how to file lawsuit without lawyer in contra costa county

by Alek Simonis 4 min read

First class mail to DCSS, 50 Douglas Drive, Suite 100, Martinez, CA 94553 Put them in the document drop box in front of the building at 50 Douglas Drive, Martinez, California Scan and email them to DCSS.Service@dcss.cccounty.us

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How do family law courts work in Contra Costa County?

Unlimited civil case - A general civil case involves an amount of money of $25,000 or less. Unlimited civil cases also include other types of disputes that do not involve money, like cases to resolve (or “quiet”) title to real property, cases asking for civil restraining orders, and requests to change your name or your child’s name.

Where do I file a civil case in New Mexico?

Consultation With Your Attorney: Before filing any case in Contra Costa County, California, you should talk with a local attorney. Your Contra Costa County, California attorney will be able to advise you on the merits of your lawsuit, and your chances of success. Drafting The Complaint: Once you determine that pursuing a lawsuit in Contra Costa County, California civil court is …

How do I file a lawsuit against a company in California?

Process of small claim in Contra Costa County Courts. Submission of the case (filling forms) Trials; Judgment; Filling an appeal; Who May Sue in Contra Costa County? A person over the age of 18 years can sue in Small Claim Court Contra Costa County. An underage can use the court accompanied by a parent, relative, or "next friend" over the age of 18 to file a claim and later go …

Where can I file a civil case in Florida?

File Your Small Claims in Contra Costa County Court To Resolve Your Small Scale Civil Disputes. Contra Costa County Small Claim Filing Company Process Your Small Claims Suit As We know How To File A Small Claim And Small Claims Court Procedures. In Contra Costa County, a monetary claim of any amount of money (or articles of equivalent value) below $5,000 as a …

Does Contra Costa County Superior court have e filing?

The E-filing model for Contra Costa County will use electronic filing not only the transmission of electronic documents into the court, but also to provide for the routine use of electronic documents and the electronic record for case processing, for service on other parties, and for access and use by everyone involved ...

Where do I file Contra Costa County?

All civil case documents are only filed in the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse in Martinez.

How do I file a small claims suit in Contra Costa County?

There is no online filing in Contra Costa County. 6) To file, go to the clerk's office (open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), mail it, or use the drop box at the correct court. You will need the original and two copies (make sure you sign the SC-100 and include all 5 pages).Nov 1, 2021

What is the maximum amount for small claims court in California?

You can sue for up to $10,000, if you are an individual or a sole proprietor. Corporations and other entities are limited to $5,000. In addition, a party (individuals or corporations) can file no more than two claims exceeding $2,500 in any court throughout the State of California during a calendar year.

Can you serve custody papers by mail California?

It is important to note that child custody papers can be served in person or by mail. If the papers are served by mail in California, they must be sent to the other parent by first-class mail, with prepaid postage, and with a request for a return receipt.Sep 4, 2021

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Contra Costa County?

Filing fees for divorce in Contra Costa County The average initial filing fee is $435, but the exact amount of the filing fee, for each individual case, also depends on what additional court services are used.

What is the minimum for small claims court in California?

If You Are Suing: Small Claims or a Limited Civil? If you are an individual and want to file a lawsuit for $10,000 or less, you have the option of filing a small claims case or a limited civil case. If you are a business, you can file in small claims court for $5,000 or less.

How do I take someone to small claims court?

GO TO THE CLERK OF THE COURT The person's personal and contact details. The clerk of the court will prepare a summons which will force the person to come to court at the set date. The summons will be delivered by you or the sheriff of the court.

What kind of damages can you sue for in small claims court?

What Kinds of Cases Go to Small Claims Court?Breach of contract disputes.Personal injury claims (such as dog bites)Collection on debts or loan repayments.Professional negligence claims (like bad car repairs)Claims regarding the return of a renter's security deposit or personal property.More items...•Aug 25, 2020

How do I start a lawsuit in California?

How Do I Sue a Person in California?Be a natural person and have “legal standing” and “legal capacity” to sue;Decide in which county and court the lawsuit can be filed, which means deciding which court offers the appropriate venue and which court has jurisdiction;More items...•Jul 6, 2021

How much does it cost to file a small claims in California?

Filing FeesClaims for $1,500.00 or less$30.00Claims from $1,500.01 to $5,000.00$50.00Claims from $5,000.01 to $10,000.00$75.00Persons or Business who have filed more than 12 claims in CA in the previous 12 mos.$100.00Service of Documents by Certified Mail$15.00 (per defendant) [Fee waiver does not cover]6 more rows

How do I sue someone who owes me money in California?

If you decide to go to court, follow these steps:Figure Out How to Name the Defendant.Ask for Payment.Find the Right Court to File Your Claim.Fill Out Your Court Forms.File Your Claim.Serve Your Claim.Go to Court.

Litigation Lawyers in Contra Costa County

If you live in , California, and believe that you have sustained some form of legal wrong, you may wish to file a lawsuit against the individual who allegedly wronged you.

Steps for Filing a Lawsuit in Contra Costa County, California

Consultation With Your Attorney: Before filing any case in Contra Costa County, California, you should talk with a local attorney. Your Contra Costa County, California attorney will be able to advise you on the merits of your lawsuit, and your chances of success.

How Can A Contra Costa County, California Tort Lawyer Help?

Filing a lawsuit in a Contra Costa County, California court is a bit more complex than the basic outline laid out above.

What does "filed" mean in court?

Where Court Forms are Filed. “Filing court forms or other papers” means giving the papers to a court clerk. They can be given to the clerk by mail or in person. The form or other paper is considered "filed" only after the court clerk stamps it "Filed.". Then, that paper becomes part of the record of the case.

Where are criminal cases heard?

All criminal cases are processed and heard at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse, or at the A. F. Bray Courthouse.

Does Walnut Creek hear criminal cases?

The District Attorney files all criminal case documents in the court serving the city where the violation occurred.#N#NOTE: Walnut Creek Court no longer hears criminal matters. All Walnut Creek criminal cases are handled in Martinez.

What is juvenile case?

Juvenile cases are those involving minors under the age of 18 years. These are separated into two main categories: Juvenile Delinquency for minors who have broken penal law and Juvenile Dependency for minors who have been removed from the home and/or care of their parents or guardians.

How long does it take to appeal a small claims court case?

To appeal, a party must file an appeal bond in the Small Claims Court within 21 days from the date of the judgment. The new trial will be held before another judge or jury as if the case had never been tried in the Small Claims Court.

What happens if a defendant does not appear in court?

If the Defendant in spite of being received the notice of the trial, does not appear in the court, the Judge is authorized to grant a default judgment against the Defendant. If the Plaintiff does not appear at the trial, then the Judge may enter an order dismissing the case. The Plaintiff and Defendant must bring to Court that day any evidence. Proceedings in Small Claims Court are less formal than in other civil courts. If it is a jury trial, the jury will deliver the verdict. If the Defendant wins, the Plaintiff will recover no money and must pay the court costs.

Fee Schedule

The fee schedule, and other filing fee information, for Contra Costa County Superior Court is available on the court's Fees page.

Date of Filing

Unless otherwise provided, a document is deemed filed on the date it is received by the court clerk. CRC 1.20 (a) (amended eff 1/1/17).

Local Rules Re Fax Filing

Facsimile produced documents submitted for filing with the court must comply with CRC 2.300, and all Contra Costa County Rules of Court. All documents filed must be plain paper copies that are permanently legible copies. Contra Costa LR 2.81 (renumbered eff 1/1/15)

Electronic Filing of Complaint

Upon electronic filing of a complaint, petition, or other document that must be served with a summons, a trial court, upon request of the party filing the action, shall issue a summons with the court seal and the case number.

What is standing in a lawsuit?

In legal terms, this is called having “standing” to file the lawsuit. For example, in a case for personal injury, you have to be the one to have actually suffered the injury in the accident. You cannot just be a person who was standing nearby and sue the person who caused the accident if you did not suffer any damages.

How many people can be parties to a class action lawsuit?

In a class action lawsuit, thousands and even millions of persons can be parties. To be considered legally as a class action, the plaintiffs must convince the court that many people have similar interests in the subject matter of the lawsuit.

When you are thinking of going to court and preparing to file a lawsuit, do you need to find out who

When you are thinking of going to court and preparing to file a lawsuit, you need to find out exactly whom you should sue. This may seem like a simple issue, but it can be very complicated.

Is a natural person a legal entity?

A “natural person” is a legal entity – and any number of people can be parties on either side of a lawsuit. A corporation is a legal entity. It is a single entity that can be identified as one for the purposes of the law. A business partnership, a nonprofit organization, or a group of citizens can be parties in a lawsuit if the court accepts ...

What is considered a legal disability?

Some people considered to have a “legal disability” are: People who are judged mentally incompetent because of illness, age, or infirmity. If you are under 18, you need something called a “guardian ad litem” to participate in a lawsuit. This is usually a parent or legal guardian.

How to sue a partnership?

To sue a partnership you should get the names of the partners. Under the law, each of the partners is responsible for the obligations of the partnership, so each partner would be named in your lawsuit. To find a sole proprietorship or partnership: The county clerk/recorder’s office.

What is a corporation in California?

A corporation is a separate legal entity. The California Secretary of State keeps a record of the names and addresses of the officers of corporations and their agents for service of process (court papers). The agent for service of process or a corporate officer can be served with your lawsuit.