Courts · Small Claims
Small Claims Court Limit in California
The most you can sue for in California small claims, with the filing-fee range and whether a lawyer is allowed, cited to the statute.
Have a number in mind? See if your claim fits in the California small claims checker →
The limit, the fee & who can appear in California
The claim ceiling, how the filing fee is set, and whether lawyers are allowed at the hearing.
| Maximum claim | $12,500 Business entity: $6,250 |
| How the limit works | One statewide limit |
| Filing fee | $30–$100 per claim value (about $30 / $50 / $75), plus $100 for frequent filers (more than 12 claims a year) |
| Lawyers at the hearing | Not allowedSelf-represent only You cannot have a lawyer represent you at the small-claims hearing itself. You may talk to a lawyer for advice beforehand, and a lawyer can appear on appeal (a "trial de novo" in the superior court). |
| Statute / court rule | Cal. Civ. Proc. Code §116.221 (individuals); §116.231 (entities) |
Where to file in California
A reference page, not a filing walkthrough: here's the official resource for procedure.
This page is a reference for the dollar limit, fee, and whether a lawyer is allowed, not a step-by-step filing guide. For the forms, where to file, and how service works, use California's official court self-help resource.
→ California Courts Self-HelpWhat California filers get wrong
California draws the line most people miss: an individual can sue for up to $12,500 in small claims, but a business (a corporation, LLC, or partnership) is capped at $6,250. The self-help portal states both figures plainly, along with the rule that trips up newcomers: you can't bring a lawyer to the hearing. Both sides represent themselves, which is the whole point of the small-claims track. The filing fee is modest ($30–$100 depending on the amount), but file more than a dozen claims in a year and it jumps to $100 each. The $12,500 figure took effect January 1, 2024 (up from $10,000), so older articles quoting $10,000 are out of date.
Common questions
What is the small claims limit in California?
An individual can sue for up to $12,500. A business entity (corporation, LLC, or partnership) is limited to $6,250. Both figures are set by the Code of Civil Procedure and took effect January 1, 2024.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court in California?
Not to the hearing. California bars attorney representation at the small-claims trial; each party must appear for themselves. You can consult a lawyer for advice beforehand, and lawyers are allowed if the case is appealed to the superior court.
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in California?
Between $30 and $100, scaled to how much you are claiming. If you file more than 12 small-claims cases in a 12-month period, the fee is $100 for each. Fee waivers are available for low-income filers.
Why can a business only sue for $6,250 in California?
The Code of Civil Procedure sets a lower small-claims ceiling for entities than for natural persons. A corporation, LLC, or partnership that wants to recover more than $6,250 has to use the regular civil court instead of small claims.
Not legal advicePlainStatute provides plain-language summaries of public law for general information only. This is not legal advice. Statutes change; always confirm current requirements with the official source linked above before acting.
More California law
Other everyday-law questions we answer for California, each from the state's own statute and cited to the source.