Californians rely on California small claims court to settle disputes under $7,500. This established process has been around and functioning for many years. Do you wonder how it all got started?

Surprisingly, small claims court is not a very old institution and California small claims did not kick off the entire process. That honor goes to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1913, less than 100 years ago, the first American small claims court was established in Ohio. It must have been a success since all municipal and country courts were ordered to create their own small claims court departments in 1925. Following that, it only took a few years before every state had a small claims court division.

The process has not changed much since its inception. Like the small claims courts of yesteryear, the plaintiff starts a claim by filling out and filing paperwork and the hearing still takes place sans jury. What has changed, however, is the claim amount. In New York, for example, a plaintiff could claim $50 in 1934, $100 in 1945 and $5000 in 2004. California small claims cap at $7,500. Each state sets their own filing fees and claim amounts.

The types of cases heard in small claims court has not varied much either. Like cases heard in California small claims, complaints revolve around damaged property, unpaid loans, and landlord/tenant issues. Items such as criminal cases and custody disputes are heard in other courts.

It says a lot for the process that so little has changed in nearly a century. In fact, the only changes seen involve the natural process of modernization. In this digital age, it would be counterproductive not to use the Internet to facilitate the efficiency of small claims court. Many states offer downloadable forms, and those needing the services of California small claims can even outsource the entire process by filing out an online package and paying a nominal fee. The plaintiff needs only to show up to the hearing when instructed.

Like small claims all across America, California small claims will continue to be treated with the utmost dignity, honesty and fairness we have come to expect from the American legal system. The strong historical foundation of small claims court moves us to the promising future of this process where everyone of every race, income and social status can evoke his or her right to be heard and treated fairly.

You are having a dispute with an individual or a client. You haven’t heard from them for several days and you believe the matter has been laid to rest. Then there is a knock on your door. A man stands there smiling. He hands you something. He’s a process server and you have just been served. You are heading to small claims court California. Now what?


Your initial reaction may be one of shock. That is understandable. The thought of being sued is a very unpleasant and scary thing. However, if you are summoned to small claims court California, you have nothing to fear. Small claims court is where disputes involving nominal sums of money are heard. While you may be asked to pay court fees for the plaintiff if you loose the case, there are no expensive lawyers or punitive damages involved.


If you are being sued in small claims court California, take some time to familiarize yourself with the process. There are several helpful websites, including http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/smallclaims/ that will teach you what you need to do to prepare for your hearing. If possible, sit in on a couple of cases. You will see that there is nothing to be intimidated about. A judge hears both sides of the story and issues a ruling based on law. Oftentimes the cases are just two regular people trying to solve an issue. The average person does not have an in-depth knowledge of the law; therefore, a judge is the perfect impartial party to help solve minor disputes involving legal issues.


Try not to think about the plaintiff with hostility. It may be difficult for him or her to confront you directly or he or she may feel that you wouldn’t be fair. Rather than dwelling on the fact that you have been sued, take that time to gather your documents, records of attempted reconciliation (if any), and other papers that will support your case. You may also consider counter-suing the plaintiff in small claims court California if you feel they owe you money or have wronged you.


Small claims court California exists to help you whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant. If you have concerns about preparing for your court date, consider enlisting the services of SmallClaimsDepartment.com. Small Claims Department is your one-stop solution for handling small claims in California. Their years of industry knowledge and personable staff will guide you through the process and make you ready for courtroom success.