Oakland Small Claims Court
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda, Alameda County.
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda, Alameda County.
You can file at the Civil Unit in Oakland or Hayward, but the court's small claims page says cases are heard in person at the Hayward Hall of Justice, so an Oakland filing can still mean a trip to Hayward. Filing in the wrong venue can get the case dismissed and cost you the fee.
| Limit | $12,500 |
|---|---|
| Court | Superior Court of California, County of Alameda |
| Address | René C. Davidson Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612 (filing); Hayward Hall of Justice, 24405 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544 (filing and hearings) |
| Phone | 510-891-6000 |
| File online | Available through the court's e-filing system, and extra fees may apply: https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/online-services/e-filing |
| Fees | $30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 for over $1,500 up to $5,000, $75 for over $5,000 up to $12,500, and $100 if you have filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months. Fee waivers are available. |
| Timing | The state court self-help site says a trial date is typically about 1 to 2 months after filing. This court's own pages don't give a figure. |
| Serving papers | An adult who isn't in the case must serve the papers, or you can hire a registered process server. In Alameda County the marshal or sheriff serves only if you have a fee waiver. Certified mail through the clerk costs $15. Personal service is due 15 days before trial (20 if outside the county), substituted service 25 days (30 if outside). The court's guide says to file proof at least 5 court days before trial. |
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda small claims page
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General information to help you get organized, last checked November 1, 2026. It isn't legal advice, and SueYou isn't a law firm. Laws change and every case is different, so confirm anything important with a lawyer or the court. No lawyer has reviewed this page yet.