California small claims — filing a claim

About this state

California small claims cases are heard in the Superior Court in the county connected to your dispute. Lawyers generally may not represent parties at the small claims hearing, and every county court has a free Small Claims Advisor program.

• California courts run a free Small Claims Advisor service in every county — call before you file.
• Different claim limits can apply to individuals versus businesses; confirm the current figures with the clerk.
• A plaintiff who loses generally cannot appeal, but a defendant usually can — ask the clerk about the deadline.
• Statewide forms are published by the Judicial Council; ask the clerk which ones apply rather than relying on numbers you find online.