Form SC-135: Notice of Motion to Vacate Judgment and Declaration
Asks to undo a default judgment. Here is what the form does, when you file it, and the mistakes that cost people their hearing date.
What SC-135 is for
If you did not attend your hearing and lost by default, this asks the court to set the judgment aside and give you a hearing. You must explain why you did not appear, and good reasons matter.
Things to get right
- There is a deadline — file as soon as you learn of the judgment.
- You must give the court a genuine reason for missing the hearing.
This form is free
SC-135 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