Legal Question in Business Law in California

The filing limits for an individual in small claims court is $7,500. If a person has a dispute with someone for, say $7,000, are they REQUIRED to sue in small claims court? Or can they also sue in downtown superior court?

I just want to know whether monetary disputes within the small claims jurisdictional limits are REQUIRED to go to small claims court or whether they can also be litigated in downtown superior court.


Asked on 3/17/10, 11:26 am

4 Answers from Attorneys

Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

The plaintiff always has the option of suing in superior court instead of small claims. That option often won't make a lot of sense, but it is always there.

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Answered on 3/22/10, 11:44 am
Kevin B. Murphy Franchise Foundations, APC

You are not required to use small claims court. Small claims is set up as a relatively quicker and less expensive way to deal with small disputes. Consult with an attorney in your area for the best way to go, given your circumstances.

Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D. - Mr. Franchise

Franchise Attorney

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Answered on 3/22/10, 11:50 am

You ARE permitted to sue in Superior Court. However, there are distinct advantages and disadvantages to both small claims AND superior court.

Small claims will typically get a trial date within a month to 45 days. Superior court will get a trial date hopefully within a year. Thus, small claims will typically get a judgment pretty quickly compared with superior court.

Attorneys are NOT permitted to represent people in small claims court. In superior court it is relatively rare for people to appear without an attorney. Attorneys cost money. With such a small case you may not want to go through superior court.

Small claims filing fee is $75 while superior court filing fee is $181.

Caleb

J. Caleb Donner

DONNER & DONNER

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Answered on 3/22/10, 12:12 pm
James Bame San Diego Law Office

So that you may be represented, Superior Court is an option. For the drafting of the complaint or full representation, contact me directly.

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Answered on 3/22/10, 4:51 pm


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