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2026 Guide California

How to File Small Claims in California (2026)

A complete step-by-step guide to filing in California's Small Claims Court — including fees, limits, and what to bring to your hearing.

$12,500
Max claim
$30–$100
Filing fee
4 yrs
Written contract SOL
Small Claims Court
Court name
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites  ·  Last reviewed:
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Send a demand letter first

Before filing, send a written demand to the other party. Many disputes settle without court — and if they don't, having a written record of your demand strengthens your case.

Step-by-Step: Filing Small Claims in California

1

Confirm your claim qualifies

Your claim must be for money only — not an injunction or other remedy. In California, the maximum you can sue for in small claims court is $12,500. Note: Individuals. Businesses capped at $6,250. If your damages exceed this amount, you can either reduce your claim to fit the limit or file in a higher civil court.

2

Check the statute of limitations

You must file within the statute of limitations for your claim type. In California: written contracts — 4 years, oral contracts — 2 years, property damage — 3 years. Filing after the deadline means your case will be dismissed.

3

Gather your evidence

Before filing, organize all evidence supporting your claim: contracts, invoices, receipts, photos, text messages, emails, and witness information. Bring originals plus at least 3 copies to your hearing (one for the judge, one for the defendant, one for yourself).

4

Get the claim form

Obtain the plaintiff's claim form from the Small Claims Court in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred. Many California courts also offer forms on their website. Fill out the defendant's full legal name and address accurately — incorrect defendant information can get your case dismissed.

5

File and pay the fee

Submit your completed form to the court clerk and pay the filing fee of $30–$100. California courts accept e-filing with an additional $3 fee. If you cannot afford the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form (typically based on income below 125% of the federal poverty level).

6

Serve the defendant

The court will assign a hearing date. You are required to formally notify (serve) the defendant. California courts typically allow service by certified mail, sheriff, or process server. Keep proof of service — you will need it at the hearing.

7

Attend your hearing

Arrive early and dressed professionally. Present your case clearly and concisely. Stick to the facts, show your evidence, and let the judge ask questions. The defendant will have a chance to respond. Most small claims hearings last 15–30 minutes. Tip: California allows up to 2 small claims filings over $2,500 per year per person.

8

Collect your judgment

Winning a judgment does not automatically mean you get paid. If the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you can garnish their wages, levy their bank account, or place a lien on their property. See our full guide: How to collect a judgment in California →

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You can recover filing costs if you win

Ask the judge to add your $30–$100 filing fee to the judgment. If you win, the defendant owes you the original claim plus court costs.

California Small Claims — Key Facts

Court name Small Claims Court
Maximum claim limit $12,500 (Individuals. Businesses capped at $6,250.)
Filing fee $30–$100
E-filing fee $3
Written contract SOL 4 years
Oral contract SOL 2 years
Property damage SOL 3 years

Source: California Small Claims Court ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file a small claims case in California?
The filing fee to open a small claims case in California is $30–$100. The fee is tiered — smaller claims cost less to file. E-filing is available for an additional $3. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for a fee waiver (IFP) at the courthouse. If you win, you can ask the judge to include filing costs in your judgment.
What is the maximum amount I can sue for in California small claims court?
The maximum you can sue for in California small claims court is $12,500. Individuals. Businesses capped at $6,250. If your actual damages exceed this limit, you can voluntarily reduce your claim to fit within the limit — often worth doing to avoid the cost and complexity of regular civil court.
How do I serve the defendant in California small claims court?
In California, you can typically serve the defendant by: (1) certified mail — the court may handle this automatically after you file, (2) sheriff or constable service, or (3) private process server. Keep proof of service — you'll need it at your hearing. The defendant must be properly served before your hearing date or the case may be delayed.
How long does a small claims case take in California?
A typical small claims case in California is scheduled for a hearing within 30–70 days of filing. The hearing itself usually lasts 15–30 minutes. If both sides are prepared and the issues are straightforward, you can have a final judgment the same day. More complex cases or those requiring a second hearing may take 2–4 months total.
Can I appeal a small claims judgment in California?
Yes — if you lose, you can appeal the small claims judgment in California to a higher civil court. You typically have 30 days from the judgment date to file an appeal. An appeal usually means a new trial, not just a review, and typically requires a filing fee. Consider whether the appeal cost justifies the amount in dispute before proceeding.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims court in California?
No — you do not need a lawyer to file in California small claims court. The process is designed for self-representation. In fact, small claims court intentionally limits legal formalities. That said, attorneys are typically allowed but rarely used in small claims proceedings. If your case involves significant complexity, consulting an attorney before the hearing (even without having them appear) can be worthwhile.

Also See for California

California Small Claims Limit
Maximum you can sue for: $12,500
California Filing Fees
Exact court fees to open your case
Collect a Judgment in California
Enforce your judgment after winning
California Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in California?
Defendant rights and response guide
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