You May Not Have To Sue!
Small Claims Mediation Services are available at NO COST to you.
Watch this video describing the small claims process and some services that may assist you.
To view these videos about the small claims process in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian and Korean languages, please visit the California Courts’ Self-Help YouTube page.
Effective January 1, 2012, the jurisdictional limit for small claims cases filed by individuals (including sole proprietors) increased from $7,500 to $10,000. An exception to this rule concerns cases for personal injuries arising out of an automobile accident where the defendant is insured and the insurer has a duty to defend. In these cases, the limit remains at $10,000.
How to File a Small Claims Case
- Who can file a claim?
- Where can I file a claim?
- Does the court provide an interpreter?
- Does the court provide a small claims advisor?
- What are the rules about designating a defendant?
- How does the defendant find out about the lawsuit?
- What happens after the trial?
- How do I enforce the court's judgment?
- How do I recover costs and fees?
- Calculating the judgment with the Judgment Calculator
- California Courts Self-Help Guide for Small Claims
Judgment Calculator
Use the Judgment Calculator to calculate:
- Daily and to-date accrued interest
- Interest in between costs after judgment
- Interest between payments