What is the small claims court limit in California?

In California, individuals can sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court. Corporations and LLCs have a lower limit of $6,250. Individuals are limited to filing only 2 claims exceeding $2,500 per calendar year. If your claim exceeds these limits, you must either reduce your claim to fit within the limit or file in regular civil court.

How much does it cost to file in California small claims court?

California small claims court filing fees depend on the amount of your claim. For claims up to $1,500, the filing fee is $30. For claims between $1,500.01 and $5,000, the fee is $50. For claims between $5,000.01 and $12,500, the fee is $75. Additionally, you'll need to pay for service of process, which typically costs $50 or more if using a professional process server.

What can I sue for in California small claims court?

California small claims court handles cases involving money owed (unpaid loans, bounced checks, unpaid rent), property damage from car accidents or negligence, contract breaches where services weren't provided or goods weren't delivered, security deposit disputes with landlords, and consumer disputes over defective products or services. You cannot sue for slander, libel, defamation, malicious prosecution, or enforcement of restrictive covenants.

Should I send a demand letter before filing in small claims court?

Yes, sending a demand letter before filing in small claims court is highly recommended. Many disputes settle after receiving a formal demand letter, potentially saving you the time and cost of going to court. A demand letter also shows the judge you tried to resolve the dispute first, documents your claim in writing, and may prompt immediate payment. California courts look favorably upon plaintiffs who attempted resolution before filing suit.

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Small Claims Court Calculator

Find out if your case is worth pursuing in California small claims court. Calculate costs, estimate collection probability, and get a recommendation.

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Your Claim Amount

How much are you owed? (California limit: $12,500 for individuals)

Amount you're claiming

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Who Are You Suing?

This affects your chances of collecting if you win

Established Business

Company with physical location, assets, reputation to protect

Employed Individual

Person with steady job, wages can be garnished

Individual with Assets

Person with property, vehicles, bank accounts

Individual - Unknown Financial Status

Not sure if they have money or assets

Likely Judgment-Proof

Unemployed, no assets, may file bankruptcy

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Strength of Your Evidence

How well can you prove your case?

Strong Written Evidence

Signed contract, receipts, photos, text/email admissions

Moderate Evidence

Some documentation, witnesses who will testify

Mostly Word-of-Mouth

Verbal agreement, limited documentation, no witnesses

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Your Time Value

Small claims requires 4-8+ hours of your time

What's your time worth per hour? $50/hr

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Courthouse Distance

You may need to visit 2-3 times

Less than 30 minutes away

Convenient location

30-60 minutes away

Moderate travel required

Over 1 hour away

Significant travel burden

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Analyzing...

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📊 Cost-Benefit Analysis

Your Claim Amount $0

Filing Fee -$0

Service Fee (estimated) -$50

Your Time Investment -$0

Potential Net Recovery $0

📈 Success Probability

Chance of Winning 0%

Chance of Collecting 0%

Overall Success Rate 0%

🎯 Expected Value

Expected value = (Success Rate × Potential Recovery) - Costs

Expected Value of Filing $0

Key Factors

💡 Before You File: Send a Demand Letter

Many disputes settle after receiving a formal demand letter. Benefits:

Often resolves the issue without court
Shows the judge you tried to resolve it first
Documents your claim in writing
May prompt immediate payment

Generate Demand Letter First Do I Need a Lawyer?

California Small Claims Court Guide

Monetary Limits

Plaintiff Type	Maximum Claim
Individuals	$12,500
Corporations/LLCs	$6,250
Claims against guarantor	$6,250
Limit per year (individuals)	2 claims over $2,500

Filing Fees (2024)

Claim Amount	Filing Fee
$0 - $1,500	$30
$1,500.01 - $5,000	$50
$5,000.01 - $12,500	$75

What You Can Sue For

Money owed: Unpaid loans, bounced checks, unpaid rent
Property damage: Car accidents, negligent damage
Contract breaches: Services not provided, goods not delivered
Security deposits: Landlord wrongfully withheld deposit
Consumer disputes: Defective products, service issues

What You CANNOT Sue For

Slander, libel, or defamation
Malicious prosecution
Enforcement of restrictive covenants
Anything over $12,500 (must reduce claim or use regular court)

The Process

Step 1: Send a demand letter (often resolves the dispute)
Step 2: File your claim with the court
Step 3: Serve the defendant (sheriff, process server, or certified mail)
Step 4: Attend the hearing and present your case
Step 5: If you win, collect your judgment

Time Estimates

Preparing your case: 2-4 hours
Filing at courthouse: 1-2 hours
Serving defendant: 30 min - 2 hours (or pay $50+ for service)
Court hearing: 2-4 hours (including wait time)
If you win, collection efforts: 2-10+ hours

The Collection Reality

Important: Getting a judgment and collecting money are two different things. If you win:

Business defendants: Usually pay to protect reputation
Employed individuals: Wages can be garnished (25% of disposable income)
Property owners: Can place lien on property
Judgment-proof individuals: May be uncollectible (judgment lasts 10 years, renewable)

Tips for Success

Organize your evidence clearly - judges appreciate brevity
Bring copies of everything for the judge and defendant
Practice your presentation - you have limited time
Be respectful and stick to the facts
Arrive early - cases are often called in order of arrival

Related Demand Letters

Generate a professional demand letter before going to court:

Security Deposit Demand - Landlord wrongfully withheld your deposit
Unpaid Invoice Demand - Client or customer owes you money
Service Provider Disputes - Services not delivered as promised
Warranty Breach - Product warranty not honored
Small Claims Resources - Guides and templates for small claims court
All Demand Letter Templates - Browse 1000+ free templates

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