Small Claims Court is a special court where individuals, representing themselves, resolve disputes quickly and inexpensively in an informal setting. In California, replevin cases are typically filed in the Superior Court of the county where the property is located or where the defendant resides.Appeals. Application for Extension of Time. Appeals. Application to File Oversized Brief. Appeals. Property damage claims require an estimate and photographs of the damage. This guide will provide you with stepbystep instructions on how to start a civil lawsuit and how to serve the documents to the defendant(s). Please complete and sign Claim Form CD-1. The process of starting a replevin action usually begins with filing a complaint.