California Demand Letters Small Claims: California small claims court lets individuals sue for up to $12,500 ($6,250 for businesses), and attorneys are not allowed in the small claims hearing. A demand letter is a formal, dated notice that states what you are owed, why, and the deadline to pay. Sending it by USPS Certified Mail with tracking creates proof of delivery, which matters if you later file in court. A clear 30-day deadline and a reference to the relevant law give the recipient a concrete reason to settle before costs climb. Filing a small claims case comes down to four things: confirming the court that covers where the dispute happened or where the defendant is, filing before your state's statute of limitations runs, properly serving the other party, and organizing your evidence chronologically. Most hearings are informal and decided the same day, and you do not need a lawyer to walk through any of it. Do you need a lawyer for demand letters small claims? In most cases, no — small claims court is designed for people representing themselves, and a demand letter can often resolve the matter before any filing. How much does it cost? A professional demand letter through PettyLawsuit is $29, and small claims filing fees (if you ever need them) typically run $30 to $200 and are often recoverable if you win. When you're ready, PettyLawsuit turns this into action: a professional demand letter sent by certified mail for $29, and — if it comes to that — the correct small claims forms for your state with step-by-step filing help. Most disputes settle once a formal demand letter arrives, so you may never see a courtroom.