How To Fill Out PLD-C-001 Form in California Courts

Are debt collectors harassing you and crossing the line? You can fight back in California. Filing your own complaint using the PLD-C-001 form gives you the power to take action. Here’s how to complete it correctly.

Where to File Your Lawsuit

Location matters when filing a PLD-C-001 form. Not every court can hear your case. Courts have specific jurisdiction over certain disputes.

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You can file your lawsuit in a county that meets one of these criteria:

The county where the wrongdoing or accident occurred
The county where property involved in the dispute is located
The county where the defendant currently lives
The county where a contract was supposed to be performed

California courts classify cases by damage amounts. Limited Jurisdiction handles claims under $25,000. Cases under $10,000 fall into one category. Claims between $10,000 and $25,000 form another. Unlimited Jurisdiction covers cases above $25,000.

Required Forms to Start Your Civil Action

You need three key documents to begin your lawsuit. Each form serves a specific purpose in the court process.

Civil Case Cover Sheet

Every case requires this mandatory document. It contains basic information about your lawsuit. You’ll include your name, the defendant’s name, case type, and relief sought.

Summons (SUM 100)

The Summons notifies the defendant about your lawsuit. Courts require this form for every case. It formally alerts the defendant they’re being sued.

Complaint (PLD-C-001)

Your Complaint explains the harm you suffered. It details the breach of contract and specifies damages. You can file on Pleading Paper or use Judicial Forms.

California provides these specific PLD-C-001 forms:

Complaint-Contract (Form PLD-C-001)
Cause of Action-Breach of Contract (Form PLD-C-001 (1))
Cause of Action-Common Counts (Form PLD-C-001 (2))

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Understanding Lawsuit Deadlines

Time limits apply to every lawsuit. Courts call these deadlines the Statute of Limitations. Missing your deadline means losing your right to sue.

California sets specific timeframes for different case types:

Breach of Written Contract: Four years from the breach date
Damage to Personal Property: Three years from when damage occurred
Claims Against Government Entities: Six months from the incident

Track your deadlines carefully. Once the Statute of Limitations expires, courts reject your case.

Filing Fees and Fee Waivers

Courts charge fees to file civil lawsuits. Fee amounts vary based on case type and claim amount. Each court publishes a fee schedule.

Can’t afford court fees? You might qualify for a fee waiver. Courts offer waivers to eligible plaintiffs based on income.

How to Serve the Defendant Properly

Serving the defendant means delivering your Complaint and Summons legally. California allows three service methods.

Personal Service

Someone delivers documents directly to the defendant. Personal service is the most reliable method. The defendant receives papers face-to-face.

Mail Service

You send the Complaint and Summons through postal mail. Mail service works when you know the defendant’s current address.

Service by Publishing

Courts require permission before you can use this method. You must prove personal service attempts failed first. Publication happens in newspapers the defendant likely reads.

After serving the defendant, file a Proof of Service. Courts need documentation that service occurred properly.

Completing the PLD-C-001 Form

California’s Judicial Council provides fill-in-the-blank PLD-C-001 forms. These user-friendly forms guide you through each section. You don’t need legal expertise to complete them.

Follow these steps when filling out your form:

Download the correct form version from the Judicial Council website
Complete all required fields with accurate information
Specify the breach of contract details clearly
State the exact damages you’re claiming
Review every section before filing

File your completed PLD-C-001 with the appropriate court. Remember your statute of limitations deadline. Submit all required forms together for faster processing.

Fighting Back Against Collector Harassment

Debt collectors must follow strict rules when contacting you. They cannot harass, threaten, or deceive you. When collectors violate these rules, you have legal options.

Filing a PLD-C-001 puts you in control. You become the plaintiff instead of the defendant. Collectors face consequences for their illegal actions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PLD-C-001 form used for?

A PLD-C-001 is a California complaint form used to file a lawsuit for breach of contract. You use it to explain the harm you suffered and the damages you're claiming. The form lets you become the plaintiff and take action against debt collectors who violated your rights.

How do I know which court to file my PLD-C-001 in?

File in a county where the wrongdoing occurred, where the defendant currently resides, where property is located, or where a contract was supposed to be performed. Limited Jurisdiction courts handle cases under $25,000, while Unlimited Jurisdiction covers cases above $25,000.

What is the deadline to file a breach of contract lawsuit in California?

California gives you four years from the breach date to file a written contract lawsuit. For damage to personal property, you have three years. Claims against government entities must be filed within six months. Missing these deadlines means you lose your right to sue.

Can I get court filing fees waived?

Yes, California courts offer fee waivers to eligible plaintiffs based on income level. Each court publishes a fee schedule showing standard filing costs. Apply for a waiver when you file your lawsuit if you cannot afford the fees.

How do I serve a defendant after filing my PLD-C-001?

You can use personal service by delivering papers directly to the defendant, mail service by sending documents through postal mail, or service by publishing in newspapers with court permission. After serving the defendant, you must file a Proof of Service with the court.

How To Fill Out the PLD-C-001 Form in California