Frequently asked questions
How much can I sue for?
Are you a lawyer or law firm?
We are not a lawyer or a law firm. We are an affordable way to resolve your small claims dispute and get justice.
How does People Clerk work?
People Clerk is your small claims assistant. We have an simple 4-step process:
What types of lawsuits can be filed in small claims?
In which county will my lawsuit be filed?
Your lawsuit can always be filed in the county where the person you are suing lives or where the business is located.
How long do I have to sue someone (statute of limitations)?
Each lawsuit is different. Don't wait to file your lawsuit, most statute of limitations are for 2 years. Read more here.
Will the other party bring a lawyer?
No, lawyers are not allowed at the initial small claims hearing.
Can the other party sue me too?
Yes, these are called countersuits. Both lawsuits will be reviewed by the same judge on the same day.
Can you represent me at the hearing?
No, only you can represent yourself at the initial small claims hearing.
How long does the small claims process take?
Most hearings are scheduled within 30-70 days. With COVID-19, they are taking a bit longer.
Will my hearing be virtual?
Every California county has a different procedure. Some allow for virtual hearings, some require that you request permission to attend virtually.
What is the small claims hearing like?
Most hearings are informal and last 15 minutes. Learn more here.
Can I win my case?
Only the judge can decide this 👩⚖️
Can People Clerk help me if I qualify for a fee waiver with the court?
Of course! We are a mission driven company with a goal of getting everyone their day in court.
Do you help me serve the person I sued?
Yes, we help you with 3 options:
Are small claims courts open during COVID-19?
Yes, courts are open!
What if I don't know the other person's address?
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Phone Number. Try a reverse phone number lookup. Type the phone number into a Google Search and see what you find. You can also check with "reverse phone number lookup" companies aswell. -
General Google Search. You would be surprised by what you can find on Google. Try searching their email address, old address, or previous employer. You can also check to see what you find on Linkedin (the person can be served at work) or other social media. -
Hire a skip tracer. You can also hire a 3rd party to search for where the other party may have moved to but this isn’t always successful.