Which court fits your California case? Small claims, limited civil, and unlimited civil cases use different procedures. The amount you seek, the relief you request, and the evidence you need help determine the right path.
Compare your options
California’s current general dollar limits appear below. Small claims and limited civil overlap for lower-value claims.
| Feature | Small claims | Limited civil | Unlimited civil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amount sought | Generally up to $12,500 for an individual; $6,250 for a corporation or other business entity. | Generally $35,000 or less. | Generally more than $35,000, or relief outside limited civil jurisdiction. |
| Lawyers | No attorney representation at the initial hearing. Legal advice before the hearing is available. | Attorney representation permitted. Corporations generally need counsel. | Attorney representation permitted. Corporations generally need counsel. |
| Evidence and procedure | Simpler, informal process. | Formal civil procedure with restrictions on discovery. | Formal civil procedure with broader discovery, subject to statutory limits and court orders. |
| Appeals | A claimant cannot appeal the decision on their own claim. A party ordered to pay on the other side’s claim generally has an appeal right. | Either side has appeal rights, subject to applicable rules. | Either side has appeal rights, subject to applicable rules. |
Small claims: a simpler path for smaller disputes
Small claims often suits straightforward disputes supported by receipts, photographs, records, and witness testimony. Filing costs are lower than regular civil litigation. A person seeking $8,000 for vehicle repairs might consider this option. Attorneys are permitted at a small claims appeal hearing, which involves a new trial.
Limited civil: formal litigation up to $35,000
A $25,000 claim generally falls within limited civil jurisdiction, assuming the requested relief qualifies. This route provides formal litigation and attorney representation, with tighter discovery restrictions than unlimited civil. It also remains an option for eligible claims below the small claims limit.
Unlimited civil: larger claims and other qualifying relief
A supported claim exceeding $35,000 generally belongs in unlimited civil court. Certain requests for nonmonetary relief also require unlimited civil treatment. “Unlimited” describes the court classification; it does not promise an unlimited recovery.
For an injury claim, consider more than today’s bills
Evaluate medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and supported future losses. Ongoing treatment or a disputed prognosis affects valuation. Do not select a lower court limit solely because the first medical bill is small. Reducing a claim to fit small claims generally means giving up the excess; splitting one claim into multiple lawsuits is not a solution.
Court type and filing county are separate questions
The proper county depends on venue rules, such as where an accident occurred or where a defendant lives. Filing deadlines, service requirements, and special rules for government or healthcare claims still apply.
Discuss your filing options
Weiss Attorneys helps injured clients evaluate their claims and court options. Request a free consultation or call 213-583-0977.
Official California court resources
- Jurisdiction and venue
- Choosing small claims or limited civil
- Small claims appeals
- Unlimited civil jurisdiction
Updated October 5, 2026.
