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CA County Guide

San Francisco County Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court (Superior Court) • Population: 873,965

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

Courthouse Information

Courthouse

Civic Center Courthouse — Small Claims

Address

400 McAllister St, Room 103, San Francisco, CA 94102

Local Tips

  • Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, closed 12 - 1 PM for lunch
  • Email: smallclaimsdivision@sftc.org
  • Near Civic Center BART/Muni station

How to File in San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco County, California, visit your local courthouse at 400 McAllister St, Room 103, San Francisco, CA 94102 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 San Francisco County.

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

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

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