Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California

I am a webdesigner in Los Angeles, CA. I completed work on a website for a client on Connecticut who will not pay for some work completed, a total of $500. I want to take them to small claims. Can I do this at all since they reside elsewhere? The work is virtual, and was performed here in CA on my computer on a 3rd party server, or do I need to go to CT to sue?


Asked on 11/29/11, 9:35 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

You probably have jurisdiction over them in California courts to obtain a judgment, but you will still have to go to CT to collect your judgment.

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Answered on 11/29/11, 9:54 am
Bryan Becker Becker Attorneys

The filing and service fees alone will quickly make this less than economically desirable. But if you would like to pursue this regardless, check out the LA small claims page. Should have all the self-help info you need. Best of luck.

http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/smallclaims/ui/

If you would like to discuss this further or if you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me by phone or email.

Regards,

Bryan

Becker Attorneys

1205 Prospect Street

La Jolla, CA 92037

877.201.8728

[email protected]

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Answered on 11/30/11, 3:37 pm
Anthony Roach Law Office of Anthony A. Roach

California small claims courts do not have jurisdiction over nonresident defendants unless the small claims matter against the nonresident defendant involves an automobile accident in California, or a dispute over real property that the nonresident owns in California.

If you want to sue in California, you would have to file a limited civil action, and you should probably speak to an attorney to determine whether California would have personal jurisdiction over the Connecticut defendant.

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Answered on 12/02/11, 11:05 am


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