LockoutCase

Small claims by state · checked

Court: Small claims division of the Superior Court. Claims up to $12,500. Each fact below links to the official source we read. Anything we could not confirm says “Check with your court”.

Limit

$12,500 (businesses $6,250)

Individuals up to $12,500; businesses up to $6,250; no more than 2 claims over $2,500 per calendar year.

Frequent filers: An individual may file only 2 claims over $2,500 per calendar year.

Source: Small claims: before you start · checked 25 Oct 2026

Filing fee

$30 to $100

$30 (claim up to $1,500), $50 (over $1,500 to $5,000), $75 (over $5,000). $100 for anyone who filed more than 12 small claims in California in the previous 12 months.

Sources: File your Plaintiff's Claim; Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.230 · checked 25 Oct 2026

Lawyers

No lawyers in court

No attorney may take part in the conduct or defense of a small claims action, except attorneys suing or sued for themselves (and certain all-attorney firms). Lawyers may advise before or after filing.

Sources: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.530; Small claims in California · checked 25 Oct 2026

Serving a corporation

See how

Serve the agent for service of process listed with the Secretary of State, or a corporate officer (president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer), CEO, CFO, controller or general manager. Methods: personal service or substituted service by an adult who is not a party, or certified mail sent by the court clerk ($15, only in some courts). Serve at least 15 days before the hearing (20 if the defendant is outside the county).

Sources: Serve your small claims forms; Form SC-104C, How to Serve a Business or Public Entity (rev. July 1, 2025); Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.340 · checked 25 Oct 2026

Demand before suing

Demand required first

The claim form must state that the plaintiff, where possible, has demanded payment (CCP 116.320(b)). The court's step-by-step guide makes asking for the money the first step.

Sources: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 116.320; Small claims: before you start · checked 25 Oct 2026

Official self-help

Court self-help page

selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/small-claims-california

Official page · checked 25 Oct 2026

Suing Meta from California

Meta’s terms point disputes to California courts or arbitration and cap its liability, so a California small-claims case is leverage, not a sure thing. Read the small-claims checklist before you pay a fee, then draft your demand letter in the free kit: pick California and it checks your loss amount against the limit.

Fees and limits change, and local courts can add costs. Confirm with the court clerk before you file.

LockoutCase is a self-help tool, not a law firm, and not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

Draft the demand letter

Other states

Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming

California small claims, answered

What is the small-claims limit in California?
Individuals up to $12,500; businesses up to $6,250; no more than 2 claims over $2,500 per calendar year.
How much does it cost to file a small claim in California?
$30 (claim up to $1,500), $50 (over $1,500 to $5,000), $75 (over $5,000). $100 for anyone who filed more than 12 small claims in California in the previous 12 months. Local courts can add costs.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims in California?
No attorney may take part in the conduct or defense of a small claims action, except attorneys suing or sued for themselves (and certain all-attorney firms). Lawyers may advise before or after filing.
Where do these facts come from?
Each fact on this page links to the official court, statute or government source we read. We last checked California on 25 Oct 2026. Anything we could not confirm says “Check with your court”.
Is this legal advice?
No. LockoutCase is a self-help tool, not a law firm, and not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. It shows general information from official sources; confirm with the court clerk before you file.