County filing guide
How to file a lawsuit in Del Norte County
Everything a self-represented plaintiff in Del Norte County needs before walking into the clerk's office: where the civil filing window is, which court your amount belongs in, and the forms that have to be in your hand when you get there.
Where to file in Del Norte County
Courthouse
Del Norte County Courthouse
Filing counter
450 H Street, Room 209Crescent City, CA 95531
This is the main civil courthouse for the county. Larger counties also run branch courthouses, and some case types are assigned to a specific branch, so confirm the location on your papers before you drive out.
Which court hears your case
In California the amount you are asking for decides the court, the fee, and the paperwork. Nothing else does.
Small claims
Up to $12,500Court fee $30 to $75
A person can claim up to $12,500; a business is capped at $6,250. No attorneys appear at the hearing, and the hearing is usually set 30 to 70 days out. You must ask the other side to pay before you file.
SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim, SC-100A if there are extra parties, SC-104 proof of service, plus FW-001 if you need the fee waived.
Limited civil
$12,500 to $35,000Court fee $225 to $370
A real complaint on numbered pleading paper, filed with a summons and a cover sheet. Attorneys are allowed on both sides, discovery is limited, and the defendant gets 30 days to answer.
Complaint on pleading paper, CM-010 Civil Case Cover Sheet, SUM-100 Summons, POS-010 Proof of Service, plus FW-001 if you need the fee waived.
Unlimited civil
Over $35,000Court fee about $435
Same paperwork as limited civil with full discovery rights and no ceiling on what the judge can award. This is where serious contract, fraud, and injury cases go.
Complaint on pleading paper, CM-010 Civil Case Cover Sheet, SUM-100 Summons, POS-010 Proof of Service, plus FW-001 if you need the fee waived.
Served with an eviction in Del Norte County?
Your written answer is due within 10 days of being served, not counting weekends or court holidays, under Code of Civil Procedure section 1167 as amended by AB 2347. Service by mail adds five court days. Miss it and the landlord can take a default judgment without a hearing, so the answer comes first and everything else comes second.
Start an eviction answerIf you cannot afford the filing fee
California waives its own filing fee for people on public benefits or under the income limit. The request is form FW-001 with the FW-003 order, handed to the same clerk at the same window, and it is prepared with your packet at no extra charge.
Before you file, read these
- How to sue someone in CaliforniaThe whole process, from deciding what to ask for to getting the papers served, without hiring anyone.
- How to answer an eviction in CaliforniaTen court days, one form, and the defenses most tenants never know they have.
- Small claims or civil courtThe trade you are making: speed and simplicity against how much a judge is allowed to award you.
- Filing fees and fee waiversWhat the clerk charges, and the form that makes the charge go away if you qualify.
- How long you have to sue in CaliforniaEvery claim has an expiration date. Here are the ones that catch people.
Build your Del Norte County packet
Answer the questions out loud or by typing. We draft the complaint, the summons, the cover sheet, the proof of service, and the filing checklist for this county. Small claims $99, eviction defense $149, civil $249.
file my case is a self-help document preparation service, not a law firm. Court addresses and fees change; confirm yours with the clerk before you file.