The LA SBDC Regional Network offers no-cost virtual business workshops for small businesses.
We serve Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
Small Claims for Small Businesses
September 28 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Free
Summary
Unpaid invoices. Broken contracts. Customers who won’t pay. Small business owners face these disputes regularly — and small claims court offers a fast, low-cost way to resolve them without hiring a lawyer. This workshop, presented by SBDC business advisor Michael DeDonato, J.D., M.B.A. walks business owners through exactly how the process works in California.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Determine eligibility and limits — Understand the dollar limits for suing as an individual vs. a business entity, and the restrictions on how many claims can be filed per year.
- Identify a valid legal claim — Learn to distinguish a legally recognized reason someone owes money from a mere feeling of being wronged, using real-world examples (unpaid loans, broken contracts, unpaid services).
- Choose the correct court and file properly — Learn how to determine proper venue, complete the right forms (SC-100, SC-103, SC-104, etc.), and correctly name the defendant to protect your ability to collect.
- Understand fees and fee waivers — Know filing costs by claim amount and how to request a fee waiver if needed.
- Navigate special situations — Recognize the unique rules for suing government agencies, healthcare providers, and attorneys over fees.
- Prepare for the hearing — Know what evidence to gather, service and notice requirements, postponement procedures, and options like the LA-ODR/TurboCourt online settlement tool.
- Understand outcomes and limitations — Learn what happens after judgment, including the 30-day waiting period, collection responsibilities (the court won’t collect for you), and appeal rights.
Who Should Attend
- Small business owners and entrepreneurs owed money by clients, vendors, tenants, or contractors
- Sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations considering whether to pursue a dispute in court
- Landlords or business owners with rental-related disputes
- Anyone who has been served or threatened with a small claims lawsuit and wants to understand the process from the defendant’s side
- Business advisors, bookkeepers, and consultants who support clients with contract and payment disputes
- Business owners who want a low-cost, no-lawyer-required alternative to civil litigation
