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.
4 Answers from Attorneys
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.
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
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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DISCLAIMER
This reply constitutes legal information for education purposes and does NOT constitute legal advice nor establish an attorney-client relationship. We will only represent you based on a written retainer agreement. Therefore, you should contact this office to discuss representation if you do want legal advice/representation.
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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