can file the claim in small claims court.
3. Ownership of the Claim:
   • You must be the original owner of the claim. For example, if you purchased the claim from someone else, you cannot sue in small claims court unless the claim is assigned under specific exceptions.
4. Appearance Requirement:
   • You must attend the hearing in person unless you're filing the claim on behalf of a corporation, association, or other entity.
   • If the claim is filed by a corporation, an employee, officer, or director of the corporation must appear on its behalf.
   • If the claim is for an association or other entity, a regularly employed person from the entity must attend the hearing.
5. Possession of Property:
   • If your claim involves possession of property, you must first ask the defendant to give you the property before filing the claim.

These rules are in place to ensure that the right party is pursuing the claim and that the process is fair for both sides. It's important to be aware of these requirements before filing to ensure your case is valid.

Types of Cases

In Small Claims Court, some of the most common types of cases include:

1. Car Accidents:
   • If you’re involved in a car accident where the other party is at fault, you can file a claim to recover costs for repairs, medical bills, or other damages caused by the accident.
2. Property Damage:
   • If someone damages your property (for example, breaking a window, harming personal property, or causing damage to your home), you can file a claim to seek compensation for the damage.
3. Landlord/Tenant Rent Deposit Disputes:
   • If your landlord refuses to return your security deposit, or if they unfairly withhold part or all of it, you can file a claim for the amount owed.
4. Collection of Money Owed:
   • This includes situations where someone owes you money and refuses to pay, such as for unpaid loans, services, or unpaid bills.

These types of cases often involve smaller amounts of money, which is why Small Claims Court is a more affordable and faster alternative to formal court proceedings.

Waiting Period:

After you file your claim, you may need to wait 60 to 70 days before your case is heard. This period allows the court to process paperwork, schedule your hearing, and notify the other party. The exact time can vary depending on the court’s schedule and your case’s specifics. During this waiting period, it’s important to stay prepared:

• Gather your evidence: Collect any necessary documents, receipts, photos, or contracts that support your claim.
• Organize your documents: Having your paperwork in order will help you present a stronger case.
• Stay ready for your hearing: Once scheduled, be sure you are ready to present your case in court.

Plaintiff

1. Contact the Other Party
   • Try to Resolve the Dispute: Before jumping into court, it's a good idea to contact the defendant to discuss the issue. Many disputes can be resolved without the need for a court hearing. This could save time and money for both parties.
   • Consider Mediation: If direct communication doesn’t help, mediation might be a good option. You can mediate the issue before you file a claim, during the process, or even on the day of your hearing.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Small Claims Court Procedures
   • Research the Rules: Make sure you understand the small claims court process. This includes knowing the limits of small claims cases (such as the $12,500 limit for individuals).
   • Determine the Exact Amount in Dispute: Ensure that you know exactly how much money is being claimed, including any additional costs, like interest or fees. This will help avoid any surprises later.
3. File the Claim
   • Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Defendant: Fill out the appropriate form (usually SC-100). This is the document you’ll file to start the lawsuit and to give the court the basic details about your claim.
   • Pay the Filing Fee: Depending on the amount you're suing for, the filing fee will vary. For amounts under $1,500, it's typically $30; for claims over $1,500, it can be $50 or more.
   • File a Fictitious Business Name Declaration: If you're filing on behalf of a business operating under a fictitious name, make sure to file the necessary declaration (Form SC-103) confirming that the business is registered correctly.
4. Arrange for Service of Process
   • Serve the Defendant: Once the claim is filed, the defendant must be formally notified, or "served" with the claim. This can be done by a process server, sheriff, or another responsible person.
   • Proof of Service: Ensure that the Proof of Service form (Form SC-104) is completed and submitted to the court before the hearing. The court must know that the defendant was properly notified, and the defendant must receive proper notice within the required time frame.
   • Minimum Days of Notice: The defendant must be given at least 15 days' notice of the hearing (for claims under $1,500) or 30 days for higher amounts.
5. Prepare for the Hearing
   • Organize Your Case: Gather all evidence supporting your claim, such as receipts, contracts, photos, and correspondence. Organize your evidence in a way that will be easy to present in court.
   • Witnesses: If you have witnesses who can testify in your favor, make sure to have them prepared and, if necessary, subpoena them to ensure their attendance.
   • Anticipate Defenses: Think about what the defendant might argue in their defense and how you can respond to it.
6. Keep Communication Open
   • Attempt Resolution: Even if you’ve filed the claim, you might want to reach out to the other party one more time to see if the issue can be resolved before the hearing. This could lead to a faster resolution and save both of you time and effort.
7. Attend the Hearing and Present Your Case
   • Present Your Evidence: On the day of the hearing, you’ll have the opportunity to present your case to the judge (or commissioner). This is your chance to explain the issue, present your evidence, and make your argument.
   • Be Clear and Concise: The judge will ask you and the defendant questions, so make sure to answer clearly and directly. Avoid making personal attacks; stick to the facts of your case.
   • Follow Court Etiquette: Be respectful and professional, and follow any instructions given by the judge or court personnel.

By following these steps, you'll be better prepared to present your case in small claims court. It's important to be organized, professional, and clear in your arguments to increase the chances of success.

Defendant

As a defendant in a small claims case, here are the important steps you should take to prepare and manage the process:

1. Contact the Plaintiff and Try to Resolve the Dispute
   • Reach Out for Resolution: Before the hearing, consider contacting the plaintiff to see if you can resolve the issue outside of court. Small claims court is often used as a last resort, so trying to settle beforehand can save both parties time and money.
   • Consider Mediation: If direct communication doesn’t work, consider using mediation to resolve the issue. Mediation is often available before the hearing and can help you avoid the courtroom entirely.
2. Familiarize Yourself with Small Claims Court Procedures
   • Understand the Process: Review the small claims court procedures so you know what to expect. Make sure you understand the rules regarding claims, the limits for small claims cases, and the required filing steps.
   • Determine Your Position: Ensure that you understand the plaintiff’s claim against you and the evidence they’ll be presenting in court. This will help you prepare your defense.
3. Consider Bringing a Counterclaim (If You Have One)
   • Claim Against the Plaintiff: If you have a valid claim against the plaintiff, consider filing a counterclaim (also known as a "cross-claim") to have both issues resolved in the same hearing.
   • File the Appropriate Forms: If you decide to file a counterclaim, make sure to complete and file the appropriate forms (such as SC-120 for counterclaims) to ensure that the court hears both sides.
4. Prepare for the Hearing
   • Organize Your Case: Gather all the necessary evidence to support your defense. This could include contracts, receipts, photos, emails, text messages, or any other relevant documents.
   • Witnesses: If you have witnesses who can testify on your behalf, make sure they are available for the hearing. You may also need to subpoena them to ensure their attendance.
   • Anticipate the Plaintiff’s Argument: Think about how the plaintiff will present their case and prepare your counterarguments.
5. Keep Communication Open
   • Keep Trying to Resolve the Issue: Even after you’ve been served with notice of the lawsuit, continue trying to work things out with the plaintiff. A resolution outside of court could lead to the case being dropped or settled in a more mutually beneficial way.
6. If You Owe Money, Try to Pay It or Work Out a Payment Plan
   • Pay or Negotiate a Plan: If you owe the plaintiff money, try to pay it before the hearing. If you can’t afford to pay the full amount, propose a payment plan. Courts often allow defendants to make payments over time.
   • Bring Proof of Payment: If you’ve paid the plaintiff or started a payment plan, bring proof to the hearing to show the court that you’re making an effort to resolve the issue.
7. Request a Postponement (If Necessary)
   • Ask for More Time: If you need additional time to resolve the matter or gather more evidence, you can request a postponement. This request must be made before the hearing, and the court will decide whether to grant it.
   • Request a Postponement for Informal Resolution: If you and the plaintiff are close to a resolution but need more time to finalize an agreement, ask the court to postpone the hearing so you can try to resolve the dispute informally.
8. Avoid a Judgment Against You
   • Credit Record Concerns: If the court enters a judgment against you, it may appear on your credit record, which could affect your ability to get loans or credit. Try to resolve the issue before the hearing to avoid a judgment.
9. Attend the Hearing and Present Your Defense
   • Present Your Case: On the day of the hearing, you’ll have the chance to present your side of the story. This is your opportunity to explain why you disagree with the plaintiff’s claim and present your evidence.
   • Be Respectful and Professional: Remember that small claims court is informal, but it’s still important to be respectful to the judge, plaintiff, and others in the court. Present your evidence clearly and directly.
   • Answer Questions Clearly: The judge will ask questions to clarify points in the case. Answer truthfully and respectfully.

Key Tips:

• Don’t Ignore the Case: Responding to a small claims lawsuit is important. Failing to attend the hearing can result in a default judgment against you.
• Prepare Early: Make sure all your documents are organized, your witnesses are available, and you are ready to explain your side clearly.
• Stay Professional: Court can be stressful, but maintaining professionalism will go a long way in helping the judge see that you’re taking the case seriously.

By taking these steps, you’ll be better prepared to present your case and defend yourself in small claims court.

Where to File

When filing a small claims case, it's crucial to ensure that you file in the correct court and judicial district. This is known as a venue, and filing in the wrong court can result in your case being dismissed unless all defendants personally appear at the hearing and agree to have the claim heard in that court.

Here are the general rules for determining the correct venue for your small claims case:

1. Where the Defendant Lives or Where the Business is Located
   • Individual Defendants: You can file the claim in the judicial district where the defendant lives.
   • Business Defendants: If you're suing a business, you can file in the district where the business is located.
2. Where the Damage or Accident Occurred
   • If your claim involves damage to property or an accident (such as a car accident), you can file in the district where the damage or accident took place.
3. Where the Contract Was Signed or Carried Out
   • If your claim involves a contract, the correct venue is where the contract was either signed or performed. This is where the agreement was made or where the parties carried out their obligations under the contract.
4. For Corporations
   • If you're suing a corporation, the venue is typically where the contract was signed, or where the corporation is doing business (e.g., where it has an office or facility).
5. Retail Installment Accounts, Sales Contracts, or Motor Vehicle Finance Sales
   • Retail Installment or Sales Contracts: You can file in the district where:
     • The defendant lives.
     • The buyer (defendant) lived when the contract was entered into.
     • The buyer (defendant) signed the contract.
     • The goods or vehicles are permanently kept

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Wrong Venue: If you file in the wrong venue, your case might be dismissed. However, this can be avoided if all defendants agree to the court hearing the case.
• Multiple Defendants: If you have multiple defendants, the venue rules apply to where each defendant lives or does business, and you must follow the proper venue for each defendant.

Why is Venue Important?

• The right venue ensures that the case is heard in a court that has jurisdiction over the defendant or the subject matter of the case.
• Filing in the wrong venue can lead to delays or even a dismissal of your case, wasting both time and resources.

By carefully following the venue rules, you ensure that your case proceeds without unnecessary complications. If you’re unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult with a court clerk to confirm the correct venue.

Notifying the Defendant of the Claim

It is essential that the defendant is properly notified about your lawsuit to avoid delays or dismissal of your case. This process is known as service of process, which means delivering a copy of your claim to the defendant. You cannot do this yourself. There are four accepted methods to serve the defendant:

1. Service by a Law Officer **- Fee: There is a fee for using this method.
   • How it works: A law enforcement officer (like a sheriff) delivers the claim to the defendant.
2. Process Server
   • Fee: There is typically a fee for this service.
   • How it works: You may hire a process server to serve the defendant. The person serving the papers must be at least 18 years old and not involved in your case.
   • Registered Process Servers: These are professionals who can serve the defendant for a fee.
3. Certified Mail
   • Fee: There is a fee for this service.
   • How it works: The court clerk can send the claim to the defendant by certified mail. You must verify with the court that the receipt for certified mail has been returned, confirming that the defendant received the notice.
4. Substituted Service
   • How it works: If you cannot serve the defendant directly, you can serve someone else who lives at the defendant’s home or business (e.g., a family member or roommate). This method has specific rules and requirements, and you must follow the procedures exactly.

Important Notes:

• Deadline for Service: The defendant must be served by a certain date, or your trial may be delayed.
  • If the defendant lives within the county, service must occur at least 10 days before the trial date.
  • If the defendant lives outside the county, service must be completed at least 15 days before the trial.

You should also check with the court before your hearing to ensure that all required documentation (e.g., the receipt for certified mail) has been properly returned to the court.

Cost

In Small Claims Court, the filing fees depend on the amount of your claim and how many claims you’ve filed in the past 12 months. Here's a breakdown of the fees:

• For the first 12 claims in a year:
  • If your claim is $1,500 or less: The filing fee is $30.
  • If your claim is greater than $1,500 but less than or equal to $5,000: The filing fee is $50.
  • For claims exceeding $5,000: The filing fee is $75.
• After filing 12 claims in a year:
  • For claims of $5,000 or less: The filing fee increases to $75.
  • For claims over $5,000: The filing fee increases to $100.

Additional Notes:

• These filing fees are the same across all counties in the state.
• If you are unable to afford the filing fees, you can request a fee waiver by filing the appropriate form with the court.

Hearing

When you go to court for your Small Claims case, it’s important to present your side clearly and provide solid evidence to back up your claims. Here's what you should bring:

Types of Evidence to Bring:

1. Witnesses:
   • If there are people who can testify about events or circumstances relevant to your case, bring them with you. Their testimony can help support your position.
2. Photos:
   • Visual evidence can be extremely helpful in demonstrating damages, injuries, or any other relevant situations. For example, if you're claiming property damage, bring photos of the damage.
3. Bills and Receipts:
   • Documents that show any payments made or expenses incurred are crucial. These can serve as proof of financial loss or payment for services or goods.
4. Contracts:
   • If there’s a written agreement related to your case, bring the contract with you. This helps clarify terms and can be essential in disputes about what was agreed upon.
5. Other Relevant Documents:
   • Anything else that strengthens your case, such as emails, letters, or other correspondence related to the dispute, should also be brought to court.

After the Hearing

• The judge (or in some cases, a Commissioner or temporary judge) will listen to both sides of the case. Afterward, they may:
  • Issue a decision immediately during the hearing, or
  • Take the case under advisement and mail you the decision later.

Temporary Judges (Judge Pro Tem):

• In some cases, a temporary judge (often a qualified lawyer) may hear your case. They have the same authority as a regular judge.
• If you would prefer a regular judge instead, you can request that. However, this might require rescheduling and could lead to a longer wait for your hearing.

Being well-prepared with strong evidence and a clear understanding of the process will help you present your case effectively in Small Claims Court.

Appeal

In Small Claims Court, the process and rules around appeals can be a bit tricky. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the appeal process:

Who Can Appeal?

1. Plaintiff (The Person Who Filed the Claim):
   • No appeal rights. If you were the plaintiff and lost the case, you cannot appeal the decision. Once the judge rules, the decision is final.
2. Defendant (The Person Being Sued):
   • You have the right to appeal if you lose the case. You can file an appeal to have your case heard by a different judge.

What If You Missed the Hearing?

• If you were the defendant and you missed the hearing, you cannot appeal just because of that.
• However, you may be able to request that the judgment be vacated and a new hearing scheduled. This is a separate process from filing an appeal and may require special steps.

Filing an Appeal:

• To appeal a small claims judgment, you must file a Notice of Appeal (form SC-140) either in person or by mail.
• Deadline: You have 30 days from the date the court mails the Notice of Entry of Judgment to file the appeal.
• Cost: The cost to file an appeal is $75.

What Happens After You File an Appeal?

• Once you file the appeal, a new hearing will be scheduled. Your case will be heard by a different judge, so you’ll get a fresh review of your case.
• At the new hearing, you’ll need to:
  • Present your evidence again.
  • Explain your side of the story and why you disagree with the previous judgment.

Key Differences in the Appeal Hearing:

• Unlike the original small claims hearing, where neither party is allowed to have a lawyer, during an appeal:
  • Both parties can have legal representation.
  • The judge will review the case from scratch and may allow new arguments or evidence to be introduced, so it's important to be well-prepared.

Final Consideration:

• Appeals in Small Claims Court are a bit more involved than the original hearing, so be sure to follow all the procedures carefully. Also, the appeal process might extend the resolution of your case, so be prepared for potential delays.

Statute of Limitations

When you're considering whether it's too late to file a claim in Small Claims Court, it's essential to understand the statute of limitations—the time period within which you must file your lawsuit. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to pursue the case. Here’s a breakdown of key statutes of limitations for common types of claims:

1. Personal Injury
   • Time Limit: 2 years from the date of the injury.
   • Example: If you were injured in a car accident or due to someone's negligence, you have two years to file your claim from the date of the incident.
2. Verbal (Spoken) Agreement
   • Time Limit: 2 years from the date the agreement was broken.
   • Example: If you had a verbal contract and the other party did not fulfill their obligations, you have two years from when the breach occurred to file your claim.
3. Written Agreement
   • Time Limit: 4 years from the date the agreement was broken.
   • Example: If you had a written contract and the other party violated the terms, you have four years to take legal action after the breach.
4. Property Damage
   • Time Limit: 3 years from the date the damage occurred.
   • Example: If someone damaged your property (e.g., broken windows, vandalism), you have three years from the date the damage occurred to file your claim.
5. Fraud
   • Time Limit: 3 years from when you discovered the fraud or when you should have reasonably discovered it.
   • Example: If you were defrauded (e.g., someone lied to you to take your money), you have three years from when you became aware of the fraud to file a claim.
6. Suing a Government Agency
   • Time Limit: 6 months to file a claim with the government agency.
   • Process: If you're suing a government agency or public body, you must first file a claim with the agency within six months. The agency has 45 days to respond. If they deny or don’t respond, you then have six months to file your case in Small Claims Court.

Happens if You Miss the Statute of Limitations?

• If you miss the deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, as it will be considered time-barred. Therefore, it’s crucial to be aware of the time limits and file your claim within the required timeframe.
• If you're unsure about the statute of limitations for your particular case, it's often a good idea to file your claim as soon as possible and let the judge decide if your claim is still valid.

Court

In Small Claims Court, it's important to know that you must appear in person to represent yourself unless certain exceptions apply. You cannot send anyone else, including a lawyer, to represent you unless the situation fits specific criteria.

Exceptions to the Rule:

You may be able to have someone represent you if one of these exceptions applies:

1. Active Military Duty:
   • If you are on active duty in the armed forces and were assigned to a duty station after your claim arose and your assignment is for more than six months, you may be able to send someone else to represent you in court.
   • In this case, you would need to file an Authorization to Appear (Small Claims) form SC-109 to allow someone else to appear on your behalf.
2. Business Cases:
   • Sole Proprietor (Only Owner of a Business): If you are the only owner of the business, you generally must appear in court. However, if you can prove your claim with evidence of a business account, a regular employee with knowledge of the account may represent you instead.
   • Business with Partners: If your business has partners, one of the partners must go to court.
   • Corporations: If your business is a corporation, an employee, officer, or director must appear in court. However, this person cannot be hired just to represent the corporation; they must hold an official position with the company.

Why These Rules Matter:

The purpose of these rules is to ensure that the person attending the hearing has direct knowledge of the case, business operations, or financial details. This ensures a fair hearing and proper representation of the facts.

For further details, you can refer to Civil Code of Procedures Section 116.540, which outlines who can appear on your behalf under different circumstances.

If you’re unsure about whether you qualify for one of these exceptions, it’s always a good idea to contact the court for guidance.

Collect

Once you win a Small Claims Court case, the court's role is essentially finished in terms of collecting the money. They will issue the necessary documents and orders that allow you to pursue collection efforts, but the actual process of collecting the judgment is your responsibility. You can use tools such as:

• Wage Garnishments: This allows you to take a portion of the debtor’s wages directly.
• Bank Levies: This involves freezing the debtor's bank account to collect the money.
• Property Liens: You can place a lien on the debtor's property, which prevents them from selling or refinancing it without paying the debt.

However, collection is not guaranteed, and there are important factors to keep in mind:

1. Debtor’s Ability to Pay: If the debtor has no income, assets, or property of value, collecting the judgment may be difficult or impossible. Even though you can pursue various collection methods, if the debtor has little or no means to pay, those efforts may be fruitless.
2. Payment Plans: Sometimes the debtor may approach you with a payment plan offer. This can be a good option if you believe they will honor the agreement. But, you are not obligated to accept any offer. If you do, make sure the payment terms are clear and well-documented.
3. Cost and Time: Debt collection can be a long and expensive process, particularly if the debtor is trying to avoid payment. Sometimes, the cost of further pursuing collection may outweigh the amount you would recover.
4. Decision to Pursue Further: You may have to decide if pursuing additional collection efforts is worthwhile, particularly if it seems unlikely that you will ever fully recover the amount owed. Sometimes the costs of continuing to pursue the debt may exceed the amount you're attempting to collect.

Enforcement of the judgment

You're absolutely right—enforcing a judgment can be a slow process, and it's important to stay on top of deadlines and procedures. Here’s a breakdown of the key points regarding judgment enforcement and the related timelines:

1. 30-Day Appeal Period:
   • After the judgment is entered, the debtor has 30 days to file an appeal. During this time, the judgment is not enforceable. The debtor is not required to pay, and you cannot begin the collection process.
   • If an appeal is filed, you cannot enforce the judgment until the appeal is resolved. If the appeal is denied and the case returns to Small Claims Court, you can then proceed with collection.
2. Judgment Enforcement Timeline:
   • Judgments in Small Claims Court are enforceable for 10 years from the date they are entered.
   • After this 10-year period, the judgment can be renewed for an additional 10 years. This gives you more time to collect the debt.
   • Important limitation: After renewing the judgment, you cannot renew it again for five years. This means that once renewed, you must wait 5 years before you can renew it again.
3. Judgment Debtor's Statement of Assets (SC-133):
   • If the debtor does not appeal, file a motion to vacate, or voluntarily pay the judgment, they are required to complete the Judgment Debtor's Statement of Assets form (SC-133) and send it to you.
   • This form provides vital information about the debtor’s financial situation, including their income, assets, and any bank accounts they may have.
   • Enforcement: The information from the SC-133 will help you decide what actions to take for enforcement, such as garnishing wages, levying bank accounts, or even seizing property. It’s crucial to follow up on this form to ensure you’re equipped to collect the debt.
4. What Happens if the Debtor Refuses to Provide Information:
   • If the debtor refuses to submit the Judgment Debtor's Statement of Assets, you can ask the court for assistance to compel them to complete the form.
   • Debtor's Examination: This could involve scheduling a debtor’s examination at the courthouse where the debtor is required to appear in front of the judge and answer questions about their assets.
5. Tracking Renewals and Deadlines:
   • It’s very important to keep track of the renewal dates and the appeal deadlines so you don’t miss any opportunities to extend the judgment or begin enforcement. If the judgment expires or the renewal window is missed, your ability to collect the debt could be significantly impacted.

Final Tip:

The collection process can be lengthy and challenging, especially if the debtor has limited financial resources. However, staying diligent about the deadlines, forms, and enforcement tools available to you will maximize your chances of successfully collecting the judgment. If the debtor continues to avoid payment, you may want to seek professional legal help to explore other options for enforcement.

Let Squabble Help You With Your Claim at Tulare County

Don't let the complexity of the legal system deter you from seeking justice and compensation for your claim. With Squabble, you have a partner to simplify the process and help you navigate the path to resolution. If you're considering filing a claim at Tulare County small claims court, Squabble is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today to start your journey toward justice and compensation. Get started today and become one of the 95% of our customers who won or settled their case.

Courthouse Locations:

Tulare County Superior Court

Visalia Division- Civil Legal Filings 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Room 201
Visalia, CA 93291
(559) 730-5000
https://www.tulare.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, except court holidays.

South County Justice Center- Civil Legal Filings

300 E Olive Ave.
Porterville, CA 93257
(559) 782-3700
https://www.tulare.courts.ca.gov/divisions/small-claims

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, except court holidays.

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