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 $5,000. 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
Santa Barbara: 805-568-2700
Santa Maria: 805-346-7405
Lompoc: 805-737-7794
- Small Claims Advisory, 805-568-2984
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:
- Lawyer Referral Service of Santa Barbara County, 805-569-9400
- Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County, 805-963-6754
- Senior Outreach (Santa Barbara) 805-963-6754
Senior Outreach (Santa Maria) 805-922-9909
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.
- Better Business Bureau, 805-963-8657
- Santa Barbara Consumer Mediation Unit, 805-568-2390
Resources
State of California
United States Government
Private Organizations and Others
Others
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