California Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in California — dollar limits, filing fees, court locations, and step-by-step guidance.
California Quick Facts
Maximum Claim
$12,500 (individuals) / $6,250 (businesses)
Filing Fee
$30–$75
Court fees added to your case — not due today
Court
Small Claims Court (Superior Court)
Overview
Small Claims in California
California small claims court is a division of the Superior Court and offers one of the most generous jurisdictional limits in the nation. Individuals may sue for up to $12,500, while businesses, corporations, and other organizational entities are capped at $6,250. This makes California's small claims court a powerful tool for resolving significant monetary disputes without the expense and complexity of formal litigation.
Filing fees are tiered based on the claim amount: $30 for claims under $1,500, $50 for claims between $1,501 and $5,000, and $75 for claims between $5,001 and $12,500. These fees are recoverable as court costs if you prevail. California also allows plaintiffs to file multiple small claims cases, though there is a limit of two cases per year exceeding $2,500.
Attorneys are not permitted to represent parties in California small claims court. Both individuals and businesses must appear on their own behalf, though they may seek legal advice before filing. The informal proceedings allow the judge to question witnesses directly and are not bound by the formal rules of evidence.
Cases are filed in the Superior Court of the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the dispute occurred. The court issues a Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Defendant (Form SC-100), which must be served on the defendant at least 15 days before the hearing. California small claims court is widely used for unpaid debts, security deposit disputes, auto property damage, contractor disputes, and breach of contract.
Where to File
File in the Superior Court of the county where the defendant lives, works, or does business. You may also file where the contract was signed or where the defendant's property is located.
Service of Process
The defendant must be served at least 15 days before the hearing if served in the same county, or 20 days if served outside the county. Service can be done by certified mail, a process server, sheriff, or a friend or relative over 18 who is not involved in the case.
Statute of Limitations
Written contracts: 4 years. Oral contracts: 2 years. Property damage: 3 years. Personal injury: 2 years. Fraud: 3 years from discovery.
Appeal Rules
Either party may appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days. A new trial is conducted before a judge or judge pro tem.
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