How to File a Small Claims Case in Richmond, CA
Small Claims Court in Contra Costa County
Small claims court in California allows individuals and small businesses to resolve disputes involving limited amounts of money without a lawyer. For Richmond residents, small claims cases are filed with the Contra Costa County Superior Court. The main courthouse handling small claims is located at 725 Court Street in Martinez. There is also a Richmond branch courthouse at 1025 Escobar Street that handles some small claims matters — contact the court to confirm which location handles your specific case.
Small Claims Filing Limits in California
As of recent California law, individual plaintiffs can file small claims for up to $12,500 per case, with a limit of two cases over $2,500 per calendar year. Businesses (corporations, LLCs, and other entities) are limited to $6,250. You cannot split a single dispute into multiple cases to stay under the limit. If your claim exceeds the small claims limit, you can waive the excess to keep it in small claims, or file in the appropriate civil court division.
Filing Fees for Small Claims in Contra Costa County
Filing fees vary by claim amount. As of this writing, fees are typically $30-75 depending on the amount of your claim. Courts also charge a fee for each defendant you name. Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income — ask for a fee waiver form when you file. Fees change periodically, so confirm current amounts with the court clerk before filing.
Serving the Defendant — This Is Your Responsibility
After filing your small claims case, you are responsible for ensuring the defendant is properly served before the hearing. In California, you cannot serve the defendant yourself — service must be performed by someone else who is at least 18 and not a party to the case. The court can serve by certified mail for a fee, or you can hire a process server. Service must be completed at least 15 days before the hearing date if the defendant is in the same county, or 20 days if in a different county.
What to Bring to Your Small Claims Hearing
Preparation is key to winning a small claims case. Bring: all documentation supporting your claim (contracts, invoices, receipts, photos, text messages), a copy of all documents you submitted to the court, a copy of the proof of service showing the defendant was properly served, and any witnesses who can testify on your behalf. Organize your evidence chronologically and practice explaining your case clearly and concisely — small claims hearings are brief.
Getting a Judgment and Collecting
If you win your small claims case, the judge enters a judgment in your favor. However, winning the judgment doesn't automatically mean you'll collect the money. If the defendant doesn't pay voluntarily, you may need to take collection steps: wage garnishment, bank levy, or placing a lien on property. Post-judgment enforcement often involves additional legal documents that must be properly served — another area where a process server can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I file a small claims case in Richmond, CA?
Small claims cases for Richmond residents are typically filed at the Contra Costa County Superior Court. The main courthouse is at 725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553. The Richmond branch is at 1025 Escobar Street — contact the court to confirm which location handles your case.
Can I hire an attorney for small claims court in California?
In California small claims court, neither party may be represented by an attorney at the hearing (with very limited exceptions). You must present your own case. However, you can consult with an attorney before the hearing to prepare.
What happens if the defendant doesn't show up to small claims court?
If you've properly served the defendant and they don't appear, the judge will typically enter a default judgment in your favor for the amount you claimed.
Do I need a process server to serve small claims documents?
Yes, you need someone other than yourself to serve the defendant. You can ask a friend or family member (18 or older, not a party to the case), pay the court to serve by certified mail, or hire a professional process server.
Need Your Small Claims Defendant Served?
Northbound Legal serves small claims documents throughout Richmond and Contra Costa County. Don't miss your hearing deadline.
View Our Services