How much can I sue for in California small claims?

Up to $12,500 if you're an individual, or $6,250 if you're a corporation, partnership, or LLC. The limit applies per claim, but you can only file two claims per year that exceed $2,500.

Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court in California?

No — lawyers cannot represent parties in the initial small claims hearing. You may consult a lawyer beforehand and they can represent you on appeal.

What does it cost to file?

Filing fees range from $30 (claims up to $1,500) to $75 (claims over $5,000). Fee waivers are available for low-income filers under California's fee waiver program.

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California

Small claims court in California

California's small claims division allows individuals to sue for up to $12,500 and corporations up to $6,250. Lawyers cannot represent parties at the initial hearing — you must appear yourself. The defendant gets a single de novo appeal to Superior Court (where lawyers ARE allowed).

Important: California raised the individual limit from $10,000 to $12,500 in January 2024. Some courts still publish the older limit on their websites.

Max claim (individual)

$12,500

Business: $6,250

Filing fee

$30.00 – $75.00

Filing → judgment: 8-12 weeks

Court

Small Claims Division of Superior Court

In person; remote available

The rules at a glance

Lawyers allowed?: No (at the initial hearing)
Corporations allowed?: Yes
Right of appeal?: Yes — 30 days
Appeal goes to: Superior Court (general civil)

Official resources

California judicial branch — small-claims overview Court forms (official)

Frequently asked

How much can I sue for in California small claims?: Up to $12,500 if you're an individual, or $6,250 if you're a corporation, partnership, or LLC. The limit applies per claim, but you can only file two claims per year that exceed $2,500.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court in California?: No — lawyers cannot represent parties in the initial small claims hearing. You may consult a lawyer beforehand and they can represent you on appeal.
What does it cost to file?: Filing fees range from $30 (claims up to $1,500) to $75 (claims over $5,000). Fee waivers are available for low-income filers under California's fee waiver program.

More California tools

Service of process

Did I get served correctly? →

Eviction rules

California tenant rights →

Cost to sue

California all-in cost →

Other states

Alaska $10,000 Alabama $6,000 Arkansas $5,000 Arizona $3,500 Colorado $7,500 Connecticut $5,000 District of Columbia $10,000 Delaware $25,000 Florida $8,000 Georgia $15,000 Hawaii $5,000 Iowa $6,500 Idaho $5,000 Illinois $10,000 Indiana $10,000 Kansas $4,000 Kentucky $2,500 Louisiana $5,000 Massachusetts $7,000 Maryland $5,000 Maine $6,000 Michigan $7,000 Minnesota $15,000 Missouri $5,000 Mississippi $3,500 Montana $8,000 North Carolina $10,000 North Dakota $15,000 Nebraska $3,800 New Hampshire $10,000 New Jersey $5,000 New Mexico $10,000 Nevada $10,000 New York $10,000 Ohio $6,000 Oklahoma $10,000 Oregon $10,000 Pennsylvania $12,000 Rhode Island $5,000 South Carolina $7,500 South Dakota $12,000 Tennessee $25,000 Texas $20,000 Utah $15,000 Virginia $5,000 Vermont $10,000 Washington $10,000 Wisconsin $10,000 West Virginia $10,000 Wyoming $6,000

Not legal advice. Procedures vary by court and change periodically. Always confirm details with the clerk's office or the official court website (linked above) before filing.