How Much Can You Sue for in California Small Claims Court
How Much Can You Sue for in California Small Claims Court
If you’re considering taking someone to small claims court in California, one of the first questions to answer is: How much money can you actually sue for? The answer depends on who you are and the nature of your claim. California sets clear financial limits to keep the small claims process streamlined and accessible.
California Small Claims Limits
In California, small claims courts are meant to resolve disputes quickly and without the need for attorneys. As a result, the state limits the amount you can recover in a single case:
- Individuals can sue for up to $12,500.
- Businesses and other legal entities (like LLCs, corporations, or partnerships) can sue for up to $6,250.
These limits apply per case—not per party. So if you’re an individual suing multiple people, the total amount across all defendants must still fall under the $12,500 cap.
Claim Type Examples
Here are a few examples of the types of cases you can bring under these limits:
- $12,500 Claims for Individuals:
- Auto accident repair costs
- Unpaid personal loans
- Property damage
- Security deposit disputes
- $6,250 Claims for Businesses:
- Unpaid invoices
- Breach of small contracts
- Equipment damage caused by clients or vendors
Exceptions and Limitations
- You cannot split a larger claim into multiple smaller claims to stay within the limit.
- You may only file two claims over $2,500 per calendar year.
- Government agencies follow separate guidelines and are not subject to the $6,250 limit.
What If Your Claim Exceeds the Limit?
If your claim is worth more than the small claims limit:
- You can choose to waive the excess amount and sue in small claims court
- Or, you can file in civil court, where attorneys are allowed, but the process is longer and more formal
Example: If you’re owed $15,000 by an individual, you can waive $2,500 and sue for $12,500 in small claims.
Resources to Help You File Within the Limit
If you’re unsure of how much you should sue for—or whether your case qualifies—our platform can guide you through the entire process. Use our Self-Guided Small Claims Interview Tool to:
- Evaluate your claim amount
- Prepare your documents
- File and serve your case properly
Also visit: What You Need Before Filing a Claim
Final Thoughts
Knowing your claim limit in California Small Claims Court is essential. Filing for too much will get your case rejected, while settling for too little might leave you under-compensated. With the right preparation, small claims court offers a fast, affordable path to justice—just be sure you stay within the rules.
