Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

What is the proper court to sue for a collections case of less than $1000?

The dealer wants me to pay about $800 damage to the skirt on the Madza I leased for two years. I offered to settle for half but they refused. Can they file a claim in the Superior Court, or does it have to be filed in small claims court?


Asked on 2/11/11, 4:09 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Joe Marman Law Office of Joseph Marman

They can sue in any court. By themselves they could sue in small claims. If they have a lawyer, they could sue in municipal court where you could have to pay their higher court costs of $400 to file. They do not have to accept your offer of paying for less than the damages.

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Answered on 2/11/11, 4:16 pm
Tony Carballo Carballo Law Offices

I doubt you will be sued at all for $800 only given the cost of just filing the case and the time it takes plus a corporation needs to be represented by a lawyer except in Small Claims Court. If you are sued it will probably be in Small Claims Court but I would surprised.

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Answered on 2/11/11, 10:48 pm


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