Contra Costa County Small Claims Courthouses
Contra Costa County serves East Bay communities including Concord, Walnut Creek, Richmond, Antioch, and San Ramon. The county operates three main courthouses for small claims filings.
Venue selection: File at the courthouse nearest to where the defendant lives or where the contract was signed. For most Contra Costa cases, the A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez is the primary filing location.
How to File Small Claims in Contra Costa County
1 Determine Eligibility
Your claim must be $12,500 or less for individuals ($6,500 for businesses). Common Contra Costa County cases include:
- Neighbor disputes and property boundary conflicts
- HOA disputes in suburban communities
- Contractor disputes on home improvement projects
- Landlord-tenant security deposit claims (BART-corridor rentals)
- Auto accidents and repair disputes
- Unpaid invoices and contract breaches
2 Send a Demand Letter
California law doesn't require a demand letter, but I always recommend sending one first. It resolves many cases without court and strengthens your position if you do file.
I draft attorney demand letters for $575 flat fee (includes draft lawsuit + FedEx certified mail). This often resolves the dispute within 10-14 days.
3 Gather Your Evidence
Organize all documents that prove your case:
- Written contracts or agreements
- Emails, text messages, and correspondence
- Receipts, invoices, and payment records
- Photos of damage or defective work
- Witness statements
- HOA CC&Rs and correspondence
- Property surveys and boundary documentation
- Rental agreements and move-in inspection reports
4 Complete Form SC-100
Fill out the Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court (form SC-100). You can get it from any Contra Costa County courthouse or download it from the California Courts website.
Be specific about what happened, when it happened, and why the defendant owes you money.
5 File Your Claim
File in person at the appropriate courthouse or mail your completed form with the filing fee:
- $75 for claims up to $1,500
- $100 for claims $1,500.01 to $5,000
- $125 for claims $5,000.01 to $12,500
Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income.
6 Serve the Defendant
You cannot serve the defendant yourself. Have someone 18+ who is not involved in the case serve the papers, or use a professional process server (typically $75-$150 in Contra Costa County).
7 Prepare for Your Hearing
Organize your evidence in chronological order. Bring 3 copies of everything: one for you, one for the judge, one for the defendant. Practice explaining your case in 5 minutes or less.
8 Attend Your Hearing
Arrive 30 minutes early. Dress professionally. Address the judge as "Your Honor." Stick to the facts and avoid emotional arguments.
Before Filing, Try a Demand Letter First
Many small claims cases settle after receiving an attorney-drafted demand letter — faster and cheaper than court.
Includes demand letter, draft lawsuit, and FedEx certified mail delivery. Written by Sergei Tokmakov, California attorney (Bar #279869).
Get Attorney Demand LetterCommon Case Types in Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County's suburban character creates unique small claims patterns:
Neighbor Disputes and Property Conflicts
Suburban communities in Concord, Walnut Creek, and Pleasant Hill generate frequent neighbor disputes. Common issues include tree damage, fence boundary disputes, noise complaints, and property damage. These cases often involve emotional testimony — stick to facts and evidence.
HOA Disputes
Many Contra Costa County residents live in HOA-governed communities. Small claims disputes involve improper fines, assessment disagreements, architectural approval denials, and violation enforcement. Review your HOA's CC&Rs before filing.
Contractor Disputes
Home improvement disputes are common in Contra Costa's suburban housing market. Cases involve incomplete work, defective workmanship, cost overruns, and breach of contract. Detailed contracts and progress photos are essential evidence.
BART-Corridor Rental Disputes
Richmond, Concord, and Walnut Creek's rental markets generate security deposit disputes. California's strict 21-day return deadline and itemization requirements make these cases straightforward if the landlord violated the law.
Frequently Asked Questions
The limit is $12,500 for individuals and $6,500 for businesses and entities. This is a statewide California limit that applies to all counties, including Contra Costa.
File at the courthouse nearest to where the defendant lives or where the contract was signed. Options include A.F. Bray Courthouse in Martinez (most common), Pittsburg Courthouse, and Richmond Courthouse.
Filing fees are $75 for claims up to $1,500, $100 for claims $1,500.01 to $5,000, and $125 for claims $5,000.01 to $12,500. Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income.
Yes, you can sue for property damage caused by a neighbor's tree if the amount is $12,500 or less. You'll need to prove the tree is on their property, they had notice of the hazard (dead branches, leaning, etc.), and the damage amount. Bring repair estimates, photos, property surveys, and any prior correspondence about the tree.
Yes, you can sue an HOA for amounts up to $12,500. Common claims include improper fines, failure to maintain common areas, and breach of CC&Rs. Review your HOA's governing documents first — many require internal dispute resolution before litigation. Bring the CC&Rs, bylaws, and all correspondence with the HOA board.
From filing to hearing, expect 60-90 days. The court schedules hearings based on availability. After judgment, collecting the money can take additional time if the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily.
You can collect through wage garnishment, bank levies, or property liens. Contra Costa County has enforcement procedures to help you collect, though it requires additional paperwork and fees.