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CA County Guide

Alameda County Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court (Superior Court) • Population: 1,682,353

$12,500
Maximum Claim
$30 - $75
Filing Fees
30-70 days
Timeline
In-person
Hearing Format

Courthouse Information

Courthouse

Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse

Address

661 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607

Local Tips

  • In-person filing hours 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM Monday-Friday
  • Filings can be done at Oakland but hearings may be at Hayward Hall of Justice
  • Free Small Claims Advisor available through the court

How to File in Alameda County

1

Determine if your case qualifies for California small claims court (up to $12,500)

2

Send a written demand letter to the other party

3

File your claim at the Alameda County courthouse or online through the Small Claims Court (Superior Court)

4

Serve the defendant with official notice of the lawsuit

5

Prepare your evidence, documents, and witnesses

6

Attend the in-person hearing and present your case

Statute of Limitations in California

4 years
Written Contracts
2 years
Oral Contracts
3 years
Property Damage

Important Rules in California

Attorneys not allowed to represent parties
Businesses limited to $5,000
Free court advisors available

Frequently Asked Questions

To file a small claims case in Alameda County, California, visit your local courthouse at 661 Washington St, Oakland, CA 94607 or the Small Claims Court (Superior Court) website. You'll need to fill out the claim form, pay the filing fee ($30 - $75), and serve the defendant. The maximum claim amount is $12,500.

The maximum you can sue for in California small claims court is $12,500. This limit applies to all counties including Alameda County.

In California, attorneys are generally not allowed to represent parties in small claims court. You will represent yourself in Alameda County small claims hearings.

From filing to hearing, a small claims case in California typically takes 30-70 days. Timelines in Alameda County may vary depending on court schedules.

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