California

Recently updated on October 14th, 2025 at 11:39 pm California Small Claims – Eligible Case Types (Expanded Steps 1–5) Overview Small claims court in California provides an accessible way for people to resolve disputes without hiring a lawyer. It is designed to be faster, less formal, and less expensive than other courts. However, not every…

Recently updated on October 20th, 2025 at 03:21 amOverview The statute of limitations in California small claims court refers to the legal deadlines by which a person must file their lawsuit. If a claim is not filed within the appropriate timeframe, the court will likely dismiss it, regardless of its merits. These limits ensure fairness…

Recently updated on October 23rd, 2025 at 02:11 amOverview Small claims cases in California are designed to move faster than traditional civil lawsuits. The timeframe from filing to judgment usually ranges between 30 and 90 days, depending on the court’s calendar, how quickly the defendant is served, and whether continuances are requested. While the process…

Recently updated on October 15th, 2025 at 01:50 am California Small Claims – Filing Costs (10 Steps with SVGs) Overview Filing a small claims case in California is designed to be affordable and accessible. Most people pay a filing fee between $30 and $75, depending on the size of the claim, with a $100 “frequent…

Recently updated on October 15th, 2025 at 02:45 amOverview After you win a small claims case in California you become the judgment creditor and the losing party is the judgment debtor. The court will not collect for you — you must use post-judgment tools to enforce payment. Below are the common tools and a clear,…

Recently updated on October 15th, 2025 at 04:05 amOverview Serving the defendant is the required step that gives the person or business you are suing official notice of the small claims case and the date they must appear. In California small claims practice, filing your Plaintiff’s Claim (SC-100) with the court is only the start…

Recently updated on October 15th, 2025 at 05:03 amOverview The Judicial Council form SC-100, titled Plaintiff’s Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court, is the primary document used to start a small claims action in California. It tells the court who is suing, who is being sued, the factual basis for the claim,…

Recently updated on October 15th, 2025 at 05:29 amOverview The small claims jurisdictional limits in California determine the maximum monetary amount a person or business may ask for in the special, streamlined small claims forum. As of the most recent Judicial Council updates, a natural person (including a sole proprietor) may generally sue for up…

Recently updated on October 15th, 2025 at 05:50 amOverview Filing a small claims case in California is a streamlined way for individuals and some businesses to resolve money disputes without full civil litigation. Small claims is intended to be faster, less formal, and less expensive: you generally use Judicial Council forms (most commonly SC-100), file…

Recently updated on October 17th, 2025 at 09:30 pmOverview Small claims court in California is a simplified, faster, and lower-cost court process designed so individuals, sole proprietors, and certain businesses can resolve money disputes and limited claims without full formal civil procedures. Most commonly, plaintiffs bring cases for unpaid debts, security deposit disputes, property damage,…