California Small Claims Guides

California Small Claims Court filing limits graphic showing the $12,500 individual cap and $6,250 business cap, updated for 26

California Small Claims Court Limits: How Much ...

Lelia Fackler

California's small claims court limit is $12,500 for individuals and $6,250 for businesses. This guide covers what counts toward the cap, the exceptions to the rule, and what to do...

California Small Claims Court Limits: How Much ...

Lelia Fackler

California's small claims court limit is $12,500 for individuals and $6,250 for businesses. This guide covers what counts toward the cap, the exceptions to the rule, and what to do...

Courthouse exterior representing California small claims court day

What Happens on Court Day: California Small Cla...

Lelia Fackler

What happens on court day in California small claims, from arrival to ruling. Most hearings are 10 to 20 minutes once your name is called, but the wait beforehand can...

What Happens on Court Day: California Small Cla...

Lelia Fackler

What happens on court day in California small claims, from arrival to ruling. Most hearings are 10 to 20 minutes once your name is called, but the wait beforehand can...

White string-and-button envelope on a peach and sage background, representing how to serve small claims papers in California

How to Serve Papers in California Small Claims ...

Lelia Fackler

More California small claims cases get derailed by service of process than by any other single step. This guide walks you through every legal way to serve someone, who can...

How to Serve Papers in California Small Claims ...

Lelia Fackler

More California small claims cases get derailed by service of process than by any other single step. This guide walks you through every legal way to serve someone, who can...

How to Write a Demand Letter Before California Small Claims Court

How to Write a Demand Letter Before California ...

Lelia Fackler

: A demand letter resolves 30 to 40% of California disputes before they ever reach court. This guide covers what your demand letter needs to include, what to leave out,...

How to Write a Demand Letter Before California ...

Lelia Fackler

: A demand letter resolves 30 to 40% of California disputes before they ever reach court. This guide covers what your demand letter needs to include, what to leave out,...

Quiet sunlit living room with linen curtain and open balcony door symbolizing calm before California small claims court

Going to Small Claims Court for the First Time?...

Lelia Fackler

Going to small claims court for the first time? Here's what the courtroom is like, what to do the night before, what the judge will ask, and how to walk...

Going to Small Claims Court for the First Time?...

Lelia Fackler

Going to small claims court for the first time? Here's what the courtroom is like, what to do the night before, what the judge will ask, and how to walk...

Person at a desk with a calculator, twenty-dollar bills, and financial paperwork weighing whether small claims court is

Is It Worth Filing Small Claims Court: Californ...

Lelia Fackler

Owed money in California? Before you file, ask the four questions in this guide: cost of filing, cost of NOT filing, time investment, and the realistic odds of collecting. The...

Is It Worth Filing Small Claims Court: Californ...

Lelia Fackler

Owed money in California? Before you file, ask the four questions in this guide: cost of filing, cost of NOT filing, time investment, and the realistic odds of collecting. The...