How much can I sue for in California?
Under $12,500 if you sue as an individual. Under $6,250 if you sue through a company. Here is what that means for your exact amount.
California small claims court handles money disputes up to a ceiling that depends on who is suing. An individual can claim anything under $12,500. A corporation, LLC or partnership is held to under $6,250 — half as much. If your claim is larger than your ceiling you can either give up the excess and stay in small claims, or file in limited civil court instead, where a lawyer may appear.
The limits are per claim, not per year, and they are hard ceilings — a judge cannot award more than the cap even if your loss was larger. If your claim is genuinely worth more, think carefully before filing in small claims, because the judgment resolves the claim and you cannot return later for the rest.
| Amount you are claiming | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| up to $1,500 | $30 |
| over $1,500 up to $5,000 | $50 |
| over $5,000 up to $12,500 | $75 |
| More than 12 small claims filed in the past 12 months | $100 |
By amount
- Sue for $500
- Sue for $750
- Sue for $1,000
- Sue for $1,200
- Sue for $1,500
- Sue for $1,800
- Sue for $2,000
- Sue for $2,500
- Sue for $3,000
- Sue for $3,500
- Sue for $4,000
- Sue for $4,500
- Sue for $5,000
- Sue for $6,000
- Sue for $6,250
- Sue for $7,000
- Sue for $7,500
- Sue for $8,000
- Sue for $9,000
- Sue for $10,000
- Sue for $11,000
- Sue for $12,000
- Sue for $12,500
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.
No account needed to start. We are not a law firm and cannot give legal advice.