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What is the Small Claims Court?
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The Small Claims Court is a special court in which disputes are resolved inexpensively and quickly, however, claims are limited to disputes up to $5,000.00 (business / public entity) or $7,500.00 for an individual.
The hearings are informal and attorneys are not allowed to represent you in court. The person filing the lawsuit is the Plaintiff and the person being sued is the Defendant.
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What do I need to file a Small Claims action electronically?
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Adobe Acrobat Reader (Available for free at this link)
A Printer
A Valid E-Mail Address
A Valid Credit Card, (Visa, Master Card) unless you qualify for a waiver of court fees and costs.
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How much does it cost to file a Small Claims action?
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The fee for filing 12 claims or less per calendar year:
Claim amount of $1500.00 or less, is $30.00 per claim.
Claim amount greater than $1500.00, and less than or equal to $5000.00, is $50.00 per claim.
Claim amount greater than $5000.00, is $75.00 per claim.
The fee for filing over 12 claims per calendar year is $100.00 per claim.
Additional fees may apply depending on the type of service selected. Certified mail through the Courts will cost an additional $10.00 per Defendant.
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If I cannot afford to pay the fees, can I still file a claim?
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Later in this process, you are given the opportunity to apply for a waiver of fees and costs.
If you are unable to pay fees and costs, you may ask the court to permit you to proceed without paying them. Click here to view the Information Sheet on Waiver of Court Fees and Costs.
Si usted no puede pagar las cuotas y los gastos, pídale al juez que le permita proceder sin pagarlos. Oprima aquí para obtener una copia de información y la solicitud para la dispensa de los gastos y cuotas judiciales.
(Rule 985(k), California Rules of Court)
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If you need more information click here:
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Using The Small Claims Court: A guide for plaintiffs and defendants, by Department of Consumer Affairs
California Courts Self Help Center
Sacramento Small Claims Advisory Clinic
San Mateo Small Claims Web Site
How Do I Use The Small Claims Court, by the State Bar of California
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