Alternatives
  Plaintiff

  Things to Consider Before You File a Claim
  How & Where to File a Claim
  How Do I Serve my Claim?
  Checklist

  Defendant

  I've Been Sued, What Do I Do Now?
  Checklist

  Plaintiff & Defendant

  Getting Ready for your Day in Court
  After the Judge's Decision
  Collection

  Frequently Asked Questions
  Small Claims Fees
  Resources & Referrals
  Rules/Forms

  Form Tips
  Self-Help Center
  Self-Service Home
  Main Court Site
  Case Info Site

Self Service Home  |  Glossary  |  Search  |  Site Map  |  Feedback  |  Contact
Small Claims

Small Claims FAQ Answer to: How do I know where to file a Small Claims case?

If a defendant lives in Los Altos it must be filed in Palo Alto.

If a defendant lives in the city of San Jose, it must be filed in Santa Clara.

If the claim is for a single incident with a joint responsibility of two or more defendants, the location of the occurrence (where the thing happened that is the subject of the suit) would be the factor used to determine where to file (whether or not a defendant lives there).

See list of jurisdictions for each city in Santa Clara County on the Small Claims filing page.

← Click to go BACK to the Small Claims FAQ page