Form SC-140: Notice of Appeal (Small Claims)
Starts a defendant's appeal. Here is what the form does, when you file it, and the mistakes that cost people their hearing date.
What SC-140 is for
A defendant who lost has 30 days from the delivery of the Notice of Entry of Judgment to file this. The appeal is not a review of the first decision — it is an entirely new trial in the superior court, where attorneys are permitted.
Things to get right
- 30 days from the SC-130 date — strictly applied.
- Generally only a defendant may appeal the plaintiff's claim.
- The appeal is a fresh trial, so prepare your evidence again.
This form is free
SC-140 is a public document published by the Judicial Council of California. You can always download it from the court at no charge, and nobody should sell you the form itself. What we sell is the work around it — getting it filled correctly, knowing where it goes, and what happens next.
Who uses it
The person being sued — the defendant.
Where it fits in the process
Before filing
Ask for payment in writing. California expects it, and SC-100 asks you to confirm you did.
Filing
SC-100 opens the case and the clerk assigns a hearing date. FW-001 if the fee is unaffordable.
Service
SC-104 proves the defendant was notified. Without it the hearing does not go ahead.
Hearing and judgment
The court issues SC-130, the Notice of Entry of Judgment.
Collecting
Start with a demand letter
Most California small claims cases settle before anyone sees a courtroom. The letter is free to write, and you can have us print and certified-mail it for $29.
No account needed to start. We are not a law firm and cannot give legal advice.
Related pages
- Form SC-100: Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court
- Form SC-104: Proof of Service (Small Claims)
- Form SC-104B: What Is "Proof of Service"?
- Form SC-104C: Proof of Mailing (Substituted Service)
- Form SC-120: Defendant's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court
- Form SC-130: Notice of Entry of Judgment (Small Claims)
- All California small claims forms