California Small Claims
Understanding Small Claims Court
Small claims court in California is a specialized legal venue that allows individuals and businesses to resolve disputes and grievances efficiently. Unlike traditional courts, small claims court does not allow attorneys to represent litigants, making the process more accessible and affordable. The maximum claim amount in California small claims court is $12,500 for individuals and $6,250 for businesses.
How We Help With Your Small Claims Case
At File and Serve Legal Services, we provide comprehensive assistance to help you navigate the small claims process, including:
Prepare all pertinent Small Claims documents
Each case may need separate documents and paperwork. Some cases require special paperwork, additional paperwork, and other items that the average person may do incorrectly, and they lose their case and filing fees before they even start. The paperwork is the most important part, let us help you get your case filed properly.
Draft and Perform diligence on your defendant
Many individuals and business have multiple aliases and legal names.
Verify Proper Venue and Jurisdiction
Many plaintiffs often file in the incorrect venue. Make sure you have everything correct. Call us to do the filing.
Perform Service of Process on your Named Defendant
Multiple Attempts with no additional charges per attempt. Service on Corporations performed on Registered Agents.
Request to Postpone
Should you need more time, needs to be filed at least 10 days before hearing date.
File a Counter-Suit
If you are being sued, you may need to file a counter suit
Judgment Recovery and Collections
You may need to collect your judgement, and we have a number of services available to assist you with judgement recovery and collections.
Common Small Claims Cases We Handle
- Unpaid Loans: Recover money lent to individuals or businesses.
- Property Damage: Seek compensation for damages caused by another party.
- Security Deposit Disputes: Resolve landlord-tenant conflicts over withheld deposits.
- Breach of Contract: Enforce agreements when one party fails to meet obligations.
- Consumer Complaints: File claims against businesses that fail to deliver promised services or products.
Our goal is to simplify the small claims process and maximize your chances of a successful outcome. Contact us today for expert guidance on filing and serving small claims cases in California.
Our fees are recoverable when you win your case, it is up to the judge but please ask for our fees to be reimbursed so you will essentially pay nothing for any costs incurred. This is not a guarantee or warranty that the fees will be reimbursed, but quite often if you win your case our fees will be reimbursed as part of your judgement. View our Refund/Cancellation Policy
Business Owners
Special discounts available for multiple cases annually.
Call today for a customized quote (800) 344-8860
Attorney Referrals
We have a network of experienced attorneys who can provide legal advice and
make recommendations regarding your legal matters.
At File and Serve Legal Services, we understand that navigating the small claims process can be overwhelming. Whether you're filing a case, serving documents, or enforcing a judgment, we have the expertise to guide you through each step.
Cumulative Years of Expertise
Small Claims
Judgment Recovery
Service of Process
Everything You Need to Know About California Small Claims
What is Small Claims Court, and how does it work?
Small claims court in California provides a fast and cost-effective way for individuals and businesses to resolve disputes without the need for an attorney. In fact, attorneys are not permitted to represent clients in California small claims cases. We help you prepare, file, and serve your case efficiently.
How long does the small claims process take in California?
The timeline varies depending on the courthouse and the defendant’s location. Filing and serving documents can take a few days to a couple of weeks. Court dates are usually scheduled within 45-90 days from filing. We ensure that your case is filed and served as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary delays.
What if I don’t know the defendant’s address?
If you don’t have the defendant’s address, our team will conduct investigations and research to locate them and confirm legal names and good addresses before filing your case. We include the investigative services as part of our services with no additional cost. Ensuring accurate information helps prevent case delays and increases the likelihood of successful service.
How much does your service cost?
Our pricing varies depending on the complexity of the case, the number of defendants, and the services required. We provide free consultations and estimates to give you a clear idea of the costs upfront. Our fees are competitive, considering our expertise and fast turnaround time. Our service fee and the court filing fees are considered court costs and are 100% recoverable.
What happens if the defendant avoids being served?
If a defendant attempts to evade service, we use professional process servers trained in various legal methods of serving documents, including substitute and stakeout services if necessary. We ensure your documents are delivered in compliance with California legal requirements.
Do you offer post-judgment assistance?
Yes, our team knows all propers forms and processes to apply pressure to obtain payment from your defendant/debtor.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Zelle and all major credit cards.
Simplifying the Legal Process by providing a team that can prepare and file all the appropriate documents to the right places for your legal needs.
MENU
© File and Serve Legal Services CALIFORNIA SMALL CLAIMS SERVICES
Made with 🤍 by Mint Desk Media