Guides
The part nobody explains
You do not need a lawyer's permission to sue someone. You need to know which court, which forms, and how long you have. That is all these pages are.
- Filing a case
How to sue someone in California
The whole process, from deciding what to ask for to getting the papers served, without hiring anyone.
Read the guide - Eviction defense
How to answer an eviction in California
Ten court days, one form, and the defenses most tenants never know they have.
Read the guide - Choosing a court
Small claims or civil court
The trade you are making: speed and simplicity against how much a judge is allowed to award you.
Read the guide - Costs
Filing fees and fee waivers
What the clerk charges, and the form that makes the charge go away if you qualify.
Read the guide - Deadlines
How long you have to sue in California
Every claim has an expiration date. Here are the ones that catch people.
Read the guide
Filing in your county
Courthouse addresses, filing windows, and local fees for every California county we have a verified address for.
Find your countyfile my case is a self-help document preparation service, not a law firm, and this page is not legal advice. Deadlines and fees change; confirm yours before you file.