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California Filing Guides · Small Claims
Small Claims Court in California
A simpler court process for money disputes, with its own limits, forms and service rules. Understand the process before preparing the filing.
As of October 2026 · Official court sources below.
Not legal advice. This guide explains forms and procedures; it does not tell you what to put in your case or calculate your legal deadline.
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The general money limits
California Courts’ small-claims guide gives a general limit of $12,500 for a natural person and $6,250 for a business. Limits and exceptions depend on the claimant and claim. Small claims is different from a limited civil case and has its own procedures.
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Legal advice and court representation
The official guide says parties may ask a lawyer for advice before court, but generally cannot have a lawyer represent them at the small-claims trial. Courts have small-claims advisors who provide information. The rules for an appeal differ from the original hearing.
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The process has four stages
The statewide guide groups the process into preparation, starting the case, going to the court date and steps after trial.
- Before filing: review eligibility, the proper defendant and the proper county.
- Starting: prepare the claim, file it and arrange service.
- Court date: organize evidence and present the dispute to the judge.
- After trial: review the judgment and the available collection, payment or appeal procedures.
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Filing and collection are different
SC-100 starts the plaintiff’s case. The filing court may require local forms, and the defendant must be served. If the claimant wins, the court does not collect the money for them. Legal Hub Group can check papers and e-file only where the live court and case-type directory permits; an electronic filing does not replace trial preparation or collection.
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The free check remains available where we cannot e-file. Legal Hub Group also offers paper filing by request and process serving in all 50 states.
Questions
Common questions
What form starts a plaintiff’s small-claims case?
The official statewide form is SC-100, Plaintiff’s Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court. Some situations and courts need additional forms.
Is small claims the same as limited civil?
No. They have different limits and procedures. The choice can affect representation, costs and available relief.
Does the court collect a judgment for me?
No. The California Courts guide explains that the winning party must take steps to collect if the other side does not pay.
Related forms
Not legal advice. This page explains public filing information. It does not tell you what to put in your own case. Legal Hub Group is a certified e-filing service provider for California courts, not a law firm.
Information checked as of October 2026. Rules, form revisions and provider prices can change. The court decides whether to accept a filing.