Small Claims Court
California 2026
File your California small claims case in 5 minutes. We handle the paperwork, courthouse visits, and legal complexity for just $29.
Individual Limit
$12,500
Max claim amount
Business Limit
$6,500
Any business entity
Avg. Timeline
45 days
Filing to hearing
Filing Fees:
$30 - $100 depending on claim amount (plus $40-75 for service)
California Small Claims by the Numbers
200K+
Cases Filed Annually
65-70%
Plaintiffs Win Rate
45 Days
Filing to Hearing
$3,200
Median Judgment
DIY vs Our $29 Done-For-You Service
Filing a small claims case in California typically requires 10-20 hours of research, courthouse visits, and paperwork. Here's how the traditional DIY approach compares to our automated service:
10-20 hours of work
Research, forms, filing, service
Learn complex procedures
Jurisdiction rules, service requirements
Risk of mistakes
Wrong court, improper service
Multiple courthouse trips
Filing, service, follow-ups
5 minutes of your time
Just tell us what happened
We handle all complexity
Jurisdiction, forms, procedures
Expert accuracy
Correct court, proper service
Zero courthouse trips
We file everything
$29
Our service fee
Save $429-$569 and 14 hours 55 minutes
Based on average California small claims filing costs and time investment (15 hours @ $25/hr)
How California Limits Have Changed
$5,000 - $7,500
Individuals: $7,500, Businesses: $5,000
$7,500 - $10,000
Increased to adjust for inflation
$6,500 - $12,500
Current limits - highest for individuals
The Complete California Small Claims Process
Determine Jurisdiction & Court
File in the county where the defendant lives or where the incident occurred. California has 58 counties, each with different court locations and local rules.
Time: 15-30 minutes | DIY Cost: Research time
Complete SC-100 Form
Fill out the Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court form. Must include detailed description of claim, amount, and defendant information.
Time: 45-90 minutes | Common mistakes: Incorrect defendant name, vague descriptions
Pay Filing Fee & File
Submit your completed form and pay the filing fee at the courthouse or online (if available in your county).
Cost: $30-$100 | Time: 30-60 minutes (courthouse) or 10 min (online)
Serve the Defendant
Have someone 18+ (not you) personally serve papers, or use certified mail, process server, or sheriff. Must be done 15-20 days before hearing.
Cost: $0 (friend) to $75 (sheriff) | Time: 1-5 days
File Proof of Service
Submit form SC-104 showing defendant was properly served.
Time: 20 minutes | Deadline: Before hearing
Prepare Your Case
Organize evidence, witness statements, photos, contracts, receipts. Create timeline and practice your presentation.
Time: 3-8 hours | Critical for success
Attend Hearing
Present your case to the judge. Bring 3 copies of all evidence. Typical hearing lasts 10-15 minutes.
Time: 2-4 hours (including wait) | Judgment: Usually same day
Collect Judgment (If You Win)
If defendant doesn't pay voluntarily, you can garnish wages, levy bank accounts, or place liens on property.
Time: Varies widely | Collection rate: ~50% within 1 year
Total DIY Time & Cost
Time Investment:
10-20 hours
Out of Pocket:
$70-$175
Success Rates by Case Type
Success rates are higher when you have written agreements, receipts, and photo evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skip the Complexity - We'll Handle Everything
Instead of spending 10-20 hours learning forms, rules, and procedures, tell us what happened and we'll file your California small claims case in 5 minutes.
All Forms
We complete SC-100 and all required paperwork
Defendant Lookup
We find business addresses and registered agents
Court Filing
We determine jurisdiction and file correctly
California Small Claims Court by Topic
Explore in-depth guides for specific California small claims topics and court locations.
California Court Locations
Frequently asked questions
What is the small claims court limit in California?
The small claims court limit in California is $12,500 for individuals and $6,500 for businesses suing individuals. If you're a business suing another business, the limit is $6,500.
How much does it cost to file small claims in California?
Filing fees in California range from $30 for claims under $1,500 to $100 for claims over $10,000. Additional costs include service of process fees ($40-75) and court-ordered mediation fees in some counties.
How long does the California small claims process take?
From filing to hearing, California small claims cases typically take 30-70 days. The entire process from filing to judgment usually takes 2-4 months depending on the county.
What forms do I need for California small claims court?
The main form is SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court). You'll also need SC-104 (Proof of Service) to prove you served the defendant. Other forms include SC-105 (Amendment), SC-120 (Defendant's Claim), and SC-130 (Judgment).
Can I have an attorney in California small claims court?
No, attorneys cannot represent individuals during a California small claims hearing per CCP § 116.530. However, you can consult with a lawyer before the hearing. Businesses may send an employee to represent them, and attorneys are allowed on appeal.
Can I file a personal injury claim in California small claims court?
Yes, you can file personal injury claims in California small claims court for up to $12,500. Common cases include car accidents, dog bites, and slip & fall injuries. The statute of limitations for personal injury in California is 2 years from the date of injury.
How do I sue a company in California small claims court?
To sue a company in California small claims, you need to identify the business's legal name and registered agent through the CA Secretary of State website, file form SC-100 with the correct entity name, and serve the registered agent. Filing fees range from $30-$100 depending on the claim amount.