The Human Rights/Fair Housing Commission staffs the Small Claims Advisory Clinic at the Carol Miller Justice Center, 301 Bicentennial Circle, Room 330. The Advisory Clinic is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is closed on court holidays. There is no fee for the services offered.  Assistance is offered on a walk-in basis and over the telephone.  Call (916) 875-7846 for assistance.

Beginning August 1, 2000, the Human Rights/Fair Housing Commission will also provide Mediation Services for Small Claims cases on site at the Carol Miller Justice Center on the day of trial. Mediation is a form of dispute resolution that has proven very effective in helping Small Claims litigants resolve their cases. Further information is available at the Carol Miller Justice Center, or by calling (916) 875-7843.

The Advisory Clinic is staffed by attorneys and legal interns who provide procedural and legal information and legal advice to Small Claims litigants regarding their rights and responsibilities under California law. Information and assistance are provided during the three stages of the legal case:

• pre-trial questions
• how to name defendants
• where to locate elusive defendants
• how to file and serve papers
• gathering and subpoenaing evidence, etc.
• during the trial
• addressing the judge
• presenting evidence, etc.
• post-trial issues
• how to collect the money judgment
• requesting an installment plan, etc.

If you have any questions about the Small Claims process, or about the court holidays on which the Advisory Clinic is closed, call (916) 875-7846. Due to a high volume of calls you may need to leave a message; a staff member will return your call promptly.