California Small Claims Court: How It Works and the Dollar Limits
Small claims court is designed to resolve smaller money disputes quickly and cheaply, without the formality (or expense) of regular court. Here’s how it works in California. This is general information, not legal advice.
The dollar limits
As of recent changes, an individual can sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court; businesses and other entities are limited to $6,250. There’s also a frequency cap: you may bring only two claims exceeding $2,500 in any calendar year.
No lawyers at the hearing
A defining feature: attorneys generally cannot represent you at the small claims hearing — you speak for yourself. That keeps costs down, though you can still consult a lawyer for advice before you go.
What it’s good for
Common uses include unreturned security deposits, unpaid debts or loans, minor property damage, and disputes with contractors or over small unpaid invoices.
The basic steps
- Demand first — you generally must have asked the other side to pay before filing.
- File your claim in the right court and pay the (modest) fee.
- Serve the other party properly — this trips up many cases.
- Prepare your evidence — documents, photos, contracts, and witnesses.
- Attend the hearing and present your side to the judge.
A note on appeals
If you are the plaintiff and lose, you generally cannot appeal; a defendant who loses usually can. Knowing this going in can affect your strategy.
When advice still helps
Even though you’ll appear on your own, a short consultation before filing can help you value the claim, gather the right proof, and avoid the service and paperwork mistakes that sink otherwise-good cases.
Thinking about small claims? Ask a legal question.