Courts, Lawsuits & Small Claims · Court basics
Case types and filing time limits
In this guide
- California civil cases are grouped by amount: small claims, limited civil ($35,000 or less), and unlimited civil.
- Each kind of claim has a statute of limitations, the time limit for filing.
- Claims against government agencies usually require a written claim first, often within six months.
Three tracks
- Small claims: up to $12,500 for individuals. Simplest procedures, no lawyers at the hearing.
- Limited civil: claims of $35,000 or less. Simplified discovery rules.
- Unlimited civil: claims over $35,000 and most requests for orders other than money.
Common statutes of limitations
These are general time limits for filing. Many exceptions exist, and the clock can start at different times depending on the facts.
Common California time limits (general)
- Personal injury: 2 years
- Damage to property: 3 years
- Written contract: 4 years
- Oral contract: 2 years
- Claim to a government agency before suing it: often 6 months
Government claims
Before suing a California city, county, school district, or state agency for money, a person usually must first file a written government claim with that agency. The agency then has time to respond.
Official sources for this guide
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