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.
How much does filing cost?
For a typical small claims filing, the fee is $30 for a claim of $1,500 or less, $50 for a claim over $1,500 through $5,000, and $75 for a claim over $5,000 through $12,500. A frequent filer who has filed more than 12 small claims cases in the preceding 12 months pays $100. Service of process and other expenses are separate.
Limited and unlimited civil cases generally involve higher filing fees and additional litigation expenses. The amount depends on the filing, the court, and the applicable fee schedule. Depositions, expert witnesses, medical record requests, and trial preparation also affect the cost of pursuing an injury claim. Eligible litigants have the option to request a court fee waiver; a fee waiver does not cover every expense.
What evidence should you prepare?
Keep photographs, repair estimates, medical records, bills, wage records, relevant messages, and witness contact information. Organize the evidence around three questions: who is responsible, what harm occurred, and how the evidence connects the harm to the event.
- Small claims: Prepare a clear timeline and bring the records and witnesses supporting your claim. The initial hearing uses a simpler process, without the ordinary civil discovery procedures.
- Limited civil: Formal discovery is available, but economic litigation rules restrict its scope. Plan requests for documents, written answers, and testimony carefully. Additional discovery requires an applicable exception, agreement, or court authorization.
- Unlimited civil: Broader discovery supports cases involving multiple witnesses, disputed medical causation, expert testimony, or substantial future losses. Statutory limits, deadlines, and protective orders still apply.
Who presents your case, and is there a jury?
At the initial small claims hearing, you generally present your own case to a judge. You are free to consult an attorney beforehand. Attorneys are permitted at the new trial following a proper small claims appeal.
Limited and unlimited civil litigation permit attorney representation. An individual has the option to represent themselves, while corporations generally require counsel. Eligible civil claims have a jury trial option, subject to timely demands, jury fees or a qualifying waiver, and other procedural requirements.
How do appeals differ?
In small claims, you generally have no right to appeal a loss on the claim you filed. A party ordered to pay on the other side’s claim generally has an appeal right. This includes a plaintiff who loses on a defendant’s claim. A small claims appeal involves a new trial before a different judge, and both sides are permitted to use attorneys.
Limited civil appeals go to the appellate division of the superior court. Unlimited civil appeals go to the appropriate California Court of Appeal. These appeals generally review the trial court record and claimed legal errors rather than start the evidence presentation over. Appealable orders and strict filing deadlines determine whether review is available.
Examples involving accident and injury claims
- $8,000 in documented vehicle damage: An individual might choose small claims for a straightforward repair dispute, or limited civil when formal litigation better fits the evidence and objectives.
- $25,000 in supported total damages: A qualifying money claim generally fits limited civil. The amount includes the damages sought, rather than medical bills alone.
- Ongoing treatment, surgery, or substantial lost earnings: Evaluate the full supported value, including future care and pain and suffering. If the amount in controversy exceeds $35,000, unlimited civil is generally the appropriate classification.
These examples explain court classification. They do not predict settlement amounts or jury awards. An insurer’s offer does not determine the correct court classification.
Questions to address before filing
- What is the supported value of your entire claim, including future losses?
- Do you need attorney representation, formal discovery, or expert testimony?
- Are you seeking money alone, or other relief requiring a different classification?
- Which county is proper, and what filing and service deadlines apply?
- What costs and appeal options matter to your decision?
Do not give up part of an injury claim solely to fit a lower dollar limit without evaluating the consequences. Ongoing treatment and uncertain future care deserve review before filing or signing a release. A case filed in the wrong classification sometimes requires reclassification; it is better to evaluate the appropriate category at the outset.
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
- Small claims filing fees
- Civil discovery
- Courts hearing limited and unlimited civil appeals
Updated October 6, 2026.
