California Legal Disputes
& Filing Guides
This is the central hub for all California-related legal services at Sue.com. Whether you’re dealing with a landlord dispute, a bad contractor, or you need to file in small claims court, we provide the state-specific guides, resources, and tools you need to get what you’re owed.
$39 California Demand Letter
Mailed in Minutes!
California Demand Letter Services
Before you escalate a dispute to a lawsuit, sending a formal, state-specific demand letter is the most effective first step. Our guides and $39 service are tailored to California law, helping you clearly state your case and recover your funds from a landlord, auto mechanic, or contractor.
California Small Claims Court Services
When a demand letter is ignored, California’s Small Claims Court is your most powerful tool. We’ll guide you through the entire process, from filling out the correct “Plaintiff’s Claim” (SC-100) form to understanding the $10,000 limit and preparing your evidence for your court date.
The California Dispute Process: An Overview
Understanding the lifecycle of a dispute can help you decide which step is right for you. While every case is unique, the general process in California follows a clear path from an initial disagreement to a court judgment.
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Step 1: The Dispute & Informal Resolution. A disagreement occurs. Both parties attempt to resolve it through phone calls, emails, or in-person discussion.
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Step 2: The Formal Demand. This is a critical step. Before suing, you must formally “demand” payment from the other party. This is done by sending a Demand Letter, which outlines your case, the amount you are owed, and your intent to sue if you are not paid. This is what our $39 service helps you with.
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Step 3: Filing the Lawsuit. If the demand letter is ignored, you file a case. For amounts under $12,500, you can use the faster, more affordable Small Claims Court. For larger or more complex cases, you would file in Superior Court.
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Step 4: Serving the Defendant. You must have the court papers formally delivered (or “served”) to the person or business you are suing.
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Step 5: The Court Hearing. You and the other party appear before a judge (or commissioner) in Small Claims Court, present your evidence, and tell your side of the story. Lawyers are not permitted.
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Step 6: The Judgment. The judge makes a legally binding decision. If you win, you receive a judgment, which is the official court order for the other party to pay you.
Know Your Rights: Official California Resources
California has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the nation. We believe in empowering you with this information. Here are official resources for tenants, consumers, and small claims litigants.
California Courts Self-Help Center
California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
LawHelpCA.org
California Attorney General – Consumer Protection
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Got questions about how Sue.com works, what’s included in each package, or what happens after your letter is sent? We’ve got you covered — quick, clear answers to help you move forward with confidence.
Is a demand letter legally required before suing in California?
Yes, for Small Claims Court, you must ask the other party for the money before you file your case. Sending a formal, certified demand letter is the best and most professional way to prove to the court that you made this required demand.
What is the small claims court limit in California?
As an individual, you can sue for up to $12,500. If you are a business (like a corporation or LLC), the limit is $6,250.
What is the deadline (Statute of Limitations) for common disputes in California?
You must file your case within a certain time limit. The most common deadlines are:
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Breach of a Written Contract: 4 years
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Property Damage: 3 years
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Breach of an Oral (Verbal) Contract: 2 years
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Personal Injury: 2 years
What's the difference between Small Claims and a "Limited Civil Case"?
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Small Claims: For cases up to $12,500 (for individuals). It’s fast, cheap, and lawyers are not allowed to represent you in court.
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Limited Civil Case: For cases up to $25,000. This is a more formal, complex process, and lawyers are allowed (and usually necessary).
What does "bad faith" mean in a California security deposit case?
“Bad faith” is when a landlord knowingly and intentionally withholds your security deposit without a valid reason. If a landlord fails to return your deposit within 21 days and can’t prove their deductions were reasonable, a judge may find they acted in bad faith and order them to pay you up to 2x the deposit amount as a penalty, in addition to your original deposit.