How to Collect a Small Claims Judgment in California
Winning your small claims case is step one. Collecting the money is step two — and it can be harder than the lawsuit itself. Here’s how to actually get paid. First: Wait 30 Days The defendant has 30 days to appeal the judgment. Don’t start collection efforts until the appeal period expires (or you confirm […]
Can You Sue Someone Without a Lawyer in California Small Claims Court?
Absolutely — that’s the entire point of small claims court. In fact, attorneys are generally NOT allowed in California small claims court. It’s designed for regular people to resolve disputes affordably. The No-Lawyer Rule California Code of Civil Procedure § 116.530 states that no attorneys may participate in a small claims hearing unless both parties […]
California Small Claims Court Limit 2026: How Much Can You Sue For?
The California small claims court limit determines how much you can sue for without an attorney. Here’s everything you need to know for 2026. Current Limits (2026) Who’s Suing Maximum Claim Individual $12,500 Sole proprietor $6,250 Corporation or LLC $6,250 Guarantor (surety company) $6,250 Key distinction: Individuals can sue for up to $12,500, but businesses […]
How to File a Small Claims Case in Los Angeles (Step-by-Step)
Small claims court is designed to be simple and accessible — no lawyers needed. But knowing the exact process for Los Angeles County saves you time and prevents mistakes. Here’s your complete walkthrough. Am I Eligible for Small Claims? Before filing, confirm: – Your claim is $12,500 or less (individuals) or $6,250 or less (businesses) […]
6 Legal Reasons You Can Evict a Tenant in California
California’s tenant protection laws are among the strongest in the nation. You can’t evict someone just because you want them out. Here are the 6 legally valid reasons. At-Fault Grounds (Tenant Did Something Wrong) 1. Nonpayment of Rent The most common eviction reason. The tenant failed to pay rent on time. – Notice required: 3-Day […]
8 Common Eviction Mistakes California Landlords Make
One mistake in the eviction process can get your entire case dismissed — costing you weeks, additional filing fees, and months of lost rent. Here are the 8 mistakes we see most often. 1. Overcharging on the 3-Day Notice The mistake: Including late fees, utilities, cleaning fees, or damages on the 3-day notice in addition […]
Eviction Lawyer vs. Paralegal Document Service: Which Is Better for Landlords?
As a landlord facing an eviction, you have two main professional options: hire an eviction attorney ($3,000–$5,000+) or use a document preparation service ($899). Here’s the honest comparison. The Core Difference A document preparation service prepares all your eviction documents — notices, complaints, motions, and writs — based on your direction. You file the documents […]
How Much Does an Eviction Cost in California? (2026 Breakdown)
Evictions aren’t cheap — but they don’t have to break the bank either. Here’s exactly what you’ll pay in California in 2026. Court and Filing Costs (Everyone Pays These) Fee Amount Unlawful Detainer filing fee $385–$435 Process server (notice + UD) $100–$300 Writ of Possession filing $40 Sheriff lockout fee $150–$250 Total minimum court costs […]
Can You Evict a Tenant Without a Lawyer in California?
Yes, you can. California law allows landlords to represent themselves in Unlawful Detainer (eviction) proceedings. Many landlords successfully handle evictions without an attorney, especially when using professional document preparation services. What You Can Do Without a Lawyer ✅ Prepare and serve eviction notices ✅ File an Unlawful Detainer complaint ✅ Represent yourself at trial (individual […]
California Eviction Timeline: How Long Does the Process Really Take?
Understanding the realistic timeline for a California eviction helps landlords plan financially and operationally. Here’s the honest breakdown. The Fastest Possible Timeline (Nonpayment, Default) Step Day What Happens Serve 3-day notice Day 1 Clock starts Notice period expires Day 4 Tenant hasn’t paid File Unlawful Detainer Day 5 Court complaint filed Serve UD on tenant […]