US small-claims procedure

California small claims: limit and official resources

California Courts states that a natural person can generally sue for up to $12,500, while a business or public entity can generally sue for up to $6,250.

The Judicial Branch fee schedule effective January 1, 2026 lists $30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 for claims over $1,500 to $5,000, and $75 for qualifying natural-person claims over $5,000 to $12,500. Confirm current local clerk requirements before filing.

Source: California Courts Self-Help; SC-100-INFO.