San Mateo County
Filing small claims in San Mateo
Help filing in San Mateo: the courthouse, what to bring, and a plan for the day you present your own case.
Courthouse
Southern Branch - Hall of Justice
400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063
Claim limits
Individuals: $12,500
Businesses: $6,250
Timeline & fees
Filing fee: $30–$75
Hearing: 30–75 days
Common San Mateo disputes we prepare
Unpaid Invoices & Money Owed in San Mateo
Clients, customers, or business partners who never paid. We help you document what you're owed and, when a letter is the right step, prepare one.
Learn moreSecurity Deposit Disputes in San Mateo
Landlords who wrongfully withheld your deposit. California law allows up to twice the deposit in penalties for bad-faith retention.
Learn moreLandlord & Tenant Disputes in San Mateo
Habitability, illegal fees, and return-of-deposit claims prepared with a mediator's eye toward what actually moves a judge.
Learn moreBreach of Contract in San Mateo
Written, verbal, or implied agreements that were broken. We map your damages to the contract terms so the claim holds up.
Learn moreProperty Damage in San Mateo
Auto accidents, negligence, and damage to your property — including claims an insurer underpaid or denied.
Learn moreConsumer & Refund Claims in San Mateo
Defective products, undelivered goods, and services that weren't as promised — including memberships that won't cancel.
Learn moreContractor & Home-Improvement Disputes in San Mateo
Unfinished, defective, or abandoned work. We organize your documentation and quantify the cost to make it right.
Learn moreBusiness-to-Business Disputes in San Mateo
Vendor, client, and partner disputes — note California's lower $6,250 small claims limit for business entities.
Learn morePersonal Injury & Accidents in San Mateo
Ariella has spent countless hours in court aiding on personal injury and accident disputes, for both plaintiffs and defendants.
Learn moreInsurance Claims in San Mateo
Insurance claims are one of the disputes Ariella focuses on, alongside consumer protection and small claims.
Learn moreSan Mateo small claims FAQ
Where do I file small claims in San Mateo?
San Mateo small claims cases are handled at the Southern Branch - Hall of Justice, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. We confirm the correct courthouse and division for your case.
How much does it cost to file in San Mateo?
Court filing fees are $30–$75 depending on the amount you're claiming.
How do I serve the defendant in San Mateo?
In California you cannot serve the defendant yourself. Use the sheriff, a registered process server, or certified mail sent by the court clerk.
How long does a San Mateo small claims case take?
Most cases are heard typically 30–75 days from filing to hearing.
Can I bring a lawyer to the hearing?
No — California small claims hearings are for self-represented parties (CCP §116.530). We prepare everything beforehand so you present a strong, organized case yourself.
More San Mateo County cities
Filing in San Mateo?
Need help? Don't know what first steps to take? Give us a call — if nothing else, we'd be happy to give you a complimentary push in the right direction.