Small Claims Court
What is Small Claims Court?
Small claims court is a special court where disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively. The rules are simple and informal. The person who sues is the plaintiff. The person who is sued is the defendant. In small claims court, you may ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you cannot have a lawyer in court. Individual plaintiffs can sue for up to $7,500. Businesses and Organizations can sue for up to $5,000. (*see below). If you have a claim for more than this amount, you may sue in the Civil Division or you may sue in the small claims court and give up your right to the amount over $7,500 or $5,000 whichever is applicable. You cannot, however, file more than two cases in small claims court for more than $2,500 each during a calendar year.
The $5,000 limit does not apply, and a $2,500 limit applies, if a "defendant guarantor is required to respond based upon the default, actions, or omissions of another".
Small claims court is a special court where disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively. The rules are simple and informal. The person who sues is the plaintiff. The person who is sued is the defendant. In small claims court, you may ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you cannot have a lawyer in court. Individual plaintiffs can sue for up to $7,500. Businesses and Organizations can sue for up to $5,000. (*see below). If you have a claim for more than this amount, you may sue in the Civil Division or you may sue in the small claims court and give up your right to the amount over $7,500 or $5,000 whichever is applicable. You cannot, however, file more than two cases in small claims court for more than $2,500 each during a calendar year.
The $5,000 limit does not apply, and a $2,500 limit applies, if a "defendant guarantor is required to respond based upon the default, actions, or omissions of another".
Superior Court of California - Alameda
Small Claims Court is a special court where you can resolve disputes quickly and inexpensively. The rules are simple. The hearing is informal. You are not allowed to have a lawyer represent you.