Navigating Small Claims Court in California: What You Need to Know

Save time, cut legal costs, and let United Legal Pros help you through the process.

California’s Small Claims Court is designed to make legal disputes easier and more affordable to resolve. It’s a streamlined process—but that doesn’t mean it’s simple. At United Legal Pros, we help clients prepare, file, and manage small claims cases with confidence—without the high cost of hiring a full-time attorney.

Who Can Use Small Claims Court?

In California, if you’re 18 or older, you can sue an individual or business in small claims court. The process is meant to be fast, straightforward, and inexpensive—but there are strict rules and deadlines that can be easy to miss without guidance.

Here’s the catch: attorneys can’t represent you in the courtroom, but that doesn’t mean you’re on your own. United Legal Pros can help you prepare your entire case before your hearing—everything from evidence organization to filing and service of process.

How Much Can You Sue For?

• Individuals can sue for up to $10,000

• Businesses (excluding sole proprietors) are limited to $5,000

  
  

If your dispute is for more than the allowed amount, we can help you determine whether it’s better to file a civil lawsuit instead.

What Types of Cases Are Eligible?

Small Claims Court can be used for a wide range of disputes, including:

• Car accidents or property damage

• Landlord-tenant disputes over security deposits

• Unpaid personal loans or services

• Contractor disputes

• HOA or neighbor disputes

• Other breach of agreement claims under $10,000

  
  

At United Legal Pros, we’ve helped countless individuals and small business owners pursue or defend small claims involving these exact issues.

Filing Deadlines & Statute of Limitations

Every case has a statute of limitations—a legal deadline to file your claim. Missing that deadline can cost you your chance to recover what you're owed. We help you figure out your deadline and move fast so your claim gets filed on time.

What About Filing Fees?

Filing fees typically range from $30 to $100, depending on the amount you’re suing for. We’ll let you know what to expect upfront—and we can handle the filing process for you.

Do You Have to Show Up in Person?

In most cases, yes—you must attend your hearing. If you’re suing, you must be there to present your side. If you’re the defendant, you must appear if you want to avoid a default judgment. United Legal Pros can prepare you ahead of time so you walk in ready and confident.

Can You Appeal?

Only defendants can appeal a Small Claims judgment. If you filed the claim and lost, that decision is generally final. That’s why getting it right the first time matters—and why having help can make a real difference.

Need Help with a Small Claims Case?

At United Legal Pros, we simplify the process from start to finish. Whether you need help identifying the correct party to sue, organizing your documents, drafting your claim, or making sure it’s filed correctly—we’re here to help. We’ve built our services to be affordable, reliable, and accessible, especially for people who can’t afford an attorney but still need expert guidance.

Let’s talk. Contact us today to get started with your small claims filing.