What is the Advisory Clinic?

The Advisory Clinic is located on site at the Carol Miller Justice Center on the 3rd floor. The Advisory Clinic is staffed with trained attorneys who give legal advice to anyone who is seeking to file a Small Claims lawsuit can use the clinic. Anyone being sued in Small Claims court can use the clinic. Business owners and consumers, individuals, rental property landlords, and tenants can use Small Claims Advisory Clinic. During an Advisory Clinic session, an attorney will meet with you and provide legal advice regarding Small Claims issues, from legal advice, from filing a small claims case to collecting a judgment.

Why Use the Advisory Clinic?

The Advisory Clinic can be beneficial to both plaintiffs and defendants. Attorneys are specially trained to help people with looking legal advice and insight into court proceedings. The Advisory Clinic allows the parties to get answers to common questions regarding Small Claims disputes, court process, legal options and rights for both plaintiffs and defendants, and what forms to complete to file a case or to respond to a case that has been filed.

Benefits of the Advisory Clinic

Before Going to Court

  • How to file your case
  • Where to file your case
  • Time limits
  • Naming the Plaintiff & Defendant
  • Subpoenas/Witnesses
  • Evidence
  • Changing your court date
  • Suing The Party who is suing you
  • Mediation
  • Bad Check Stop Payment
  • Suing Government Agencies
  • Preparing for court

After the trial

  • Appealing the judgment
  • Default Judgment
  • Collecting the Judgment
  • Recovering cost and interest
  • Satisfaction for Judgment

Answers to Common Questions

  • Do I have a case?
  • How much can I sue for?
  • Who do I sue?
  • How long do I have to sue?
  • Where should I sue?
  • How do I file a case?
  • How do I serve the claim?
  • Can I sue someone back?
  • How do I prepare and present evidence?
  • How do I appeal or change the judgment?
  • How do I collect my judgment?

How Does the Advisory Clinic Work?

The Small Claims Advisory Clinic is open for in-person advice and form review. For legal advice or to speak with an attorney advisor over the phone, call (916) 875-7846. If prompted, leave a message, and an attorney will return your call within two business days. For less immediate advice, email the Advisory Clinic your circumstances and questions anytime at: scudadvisors@saccourt.ca.gov and get a response during regular court hours.

Advisory Clinic hours are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, excluding court holidays.