legal-resources

About

Small Claims Court

The Small Claims Court is an informal court in which each party represents himself or herself. No attorneys are permitted unless they are bringing suit on their own claims. The maximum amount you may seek in Small Claims Court is $10,000. You are limited to filing only two cases per calendar year over $2,500. The Small Claims Advisory Clinic provides individualized assistance to litigants as to who, what and where to file; how to serve the documents; and how to present the case in Small Claims Court.

Small Claims Court

Small Claims Advisor

Private Attorney

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office, Consumer & Environmental Protection Division, is prohibited from representing a private citizen who seeks the return of their money or any other personal remedy. You may wish to contact a private attorney or organization that can provide you with legal counsel or assistance. Consult your local yellow pages or contact the following:

Mediation

You and the other party may wish to resolve your dispute without using the court system. Mediation is an alternative to costly and lengthy litigation. It should be kept in mind that mediation is a voluntary process for both parties.

United States Government

Consumer Information Center
888-878-3256

Consumer Product Safety Commission
800-638-8270

Environmental Protection Agency
415-744-1500

Federal Bureau of Investigations
916-481-9110

Federal Communications Commission
888-225-5322

Federal Consumer Information Center
800-688-9889

Federal Trade Commission
877-382-4357

Internal Revenue

Internal Revenue Service

Security Administration
800-772-1213

U.S. Bankruptcy Court
916-930-4400