Fresno County Small Claims Advisory Services

Small claims court is a place where people can exercise their rights to resolve disputes.  Attorneys are not permitted to represent any side, except in small claims appeals.  United States citizenship is not required to file or defend a small claims case, but the parties must be at least 18 years old.  Each claim cannot be more than $7,500.  (Businesses cannot file a claim for more than $5,000.)

Examples of disputes that can be settled in small claims court are:

• A landlord will not return a security deposit.
• Someone dents a car and refuses to pay for it.
• Any dispute about money that does not exceed $7,500 ($5,000 for businesses).

Only cases for money for actual damages can be filed in small claims court.  The Small Claims Advisory Clinic can offer assistance to those considering a small claims action.

For additional information, contact the Fresno County Small Claims Advisory Clinic directly.  For telephone access, leave a voicemail message during office hours, and an Advisor will return your call.

Fresno County Small Claims Advisory Clinic
2220 Tulare St., 8th Floor
Fresno, CA  93701

Telephone: 559.262.4291
Hours: Mon.–Thu., 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (closed during lunch hour)

[This program is not affiliated with Valley Mediation.  This information is from the Fresno County Superior Court's website at http://www.fresnosuperiorcourt.org.  It is not intended to constitute legal advice.  We are providing this information as a courtesy to our visitors.]