San Diego County Small Claims Court cases are heard in five different locations in San Diego County.

If you are the plaintiff, you need to make sure you file your case in the proper venue.  Venue (or location where your case is filed and heard) is set by San Diego County Superior Court Rules.  The proper court location is any of the following:

• Zip code where the defendant lives or where the defendant corporation or other entity has its principal place of business;
• Zip code where person or personal property was injured or damaged;
• Zip code where defendant signed a contract or where contract was breached;
• Zip code where buyer resided at the time of entering into a retail installment account or contract for a motor vehicle finance sale.

San Diego County Small Claims Court Legal Advisor

San Diego County offers a legal advisor that provides free assistance to anyone with questions about cases in San Diego County Small Claims Court.  The advisor can give general legal information and explain Small Claims Court procedures and rules for San Diego Courts.  The phone hotline for the advisor is (858) 634-1900 for a 24-hour recording or (858) 634-1777 which is available Monday through Friday from 8:30AM-12:00PM and 1:00PM-4:00PM.  Assistance is also offered on a walk in basis which differ based on location (see below).

Central Branch – San Diego Small Claims Court

Small Clams Court cases in the central area are heard in the Central courthouse located at:

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This branch is open from 8:30AM-3:30PM and can be reached at (858) 634-1919.  A Small Claims Court Advisor is also available for assistance on a walk-in basis from 8:30AM-4:00PM.

East County Branch – El Cajon Small Claims Court

San Diego County Small Claims Court cases in the Eastern County are heard at the East County Branch Courthouse located at:

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The office is open from 8:30AM-3:30PM and can be reached by telephone at (619) 456-4100.  A Small Claims Court Advisor for assistance with your Small Claims Court case is available for assistance on a walk-in basis from 8:30AM-12:00PM and 1:00PM-4:30PM.

North County Branch – Vista Small Claims Court

San Diego County Small Claims court cases in the Northern County are heard at the North County Branch Courthouse located at:

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The office is open from 8:30AM-3:30PM and can be reached by telephone at (760) 201-8600 Ext. 1510.  A Small Claims Court Advisor is available to offer assistance from 8:30AM-1:00PM and 2:15PM-4:30PM.

Ramona Branch – Ramona Small Claims Court

San Diego County Small Claims court cases in the Ramona area are heard at the Ramona Branch Courthouse located at:

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The office is open from 8:00AM-4:30PM and can be reached at (760) 738-2435.  Unforunately, there is not a small claims court advisor located at this office to help with your small claims court case.

South County – Chula Vista Small Claims Court

San Diego County Small Claims court cases in the South County area are heard at the South County Branch Courthouse located at:

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The office is open from 8:30AM-3:30PM and can be reached by telephone at (619) 746-6200.  The Small Claims Advisor is available from 8:30AM-4:00PM.