The California SC-145 form is a document used in small claims court that allows a judgment debtor to request payment of a judgment to the court rather than directly to the creditor. This form facilitates the calculation of the total amount owed, including principal, costs, and interest, ensuring that all parties are aware of the payment details. For those looking to fulfill their judgment obligations, filling out the SC-145 is a crucial step—click the button below to get started.
The California SC-145 form plays a crucial role in the small claims process, specifically addressing the payment of judgments. This form allows a judgment debtor to request that their payment be made directly to the court rather than to the creditor. By doing so, the debtor can ensure that the court calculates the total amount owed, which includes the principal, any awarded costs, accrued interest, and processing fees. Additionally, the form includes sections for those who have already made partial payments, allowing them to document these transactions. It is essential for debtors to understand that if they opt to pay via personal check, the satisfaction of judgment will be delayed for 30 days. Once the total amount is paid, the court will officially enter a satisfaction of judgment, providing the debtor with a clear resolution to their financial obligation. The form also includes a certification process to verify its authenticity, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and true. Understanding the SC-145 form is vital for anyone navigating the small claims system in California, as it facilitates a structured approach to fulfilling court-ordered payments.
SC-145
Name and Address of Court:
SMALL CLAIMS CASE NO.:
PLAINTIFF/DEMANDANTE (Name and address of each):
DEFENDANT/DEMANDADO (Name and address of each):
See attached sheet for additional plaintiffs and defendants.
REQUEST TO PAY JUDGMENT TO COURT
1.Instead of paying the judgment directly to the creditor, I want to pay it to the court.
2.Date judgment was entered (specify):
3.Judgment creditor (the person or business you were ordered to pay)
a.Full name:
b.Address (use last known):
4.I understand that the amount of money I must pay to get a satisfaction of judgment is the total of the
a.principal amount of money the court ordered me to pay,
b.costs (if awarded by the court),
c.interest accrued on the judgment,
d.the court's processing fee, and
e.other charges the court has added to the judgment. (The court will calculate the total (see reverse).)
5.Partial payment (Complete this section if you have ALREADY PAID PART of the judgment.)
I have already paid part of the judgment.
Amount paid: $
(check one or both of the boxes below.)
a.
b.
by check or money order. (Attach a copy of both sides of the canceled check or money order.) by cash. (Attach a copy of the signed, dated cash receipt)
6.I understand that if I pay by personal check, satisfaction of judgment will be delayed 30 days.
7.I request the court to calculate the total amount required to enter a satisfaction of judgment, and to enter a satisfaction of judg- ment after I have paid the total amount to the court.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.
Date:
................................................................................
(TYPE OR PRINT NAME)
(SIGNATURE OF JUDGMENT DEBTOR)
Judgment creditor: See important notice on reverse.
CERTIFICATION
I certify that this document is a true and cor- rect copy of the original on file with this court.
(Seal)
Clerk,
by, Deputy
(1)
(2)
SATISFACTION OF JUDGMENT (for court use only)
Full satisfaction of judgment entered as to judgment debtor
(name):
on (date):
Full satisfaction of judgment NOT entered as requested
(state reason):
Clerk, by
, Deputy
Form Adopted for Mandatory Use Judicial Council of California SC-145 [Rev. January 1, 2007]
REQUEST TO PAY
JUDGMENT TO COURT
(Small Claims)
Page 1 of 2
www.courtinfo.ca.gov
PLAINTIFF:
DEFENDANT:
CASE NUMBER:
FOR COURT USE ONLY
1.Judgment entered on (date):
2.Amount to be paid as of date of request (specify):
a. Unpaid principal ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$
b. Costs -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
c. Post judgment costs ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
d. Credits (see receipts) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
e. Interest accrued (to date in item 2, above)
-----------------------------------------------------------
f. Processing fee -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
g. Other (specify) -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUBTOTAL
Add interest at: $
per day (from date in item 2) -------------------
TOTAL
CLERK'S CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
I certify that I am not a party to this action. This Notice to Judgment Creditor was mailed first class, postage prepaid, in a sealed envelope to the address shown in item 3 on the reverse. The mailing and this certification occurred
at (place):California, on (date):
NOTICE TO JUDGMENT CREDITOR
1.The judgment debtor has fully satisfied the judgment entered by making payment to the court in the amount shown above.
2.You may claim this money by
a. presenting this form in person to the court clerk during regular business hours, -OR-
b. mailing this form to the court.
3.Complete the Judgment Creditor's Request for Funds below.
4.Money not claimed within three years becomes the property of the court (see Government Code sections 50050-50056).
JUDGMENT CREDITOR'S REQUEST FOR FUNDS
I request the court to pay the money to me by mail at my current address (specify):
(Mail or deliver this form to the court clerk Keep a photocopy for yourself.)
....
(SIGNATURE OF JUDGMENT CREDITOR)
SC-145 [Rev. January 1. 2007]
Page 2 of 2
To fill out the California SC 145 form, follow these steps carefully. This form is essential for requesting the court to handle the payment of a judgment. Ensure that all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays.
After completing the form, submit it to the court along with any required attachments. Retain a copy for your records. The court will process your request and notify you of the next steps regarding the satisfaction of judgment.
The California SC-145 form is used by individuals who wish to pay a judgment to the court rather than directly to the creditor. This form helps facilitate the process of settling a small claims judgment and ensures that the court can properly record the payment. By submitting this form, the judgment debtor requests the court to calculate the total amount owed, including principal, costs, interest, and any applicable fees.
To complete the SC-145 form, the following information is necessary:
The court calculates the total amount owed by adding several components together. These include:
It is important to note that the court will provide the total amount due once the form is submitted.
If a payment is made using a personal check, the satisfaction of judgment will be delayed for 30 days. This delay allows time for the check to clear. It is advisable to consider this timeline when planning payments to avoid complications in the judgment satisfaction process.
Once the payment is made to the court, the judgment creditor will be notified. The creditor can claim the funds by either presenting the SC-145 form in person at the court clerk's office or mailing the form to the court. If the funds are not claimed within three years, they will become the property of the court, as outlined in the relevant government code sections.
Not providing the correct court name and address. Ensure that you fill in the accurate details of the court handling your case.
Failing to include the small claims case number. This number is essential for the court to identify your case.
Omitting the full names and addresses of all plaintiffs and defendants. If there are additional parties, attach a separate sheet.
Not specifying the date the judgment was entered. This information is critical for processing your request.
Incorrectly calculating the total amount owed. Ensure you include the principal, costs, interest, and any processing fees.
Neglecting to indicate any partial payments made. If you have made payments, provide the amount and necessary documentation.
Forgetting to attach proof of payment if applicable. Include copies of checks or receipts as evidence of any payments made.
Not understanding that payment by personal check will delay satisfaction of judgment by 30 days. This could affect your case.
Failing to sign and date the form. Your signature is necessary to validate the document.
Not keeping a copy of the completed form for your records. Always retain a copy for your personal documentation.
When dealing with the California SC-145 form, several other documents may be necessary to ensure a smooth process. Each of these forms serves a specific purpose and can help facilitate the resolution of your small claims case.
Understanding these forms and their purposes can significantly impact the outcome of your case. It is essential to ensure that all necessary documents are completed accurately and submitted promptly to avoid any delays in the process.
The California SC-145 form shares similarities with the California SC-135 form, which is used for filing a small claims appeal. Both forms are part of the small claims process, facilitating communication between the court and the involved parties. The SC-135 form allows a party to challenge a judgment made in small claims court, while the SC-145 focuses on the payment of a judgment. Each document requires specific information about the parties involved, the case number, and the details of the judgment, ensuring that all relevant information is clearly presented to the court.
Another document akin to the SC-145 is the California SC-130 form, which is the "Notice of Entry of Judgment." This form notifies parties of the court's decision regarding a small claims case. Similar to the SC-145, the SC-130 includes essential case details, such as the names of the plaintiff and defendant, the case number, and the judgment amount. Both forms serve to keep the parties informed about the court's actions, although the SC-130 emphasizes the judgment's entry rather than payment arrangements.
The California SC-152 form, known as the "Request for Court Order," also bears resemblance to the SC-145. This form is utilized when a party seeks a specific order from the court, which may include payment instructions or modifications to a judgment. Like the SC-145, the SC-152 requires the submission of pertinent information regarding the parties and the case. Both documents aim to facilitate the court's management of small claims cases, ensuring that all requests are formally documented and processed.
Lastly, the California SC-160 form, which is the "Application for Waiver of Court Fees," is another document that shares common ground with the SC-145. While the SC-145 addresses the payment of judgments, the SC-160 allows individuals to request a waiver for court fees due to financial hardship. Both forms require the applicant to provide personal and financial information, helping the court assess the situation. They serve distinct purposes within the small claims process but are integral to ensuring that access to the court system is equitable for all parties involved.
When filling out the California SC-145 form, it's important to follow some guidelines to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn't do:
There are several misconceptions surrounding the California SC 145 form. Understanding these can help clarify the process for those involved in small claims cases.
This form is actually for any judgment debtor who chooses to pay the judgment amount to the court instead of directly to the creditor.
While paying the court is a step toward satisfaction, it may take time for the court to process the payment and update records.
The form requires you to pay the total amount due, which includes principal, costs, interest, and any fees.
If you have made partial payments, you must document these payments by attaching copies of checks or receipts.
While the court can help with calculations, it is the responsibility of the judgment debtor to ensure they provide accurate information on the form.
The form does include processing fees that may be added to the total amount owed.
This form typically needs to be submitted in person or via mail to the appropriate court, depending on local rules.
The creditor must follow specific procedures to claim the money from the court after it has been paid by the debtor.
If the funds are not claimed within three years, they become the property of the court, as per California law.
When filling out and using the California SC-145 form, keep these key takeaways in mind: