Calculate Your Filing Costs
Use the slider to estimate your total small claims filing costs.
San Diego County Courthouse Finder
San Diego has 5 courthouses handling small claims. File where the defendant lives or does business.
Statute of Limitations Lookup
Find out how much time you have to file your claim.
Step-by-Step Filing Process
Click each step to expand and see detailed instructions.
Hearing Day Preparation Checklist
Check off items as you prepare to see your readiness percentage.
San Diego County Small Claims Statistics
Overview of case types and outcomes in San Diego County small claims court.
Consider a Demand Letter First
Most small claims judges want to see you tried to resolve the dispute first. In my practice, 68% of cases settle when the other side receives a demand letter on attorney letterhead.
Flat fee. I draft and send it within 2 business days.
Learn About Demand LettersAbout Small Claims in San Diego County
San Diego County has a population of 3.3 million and is home to major military installations including Naval Base San Diego, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and Camp Pendleton. This creates unique considerations for small claims cases.
I'm Sergei Tokmakov, a California attorney (Bar #279869). I've handled small claims matters throughout San Diego County and understand the specific issues that come up here, from military protections to cross-border disputes.