As of January 1, 2024, an individual may sue for up to $12,500 in any California Small Claims Court.  This is because Senate Bill 71 passed in California. It updates California Code of Civil Procedure § 116.220.

The higher small claims court limit is wonderful news for consumers, because it increases the previous $10,000 limit by $2,500. Despite the cost of living's continual climb, the court has not kept up. This is actually the first increase to the small claims court limit in more than a decade.

This new limit allows consumers to bring much higher value claims to the small claims court. Note that the current $12,500 limit includes money damage claims brought by natural persons. Claims by businesses are subject to lower limits.

I am a consumer attorney and a longtime member of the Consumer Attorneys of California. If you have a dispute with a California business or individual, and it involves an amount in dispute of $12,500 or less, I am here to help you. Please visit my Consultations page, pay the consultation fee and then fill out the Contact form. Anywhere in California, my affordable, accessible, streamlined, and 100% remote small claims court assistance is just a click away!