Small claims court fees calculator
Generally, your case should be filed where the defendant (party you are suing) resides/incorporated, or where the dispute occurred. Contract clauses can also determine the court the case must be filed in. Court fees are the fees paid to the court at the time your case is filed. The fees are determined by local judicial districts and can vary by factors like claim amount. Whether you file on your own or with an attorney, there are other fees associated with filing a case in small claims court
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What are the fees to initiate a small claims case?
There are few different types of fees when initiating a small claims case: 1. Court fee. This is the fee paid to the court at the time of filing to docket your case. Each state has different court fees for small claims cases, and in some courts, the fees increase with your claim amount the amount of your claim. Our court fees calculator can help you find the expected amount. 2. Filing fee. This is the fee paid to the service provider that completes and files your case in accordance with local rules. Some courts require electronic filing and others have additional requirements. 3.Legal fee. This is the fee paid to the attorney that reviews, researches and prepares your court documents. The attorney will verify the proper legal entity for the defendant, proper jurisdiction and venue of the court, and drafts the statement of claim/complaint. 4. Serving fee. This is the fee paid to the service processor who will deliver the summons to the defendant. Some courts do not require personal service but most do, and failure to serve may cause your case to be dismissed.
Small claims court fees by state
Small claims court fees for case initiation are determined by the local judicial districts
Arizona
California
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Massachusetts
New Jersey
New York
Texas
California court fees
Small claim limit | Court fees |
|---|---|
Up to $1,500 | $35 |
$1,501 - $5,000 | $65 |
$5,001 - $10,000 | $82 |
* Applies to individuals only. Business plaintiffs are limited to $6,250
Cities included: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose and Fresno
Read more about CaliforniaFAQ
Can I reduce my fees?
Yes, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver or reduction. It is important to check with the court or with Cape to determine your eligibility and the application process for fee waivers or reductions.
What other fees are associated with filing to court?
Filing a case to small claims court comes with different fees. Besides the fee for Cape’s services, you’ll have to pay for the Serving process (for serving the documents to the other party), and for the filing itself.
How do I know my jurisdiction?
Your jurisdiction will be determined during the court assessment stage on Cape's platform. Once you choose to go to court, our system will ask you relevant questions and provide you with a decision regarding your jurisdiction.
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