Courts, Lawsuits & Small Claims in California

Courts, Lawsuits & Small Claims

How California civil courts are organized, how small claims works, what happens when someone is sued, and help available with court costs.

How to use these guidesThey explain how California processes generally work. They don’t review anyone’s personal situation or recommend a course of action. For help with your own situation, see free help.

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4 guides

Court basics

Case types and filing time limitsSmall claims, limited civil and unlimited civil cases, and common statutes of limitations.
Court fees, fee waivers and court accessWho qualifies for a fee waiver, free interpreters, disability accommodations and remote appearances.

Bringing or answering a case

Words to know

Answer: A written response to a Complaint that admits or denies its statements and lists defenses.
Complaint: The document that starts a civil lawsuit and states the claims.
Defendant: The person or business being sued.
Fee waiver: A court order excusing some or all court fees for people who qualify.
Limited civil case: A civil case seeking $35,000 or less.
Plaintiff: The person or business that files the lawsuit.
Service: Formally delivering court papers to the other side in a way the law allows.
Statute of limitations: The deadline for filing a particular kind of lawsuit.