Don't say you expect to recover any more than £10,000 - if you do, your case won't be treated as a small claim. If you're making a claim for something your landlord hasn't repaired, the maximum amount you can get in a small claims case is £1,000.
As an individual you can use Small Claims Court if your claim is for $12,500 or less. If you are an individual who owns a business (i.e. sole proprietor) and do business under a fictitious business name, you are considered to be an "individual" in Small Claims Court.
In general, claims are limited to disputes up to $5,000. However, natural persons (individuals) can claim up to $10,000. Corporations, partnerships, unincorporated associations, governmental bodies, and other legal entities cannot claim more than $5,000.
You start your case by filling out an SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim form and filing it with the court clerk. Be sure you name the Defendant correctly or you may not be able to collect your judgment.
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 California, you're typically required to send a small claims demand letter to the defendant before filing a small claims case.
As an individual you can use Small Claims Court if your claim is for $12,500 or less. If you are an individual who owns a business (i.e. sole proprietor) and do business under a fictitious business name, you are considered to be an "individual" in Small Claims Court.
How to file a small claim in California Step 1: Filing the paperwork. Go to your county clerk's office and let them know you'd like to file a small claim. Step 2: Serving the papers. Step 3: Going to court. Step 4: The final judgment. Step 5: Collecting your judgment.
The Small Claims Hearing You must submit copies of your evidence to the court and to each party in your case at least 10 days prior to the hearing. When submitting evidence, you must complete form LASC CIV 278 and use LASC CIV 279 mailing labels.
How to file a small claim in California Step 1: Filing the paperwork. Go to your county clerk's office and let them know you'd like to file a small claim. Step 2: Serving the papers. Step 3: Going to court. Step 4: The final judgment. Step 5: Collecting your judgment.