What is the Advisory Clinic?

The Advisory Clinic is a free public service of the Sacramento Superior Court that provides legal information and guidance about small claims and eviction courts. It is staffed by attorneys trained to handle these lawsuits. The Advisory Clinic is available for anyone, provided that an attorney does not represent them and they can represent themselves in court. This may include business owners and consumers, individuals and organizations, landlords and tenants, and employers and employees.

How Does the Advisory Clinic Work?

In-Person Consultation: Visit the Advisory Clinic in person, no appointment necessary or possible. The Advisory Clinic is a walk-in, first-come, first-served clinic at Carol Miller Justice Center. While in the clinic, you meet with an attorney advisor who discusses your situation and provides legal guidance, including form review and advice.

Phone-Based Consultation: To speak with an attorney over the phone for legal advice, call 916-875-7846. If prompted, leave a message, and an attorney will return your call within two (2) business days. If your question is too complicated, you may be directed to our walk-in clinic.

Email-Based Consultation: For less immediate legal advice, email the Advisory Clinic anytime at: scudadvisors@saccourt.ca.gov and get a response during regular court hours. If your question is too complicated, you may be directed to our walk-in clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions that We Can Answer

Small Claims

  • Do I have a case?
  • How much do I have to sue?
  • How long do I have to sue?
  • How do I file a small claims case?
  • How do I serve the other party?
  • Can I counter-sue?
  • What do I do at trial?
  • Can I appeal?
  • How can I collect judgment?

Unlawful Detainer Landlord/Tenant

  • How do I evict?
  • I got a 3-day notice. What should I do?
  • How do I file an eviction case?
  • How do I serve the defendant?
  • When can I mediate?
  • How do I respond to an eviction case?
  • What if there is no response?
  • How long does this take?
  • Can I stop the eviction?

What You Need to Know (But Might Not)

  • A tenancy must be terminated out of court before an eviction case is filed.
  • Which court you sue in is determined by where the defendant or the dispute is.
  • Naming a business plaintiff or defendant depends on how the business is owned.
  • In eviction court, corporations, limited liability companies, and trustees need an attorney.
  • A defendant cannot be served by just mail.
  • Evidence is generally not filed in the court.
  • Rescheduling a court date requires a written request, a good reason, and a court order.
  • The court does not collect a monetary judgment for the winner.
  • The sheriff schedules and conducts the eviction, not the court.

Advisory Workshop

The Sacramento Superior Court offers a free monthly online workshop hosted by trained attorneys. The workshop discusses the eviction process and addresses common questions.

When: The workshop is held on the second Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m. If the second Wednesday falls on a holiday, it will be held on the second Thursday.

Where: We are on Zoom! Just download the app or visit Zoom.us to join us.
Zoom Information: Meeting ID: 160 8617 8570

Participation Requirements: The workshop is open to everyone, not just those with pending eviction matters. You will need access to the Internet, a phone or computer with video and audio capabilities, an e-mail address, a pen, and paper.

Interpreters are not available during the workshop, but you can attend the online workshop with someone who can translate for you.