California specific
California small claims help without the courthouse fog.
The basics are statewide. Filing method, service details, hearing logistics, and some deadlines are not. Start with the official California Courts instructions for your county, then use this page to keep the work in order.
Petty prepares and guides. Petty does not file with the court, serve the defendant, or decide whether a court accepts your papers.
Claim limits
Generally $12,500 for an individual or sole proprietor. Generally $6,250 when a corporation or other business entity is the plaintiff.
Main starting form
SC-100, Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court. Always use the current official version.
County rules matter
Online filing, clerk instructions, hearing format, and local logistics can vary by county and case type.
These are orientation points, not a substitute for the current California Courts instructions. Limits, fees, forms, and procedures can change.
A practical order
Six steps before you walk into court
Confirm the claim and limit
Decide what money you are asking for and check that the claim belongs in California small claims. Do not split one claim into multiple cases just to fit a limit.
Choose the correct county
Use California Courts venue guidance. The right county may depend on where the defendant lives or does business, where the contract was made or broken, or where the harm happened.
Complete the current SC-100
Use the official form and instructions. Use the defendant's correct legal name, a usable address, a concise explanation, and a precise amount.
File with the court
Check your county's filing method, fee, copies, and any fee-waiver process. Online filing is not available in every county or for every matter.
Serve the defendant
Arrange service with an eligible person or permitted professional. Follow the hearing-date deadline and file proof of service. Filing alone does not notify the defendant.
Prepare and attend
Bring organized evidence and any required copies. Confirm the hearing location, time, remote appearance instructions, and local courtroom rules with the court.
California filing fees
California Courts currently lists these base filing fees by claim amount. Confirm the current fee and ask about a fee waiver if you cannot afford it.
Service is not optional
After filing, the defendant must be served by someone who is not a party to the case. The allowed method and deadline depend on the hearing and the defendant's location. Keep the completed proof of service.
Read the current service instructions before choosing mail, a process server, or another permitted method.
California Courts service guideThe sources to bookmark
Use these California Courts pages for the final version of every legal detail. This page is a guide, not the court's filing instructions.
Want help organizing the next step?
Start your California case with Petty.
Petty can guide you through your facts and help prepare your materials. You still file with the court, arrange service, and follow your county's instructions.
California questions, answered
Related Petty guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the California small claims limit?
For an individual or sole proprietor, the limit is generally $12,500. For a corporation or other business entity, the limit is generally $6,250 when it is the plaintiff. Exceptions and claim types matter, so confirm the current rule on California Courts before filing.
What form starts a California small claims case?
Form SC-100, Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court, is the usual starting form. Download the current form and instructions from California Courts. Petty can help you organize the information, but the court decides whether the form is complete and accepted.
How much is the California small claims filing fee?
California Courts currently lists filing fees based on the amount claimed: $30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 for claims over $1,500 up to $5,000, and $75 for claims over $5,000 up to the applicable limit. Fees and exemptions can change. Check the official fee page before filing.
Can I file a California small claims case online?
Some California courts offer online filing and others may require filing in person or by another method. Availability depends on the county and case type. Check your county court's current instructions. Petty does not file with the court for you.
How do I serve the defendant in California?
You cannot serve the papers yourself. A person who is at least 18 and is not a party to the case must serve them, using a permitted method and deadline. The server completes proof of service, usually Form SC-104. Read the current California Courts service instructions before choosing a method.
Do I need a lawyer in California small claims court?
People generally represent themselves in a California small claims hearing. Representation rules and exceptions can be specific. California Courts explains who may appear and what happens after judgment. Petty provides self-help guidance, not legal representation.