Before Going to Court

en español>

Show Me | Tell Me

Small claims courts have been set up by the state legislature to handle disputes about money.  In California, small claims courts usually hear cases that involve $10,000 or less if they are filed by individuals or sole proprietorships -- or $5,000 or less if filed by businesses (other than sole proprietorships) or by government agencies.

NOTE:  If you do not want money, but rather you only want the defendant to do something or stop doing something (for example, you only want the trees trimmed, or to have a dog stop barking), or if you want more than $10,000, then small claims court is not for you.  In these cases you need to use a different court.  For more information, please read “Case Type Definitions.” 

This section will help you to understand:

• Who can file a claim in small claims courts
• What types of cases are heard in small claims courts
• When a small claims case can be started
• Where a small claims case can be started
• How to settle a dispute outside of court
• Ask yourself if small claims court is your best option
• Asking for help
  

Once you know the basics, you can learn what to do:

• If you are asking for money
• If you are being asked for money

At any time, you can:

• Read answers for Frequently Asked Questions about small claims cases.
• Watch some short videos on the Basics of Small Claims Cases, click here.
• Read some general information about How Courts Work, click here.
• Watch some videos with general information about how California's court system works, click here.
• Watch a short video called "Before You Go to Court", click here.

Did this information help you?  Tell us what you think.