Steps to an Alameda County Small Claims Lawsuit Demand payment from the other party before suing. Prepare the lawsuit using Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court. File the lawsuit with the court. Serve the lawsuit on the party you sued. File the Proof of Service. Prepare your evidence.
In many cases, filing in small claims court is the fastest and easiest way for people to legally settle their disputes. The person suing is the plaintiff, and the person being sued is the defendant. A person cannot sue for more than $12,500 in most cases. A business or public entity cannot sue for more than $6,250.
You don't have to have a minimum amount of monetary damages in order to go to court. Small claims court by definition will have a maximum amount of potential damages, but if you, say, promise a kid 50 cents if he brings you your mail, and he takes off with your two quarters, you can theoretically sue to get it back.
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.
In many cases, filing in small claims court is the fastest and easiest way for people to legally settle their disputes. The person suing is the plaintiff, and the person being sued is the defendant. A person cannot sue for more than $12,500 in most cases. A business or public entity cannot sue for more than $6,250.