How much does it cost to file a claim in small claims court in California?

The fee for filing in small claims court depends on the amount of the claim: $30 if the claim is for $1,500 or less, $50 if the claim is for more than $1,500 but less than or equal to $5,000, or $75 if the claim is for more than $5,000.

Can I file a small claims case online in California?

You can file your case in-person, by mail, or online.

How do I take someone to small claims court in California?

Personal Service

  1. Walk up to the person to be served.
  2. Say, “These are court papers.”
  3. Give the person copies of all the court papers.
  4. Fill out the Proof of Service (Small Claims) (Form SC-104 ), sign it on page 2, and return the completed form to you so that you can file it.

How long do I have to file a small claims case in California?

For example, the California statute of limitations is two years for oral contracts, four years for written contracts, two years for personal injury matters, and three years for personal property damage cases. If you don’t file within the proper period, you lose your right to sue.

What happens if you lose a small claims case in California?

If you lose a small claims case and are ordered to pay money to the winning side, you become a judgment debtor. The court will not collect the money for your creditor (the person you owe money to), but if you do not pay voluntarily, the creditor can use different enforcement tools to get you to pay the judgment.

What is the minimum amount you can sue for in small claims court in California?

If you are an individual and want to file a lawsuit for $10,000 or less, you have the option of filing a small claims case or a limited civil case. If you are a business, you can file in small claims court for $5,000 or less.

What happens if you don’t file proof of service?

Once your server fills out and signs the Proof of Service, you must file it with the court at least 5 days before your court date. If you do not have a Proof of Service for each person served, or if the Proof of Service is filled out wrong, the judge may not be able to hear your case.

What happens if you lose in small claims court California?

How do you file Small Claims lawsuit in California?

How to File: To file your California small claim, go to the small claims court in the county in which you are filing and fill out the appropriate paperwork. Forms can vary depending on the county, so filing procedures vary. You may also be able to use an online system to file your paperwork, depending on the county.

How do you file Small Claims case?

Go to your county clerk’s office and let them know you’d like to file a small claim. The clerk’s office will give you paperwork to fill out with basic information for your case: your name (the plaintiff), the name of the person or business you’re suing (the defendant) and the amount you’re asking for.

What is the small claims limit in California?

The maximum amount an individual can sue for in Small Claims Court in California is $10,000. For businesses, the limit is $5,000. If you file multiple cases in a calendar year, only two of them can be for more than $2,500. You cannot split your case into separate filings to exceed the maximum.

How do I file a small claim online?

Click on “File a claim” or “Small Claims” on the site you are directed to. Fill out the small claim form. This includes the persons involved; the issue, item, or event that sparked the small claim; and what damages you are seeking. Then click “submit” to file the small claim.