When you file a small claims case, the clerk sets a hearing date on the SC-100. The defendant must receive a copy at least 15 days before that date, from someone other than you. StrikeServe assigns a California registered process server to deliver the claim, records each attempt with GPS coordinates and a timestamp, and returns a completed SC-104 Proof of Service signed under penalty of perjury.
Upload the filed SC-100, enter the defendant's address, and choose a speed. The flat price is the same in all 58 counties.
The defendant receives the filed claim; the proof of service comes back to you.
The claim you filed, with the hearing date on page 1. This is what the defendant receives.
Completed and signed by the server after delivery; you file it at least five days before the hearing.
Attached to SC-104 when substituted service was used.
One filed SC-100 per defendant; each defendant is a separate serve with its own proof.
You cannot serve your own small claims papers. Code of Civil Procedure section 414.10 allows service by any person who is at least 18 and not a party to the action. A friend, the sheriff in counties that offer it, or a registered process server can serve for you and sign the SC-104 under penalty of perjury.
The court clerk can also serve by certified mail under section 116.340(a)(1), in courts that offer it. It works for a business's registered agent and often fails for an individual: if the defendant does not pick up the letter, someone else signs, or the signature is unreadable, the judge will not find the defendant served. Plaintiffs use a process server after the letter comes back, or from the start when time is short.
Three flat tiers, the same price in all 58 California counties. Every tier includes up to three attempts and a court-formatted proof of service.
First attempt within 5–7 business days. When the hearing is six weeks or more away.
First attempt within 2–3 business days. When certified mail has failed and the deadline is a few weeks out.
Order by noon; first attempt the same day. When the deadline is days away.
File-stamped papers, blank response forms, the service address and any notes.
Routine, Rush or Same-Day. Flat price, up to three attempts. Same-Day orders must be placed by noon.
Each attempt appears on your timeline with GPS coordinates and a timestamp.
Court-formatted, signed under penalty of perjury, or a Declaration of Non-Service if service fails.
Ready when you are. Upload the packet to start.
Section 116.340(b) requires service at least 15 days before the hearing if the defendant lives in the county where you filed, or 20 days if not. If the deadline falls on a weekend or court holiday, serve by the last court day before it. Under section 116.340(c) the proof must be filed five days before the hearing.
Personal service means the server hands the SC-100 to the defendant and records the address, date and time for the SC-104. If the defendant refuses it, the server can leave it nearby and say what it is; that still counts.
Section 116.340(a)(3) allows substituted service under section 415.20 with no prior personal attempt: the server leaves the claim with a competent adult at the defendant's home or workplace and mails a copy to the same address, recorded on the SC-104A. Service is complete ten days after mailing, so it must happen ten days before your deadline.
A business must be served on a specific person, not any employee. For a corporation, section 416.10 names the registered agent for service of process or an officer such as the president, a vice president, secretary, treasurer, chief financial officer or general manager. Form SC-104C covers LLCs, partnerships, sole proprietorships and landlords.
If the defendant uses a fictitious business name, SC-104C directs you to the county clerk-recorder's fictitious business name statement for the owner's legal name; you name and serve that owner along with the business name. The SC-104 records the person served and their title.
Talk to the clerk or the small claims advisor. Usually you file a Request to Postpone Trial (form SC-150) at least ten days before the hearing, get a new date, and serve again. StrikeServe's Declaration of Non-Service supports that request.
Section 116.221 lets a natural person claim up to $12,500; under section 116.220(a)(1) a business or other entity is limited to $6,250. Service rules and price are the same at either limit.
Order online in a few minutes, or call and we will set it up with you.