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TRIBUNALS & COURTS
Official court guides, forms, pro se workflows, and precedent search for California Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. Every link is an official source. SofAI provides legal information, not legal advice.
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Workflows
Legal information, not legal advice. This guide provides official links and procedural information. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. For emergencies — domestic violence, eviction lockout, criminal exposure, custody, immigration removal, or imminent filing deadlines — contact a licensed attorney or legal aid immediately.
SofAI Court Intelligence
Tribunal Command Center
Official forms, procedural workflows, question-bank answers, deadline flags, and precedent discovery for California Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Verify jurisdiction and venue before filing. Filing in the wrong court can cost time and fees.
Relevant forms
Civil Case Cover Sheet
CM-010Required cover sheet for all new civil cases filed in California Superior Court.
Official formComplaint — Personal Injury, Property Damage, Wrongful Death
PLD-PI-001Standard complaint form for personal injury, property damage, and wrongful death cases.
Official formAnswer — Contract
PLD-C-010Standard answer form for contract disputes.
Official formRequest to Waive Court Fees
FW-001Fee waiver application for individuals who cannot afford court fees. Grants waiver if income is at or below 125% of federal poverty guidelines, or if receiving certain public benefits.
Official formOrder on Court Fee Waiver
FW-003Court's order granting, denying, or modifying a fee waiver request.
Official formProof of Service — Civil
POS-040Proof of service form for civil documents served by mail, personally, or electronically.
Official formSummons
SUM-100Official summons form to be served with a complaint in civil cases.
Official formPlaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court
SC-100Filing form for small claims cases (up to $12,500 for individuals, $6,250 for businesses).
Official formNext workflow
Filing a Civil Complaint in California Superior Court
Step-by-step workflow for starting a civil case in California.
- 1Determine jurisdiction and venue. Identify the correct county. Generally, file where the defendant lives or where the events occurred. Cal. Civ. Proc. Code § 392 et seq.
- 2Select and complete forms. Prepare the Complaint (use Judicial Council form or custom pleading), Civil Case Cover Sheet (CM-010), and Summons (SUM-100).
- 3Request fee waiver if needed. If you cannot afford filing fees, complete FW-001 and file it with your complaint.
- 4File with the clerk. File the complaint, cover sheet, and summons at the clerk's office or via e-filing. The clerk issues the summons.
Filing a Small Claims Case in California
Step-by-step workflow for small claims court (up to $12,500 for individuals).
- 1Confirm small claims eligibility. Individuals can sue for up to $12,500. Businesses and other entities are limited to $6,250. No attorneys allowed at trial.
- 2Complete SC-100. Fill out the Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (SC-100).
- 3File and get a hearing date. File SC-100 at the clerk's office. The clerk will set a hearing date.
- 4Serve the defendant. Have someone else serve the defendant with a copy of the filed SC-100. Service must be completed at least 15 days before the hearing (25 days if served by mail).
Requesting a Fee Waiver in California
How to get court fees waived if you cannot afford them.
- 1Check eligibility. You qualify if: (a) your income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, (b) you receive Medi-Cal, food stamps (CalFresh), SSI, CalWORKs, CAPI, IHSS, or Tribal TANF, or (c) you cannot pay for basic household needs.
- 2Complete FW-001. Fill out the Request to Waive Court Fees (FW-001). Check all boxes that apply to your situation.
- 3File FW-001 with your first paper. Submit FW-001 along with your complaint, answer, or other first filing. You can also request a fee waiver at any point during the case.
- 4Receive the court's order. The court will issue FW-003 granting, denying, or partially granting the fee waiver. If denied, you have 10 days to request a hearing.
Question bank
What court do I file in for a California car accident case?
File in the California Superior Court in the county where the accident occurred or where the defendant lives. If your claim is $12,500 or less, you may use small claims court (SC-100). If more, file an unlimited civil complaint with CM-010 and SUM-100.
Official sourceWhat court handles eviction cases in California?
Eviction cases (unlawful detainer) are filed in the California Superior Court of the county where the property is located. Use UD-100 (complaint) and SUM-130 (summons for unlawful detainer). These are expedited proceedings with short timelines.
Official sourceWhat court handles restraining orders in California?
Restraining orders are handled by the California Superior Court. Domestic violence restraining orders use DV-100. Civil harassment restraining orders use CH-100. Workplace violence uses WV-100. Elder abuse uses EA-100. File in the county where the protected person lives.
Official sourceWhat is small claims court in California?
Small claims court is a simplified division of Superior Court for disputes of $12,500 or less (individuals) or $6,250 or less (businesses). No attorneys are allowed at the hearing. The process is informal, faster, and cheaper than regular civil court. File SC-100 to start.
Official sourceIs my case civil or criminal?
Civil cases are disputes between private parties (or the government as a party in a non-criminal matter) seeking money damages, injunctions, or other relief. Criminal cases are brought by the government (DA/prosecutor) against a person accused of violating criminal law. You generally cannot file a criminal case yourself — report crimes to law enforcement. The distinction matters because different courts, procedures, burdens of proof, and rights apply.
Do I need a lawyer for my California court case?
You have the right to represent yourself in California courts (pro se or 'in pro per'). However, for complex cases (criminal defense, child custody, immigration, bankruptcy), having a lawyer is strongly recommended. California's self-help centers provide free assistance. Legal aid organizations provide free lawyers for qualifying individuals.
For criminal cases, you have a constitutional right to an appointed lawyer if you cannot afford one.
Start here
Answer these questions to find the right court, forms, and next steps.
What court or agency am I in?
Am I starting, responding, appealing, or enforcing?
What state, county, or district applies?
Is this federal, state, or administrative?
Do I need a complaint, answer, motion, or fee waiver?
What deadline do I need to verify?
Flagship Hubs
Court Knowledge Centers
California Courts
All 58 Superior Courts, 6 Courts of Appeal, and the California Supreme Court. Official forms, fee waivers, self-help resources, and step-by-step workflows for pro se litigants.
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Questions
U.S. Supreme Court
Certiorari, in forma pauperis, amicus filings, e-filing, Supreme Court Bar admission, and the current Rules effective March 16, 2026.
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Question Bank
147 questions across 14 categories — from jurisdiction triage to practitioner doctrine.
Which Court Am I In?
20Determine the right court for your case
Starting a Case
15Forms, fees, and filing for new cases
Responding to a Case
12Answers, deadlines, and defensive actions
Motions
10Requesting court orders during a case
Evidence & Declarations
8Presenting proof to the court
Fee Waivers
8Getting court fees waived
Service of Process
10Delivering court papers to parties
Appeals
15Challenging court decisions
E-Filing
8Electronic filing procedures
Local Rules
6Court-specific procedures
Common Mistakes
10Avoid the most frequent pro se errors
U.S. Supreme Court
0Certiorari, IFP, and SCOTUS procedure
California Supreme Court
0Petition for review and state high court procedure
For Lawyers
25Rule citations, doctrine, and practice tips
Step-by-step guides
Pro Se Workflows
Each workflow walks you through a common court process with official forms, deadlines, and warnings.
Filing a Civil Complaint in California Superior Court
Step-by-step workflow for starting a civil case in California.
7 steps·3 warnings
Filing a Small Claims Case in California
Step-by-step workflow for small claims court (up to $12,500 for individuals).
6 steps·3 warnings
Requesting a Fee Waiver in California
How to get court fees waived if you cannot afford them.
4 steps·3 warnings
Filing a Petition for Writ of Certiorari at the U.S. Supreme Court
How to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear your case.
6 steps·4 warnings
Appealing a California Superior Court Decision
How to appeal a trial court decision to the California Court of Appeal.
7 steps·3 warnings
Precedent Search
Search case law across the U.S. Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit, California state courts, and California federal districts. Powered by CourtListener, verified against official sources.
U.S. Supreme Court
Try: standing injury in fact
/api/law/precedents/search?q=standing%20injury%20in%20fact&scope=scotusNinth Circuit
Try: qualified immunity
/api/law/precedents/search?q=qualified%20immunity&scope=ninth-circuitCalifornia State
Try: anti-SLAPP
/api/law/precedents/search?q=anti-SLAPP&scope=california-stateCalifornia Federal
Try: patent venue
/api/law/precedents/search?q=patent%20venue&scope=california-federalOfficial Sources
Every link in this guide points to an official court website or verified government source.