Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
You can always file in person or by mail. In many courts, you can also file online (called e-filing), by fax, or by drop box. You can check on the court's website whether or not it allows e-filing or fax filing.
All filings for small claims matters can be submitted by any of these ways: In person at the Center Justice Center (700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana, CA 92701). By electronic filing using the Civil eFile website. By drop-box located by the front entrance of the Central Justice Center.
Effective January 1, 2024, the jurisdictional limit for small claims cases filed by individuals (including sole proprietors) increased from $10,000 to $12,500.
You can either answer the summons in writing or in person. If you answer in person, you must go to the courthouse clerk's office and tell the clerk about your defenses to the plaintiff's claims.
Generally, you can only sue for up to $12,500 in small claims court (or up to $6,250 if you're a business). You can ask a lawyer for advice before you go to court, but you can't have one with you in court.
Contractual formalities are there to serve as a guide to the parties against any unforeseen circumstances that may lead to litigation. They serve to protect the parties upon concluding a legally binding contract and serve as proof if a dispute of facts arises from the contract.
The basic elements required for the agreement to be a legally enforceable contract are: mutual assent, expressed by a valid offer and acceptance; adequate consideration; capacity; and legality.
Lesson Summary. A contract is a legal agreement between two or more parties in which they agree to each other's rights and responsibilities. Offer, acceptance, awareness, consideration, and capacity are the five elements of an enforceable contract.
The basic elements required for the agreement to be a legally enforceable contract are: mutual assent, expressed by a valid offer and acceptance; adequate consideration; capacity; and legality. In some states, elements of consideration can be satisfied by a valid substitute.