Small Business: COVID-19 & Small Claims Court – A comprehensive FAQ on small claims court during COVID-19
COVID-19 Updates for Small Claims Court – FAQ
Download BT-FAQ-COVID-19-Updates-for-Small-Claims-Court-as-of-1.12.21.docx
General Reminder: The current COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation. Stay tuned to reliable sources (see suggestions in the below FAQ) for updates.
- Are hearings being held?
- Yes, hearings in Small Claims matters have resumed as of August 10, 2020. Litigants can sign up to make remote appearances by audio or video through LACourtConnect <https://www.lacourt.org/lacc/>. Remote appearances can only be scheduled within 30 days of the hearing date.
- Are statutes of limitations extended?
- Yes, for claims having a statute of limitations of more than 180 days (which applies to most Small Claims), the statute is tolled from April 6, 2020 until October 1, 2020. For claims having a statute of limitations of 180 days or less, the statute is tolled from April 6, 2020 until August 3, 2020.
- How do I file documents with the Court?
- Small Claims filings may be submitted via:
- Fax Filing: View Fax Filing Phone Numbers
- US Mail: View Small Claims Court Locations
- Drop Box: View Small Claims Court Locations
- In-Person Filing with a Clerk: Available by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please call the phone number associated with the courthouse you are trying to visit. View Call Center Phone Numbers
- The Small Claims Efiling site has been decommissioned. The Court is scheduled to implement Small Claims Efiling in 2021, and notifications will be posted as more information becomes available.
- How do I serve documents?
- The court has not announced any changes to the rules for service of process for Small Claims matters.
- How do I submit evidence to the Court and exchange evidence with the other side in advance of the hearing?
- As of September 4, 2020, the Court has ordered litigants in Small Claims cases to follow a certain protocol to submit evidence in support of their position and to exchange that evidence with the other side in advance of the hearing.
- Under the Order, litigants must send their evidence to the other party at least ten (10) days in advance of the hearing.
- The order can be found here: <http://www.lacourt.org/division/smallclaims/pdf/1stAmendSOreEvidenceExchange.pdf>
- Will mediation services be affected?
- Due to court closures and other restrictions, there may continue to be a delay in processing of any settlement agreements.
Links to Additional Resources:
- LA Superior Court: LACourtConnect <https://www.lacourt.org/lacc/>
- LA Superior Court: Standing Order Re: Evidence Exchange in Small Claims Matters <http://www.lacourt.org/division/smallclaims/pdf/1stAmendSOreEvidenceExchange.pdf>
- LA Superior Court: COVID-19 News and Resource Center <http://www.lacourt.org/newsmedia/ui/covid19NewsCenter.aspx>
- LA Superior Court: Small Claims <http://www.lacourt.org/division/smallclaims/smallclaims.aspx>
- LA Superior Court: Small Claims eFiling Notice <http://ww2.lacourt.org/efiling/EfilingNotice.aspx>
- LA Superior Court: Fax Filing Telephone Numbers <https://www.lacourt.org/division/civil/pdf/FaxFilingNumbers.pdf>
- LA County Consumer & Business Affairs: Small Claims and Mediation <https://dcba.lacounty.gov/small-claims-and-mediation/>
Note: This document provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Attachment BT-FAQ-COVID-19-Updates-for-Small-Claims-Court-as-of-1.12.21.docx