Small Claims Court Los Angeles
Quick Facts
- Claim Limit: $10,000 (individuals)
- 38 courthouse locations in LA County
- Filing fees: $30-$75 based on claim
- Court date: 30-75 days after filing
Main Courthouse
- Stanley Mosk Courthouse
111 N Hill St, Los Angeles 90012 - (213) 830-0800
- Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Skip the drive to downtown LA. File your case online in 5 minutes.
Why File in Los Angeles Small Claims Court?
Attorneys cannot represent parties in small claims court. This levels the playing field and keeps costs low for everyone.
Get your day in court within 30-75 days. Most cases are decided in a single 15-30 minute hearing.
Filing fees are just $30-$75. If you win, the defendant pays your court costs back.
Los Angeles County Small Claims Court Locations
(213) 830-0800
(310) 312-1200
(310) 255-1840
(818) 374-2208
(562) 256-3100
(626) 396-3300
(818) 260-8400
(310) 222-8808
Don't want to drive to any courthouse? File online from home.
Los Angeles Small Claims Court Fees (2024)
Can't afford filing fees? You may qualify for a fee waiver if you receive public benefits or have low income.
Form FW-001 available at all courthouses.
If you win your case, the judge will order the defendant to pay your court costs:
- • Filing fees
- • Service of process costs
- • Witness fees (if subpoenaed)
How to File Small Claims in Los Angeles
Research California small claims laws and procedures
Drive to courthouse (LA traffic: 30-90 min each way)
Wait in line at clerk's office (45-90 minutes)
Complete SC-100 form by hand (often with errors)
Pay filing fees ($30-$75)
Arrange service of process separately ($40+)
Total Cost: $70-$115+ plus parking & gas
Complete simple online form from home
We prepare all LA County court forms
Send demand letter via certified mail first
File at the correct LA courthouse
Handle service of process for you
70% of cases settle after demand letter
Total Cost: $29 service fee + court filing fees
Common Small Claims Cases in Los Angeles
Landlords must return deposits within 21 days. Sue for up to 2x the deposit if wrongfully withheld.
Property damage from car accidents under $10,000. Personal injury claims also allowed.
Money lent to friends, family, or business associates that hasn't been repaid.
Breach of written or oral contracts for services, sales, or work performed.
Damage to personal property, home repairs gone wrong, or neighbor disputes.
Bounced checks can result in 3x damages plus $100 statutory penalty in California.
Important Information for LA Small Claims Filers
- Individuals: $10,000 maximum
- Businesses: $5,000 maximum
- Cannot file more than 2 cases over $2,500/year
- No limit on cases under $2,500
- Written contracts: 4 years
- Oral contracts: 2 years
- Property damage: 3 years
- Personal injury: 2 years
- SC-100: Plaintiff's Claim form
- Evidence: contracts, receipts, photos
- Defendant's current address
- Filing fee or fee waiver (FW-001)
- Both parties tell their story
- Present evidence and witnesses
- Judge asks questions
- Decision mailed within 30 days
Skip LA Traffic & Courthouse Lines
File your Los Angeles small claims case online in 5 minutes. We handle all the paperwork, filing, and service of process. 70% of cases settle after our demand letter - no court needed.
No account required. Start now, pay only when ready to file.
Frequently asked questions
What is the small claims court limit in Los Angeles?
The small claims court limit in Los Angeles is $10,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses. You can file multiple claims but cannot exceed $2,500 more than twice per calendar year.
Where do I file small claims in Los Angeles County?
You can file small claims at any of the 38 Los Angeles Superior Court locations. The main courthouse is Stanley Mosk at 111 N Hill St, downtown LA. Choose the courthouse nearest to where the defendant lives or does business.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Los Angeles?
Small claims filing fees in Los Angeles are: $30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 for claims $1,501-$5,000, and $75 for claims $5,001-$10,000. Additional fees apply for serving defendants. Save time with PettyLawsuit's $29 service fee for complete filing assistance (court fees apply separately).
How long does small claims court take in Los Angeles?
Small claims cases in Los Angeles typically take 30-75 days from filing to court date. The court will schedule your hearing within 20-70 days after filing. Most cases are resolved in a single hearing lasting 15-30 minutes.