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Los Angeles County resolves money disputes up to $12,500 in the Superior Court's small claims division, with simplified procedures and no attorneys at the hearing.
Below is what you need for a small claims case in Los Angeles County: the limit, filing fees, which courthouse to use, how to serve the other side, your deadlines, and how to file. When you're ready, Squabble prepares everything and files it for you.
LA County hears small claims at several hub courthouses. The right one depends on where the defendant lives or where your dispute happened. The court matches your ZIP code to a courthouse.
Tap a courthouse to see its details in the list below.
Not sure which courthouse? Use the court's official Filing Court Locator to match your ZIP code to the correct location, or let Squabble identify it for you automatically. Hub courthouses can change; confirm before you file.
LA Superior Court supports electronic filing for small claims, so you can start a case without a courthouse trip.
Many initial small claims hearings are eligible for remote appearance through LACourtConnect.
Share evidence through the court's Digital Evidence System, and LA runs an online dispute resolution program for small claims.
Small claims is a division of the California Superior Court for everyday money disputes, with simplified rules and no attorneys at the hearing, and limits on how much and how often you can sue.
Maximum claim · CCP § 116.221
You can file unlimited claims of $2,500 or less, but no more than two claims over $2,500 in a calendar year.
You can't divide one dispute into several smaller cases to get around the limit.
A judge can order one side to pay money. Small claims can't order someone to do something or undo a contract.
Neither side is represented by a lawyer at the hearing (CCP § 116.530). You can consult one before or after.
Minors take part through a guardian ad litem appointed by the court.
Collection agencies and assignees of debt generally can't bring a claim in small claims court.
Over the limit? You can waive the excess and stay in small claims, or file in regular civil court. Waiving is permanent, so weigh it carefully.
If someone owes you money (up to $12,500), small claims is built for it. These are the disputes Angelenos bring most often.
It's built to be navigable without a lawyer. Here's the shape of a case from start to finish.
Complete the Plaintiff's Claim (SC-100), choose the right court, and pay the filing fee.
The other side is formally served. LA also offers online dispute resolution, where both sides can try to settle before the hearing.
A brief, informal hearing, in person or via LACourtConnect. The judge decides, often within about 10 days.
After you file, the other party must be formally notified. This is called service of process. In California you cannot serve the papers yourself.
The county sheriff (about $40–$60), a registered process server (about $75–$125), the court clerk by certified mail (about $10–$15), or any adult who isn't a party to the case.
The defendant must be served at least 15 days before the hearing, or 20 days if they're served outside the county.
Whoever serves the papers signs a Proof of Service (SC-104), which is filed with the court before the hearing.
Service is where many self-filed cases stall. Squabble can coordinate professional Service of Process so it's done correctly and on time.
You have a limited window to file, measured from when the dispute arose. File after it closes and your claim can be barred.
| Type of claim | Deadline to file |
|---|---|
| Written contract | 4 years |
| Oral contract | 2 years |
| Property damage | 3 years |
| Personal injury | 2 years |
Once you have a judgment, the unpaid amount accrues interest at 10% per year in California until it's paid (CCP § 685.010).
Want to estimate what interest adds to your claim? Use the Squabble interest calculator to see the running total before you file.
Check that the amount is within the limit and that you're inside the statute of limitations for your claim type.
Name the correct party, describe what happened, and show how the amount is calculated.
File at the LA County hub courthouse for your dispute's ZIP code, or e-file, and pay the $30–$75 fee (or request a waiver).
Arrange service at least 15 days before the hearing and file the Proof of Service (SC-104).
Organize documents and exhibits so you can present them clearly at the hearing.
Appear in person or, where available, remotely, present your case, and receive the court's decision.
Tell Sophie what happened. Squabble prepares the documents, runs a Triple-Check™ for administrative and jurisdictional accuracy, and files your case for you.
Start with Sophie →SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim · SC-104 Proof of Service · FW-001 Fee Waiver. All are official Judicial Council forms used statewide.
Small claims hearings are short and informal. There are no lawyers, and the judge will ask questions directly.
A judgment is the court's decision. Collecting it is a separate step. California gives you tools if the other side doesn't pay.
A portion of the debtor's earnings can be redirected to pay what the court ordered.
Funds can be collected directly from the debtor's bank account.
An Abstract of Judgment recorded with the county places a lien on the debtor's real property.
You can also ask the court to order the debtor to appear and disclose income and assets under oath. The unpaid judgment keeps accruing interest at 10% per year until it's satisfied.
Last reviewed June 2026. Court fees, limits, and procedures change. Verify current details with the court before filing.
Tell Sophie what happened. Squabble prepares your demand letter and court-ready documents, Triple-Checks them for administrative and jurisdictional accuracy, and files your LA County case for you.
