File My Small Claims is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are self-help software.

Small claims courts in all 58 California counties

Every California county runs its own Superior Court with its own website and local practices. Find yours.

Venue in California small claims is generally the county where the defendant lives or does business, or where the agreement was made or was to be performed. Filing in the wrong county can get your case transferred or dismissed, so this is worth a minute of care.

The dollar limits and filing fees are statewide — $12,500 for an individual, $6,250 for an entity, and $30 to $75 to file. What varies locally is which courthouse hears your case, the filing hours, whether e-filing is offered, and how far out hearing dates are set.

Bay Area

Central Coast

Central Valley

Eastern Sierra

Gold Country

Imperial Valley

Inland Empire

North Coast

Northeastern California

Northern California

Northern Sacramento Valley

Sacramento Valley

Sierra Nevada

Southern California

Start with a demand letter

Most California small claims cases settle before anyone sees a courtroom. The letter is free to write, and you can have us print and certified-mail it for $29.

Build my demand letter — free

No account needed to start. We are not a law firm and cannot give legal advice.