What types of cases are filed in Yolo County Small Claims Court?
Many different types of cases can be filed in small claims court. Common cases are: car accidents, damage to property, some landlord tenant disputes, and contractor disputes.
Yolo County Small Claims Court Locations
Yolo County Small Claims Court cases are heard in 1 courthouse across Yolo County. The website address for Yolo County Superior Court (which will have more information for small claims court cases) is: www.yolo.courts.ca.gov. Here are the following locations where small claims cases are heard:
Main Courthouse
The Main Courthouse is located at:
725 Court St. Woodland, CA 95695The phone number is: 530-406-6901
Statute of Limitations in Small Claims Court Cases
All cases must be filed before a certain deadline called the statute of limitations. Statute of limitations is a legal term for the deadline to file a case. The time limit is different depending on the type of the case. If the plaintiff suffered personal injury, the statute is two years from the injury (or when you learned of the injury). (A child has two years from the date of his or her eighteenth birthday to file a case). If the case involves an oral contract which was broken or breached, you have two years from the date of the breach to file your action. If the contract was written, you have three years from the date the contract was breached or broken to file the case. If the defendant committed fraud, the plaintiff has three years from when the plaintiff first learned of the fraud. It is often difficult to find out when it is too late to file. It is better to file sooner, rather than later, and let the judge decide.
How long does it take my case to be heard?
Each County has its own Superior Court. The length of time between when the case is filed and when the hearing is varies for each county in California (and even within each county). Usually, the hearing for your small claims court case should be between twenty and seventy days after the case was filed. However, because of state cuts to the court’s budget, most hearings are now being set well past the seventy day mark.
How much does it cost to sue in Yolo County Small Claims Court?
The filing fee is required to be paid by the plaintiff when the claim is filed with the court. The amount of the filing fee is relative to the amount the plaintiff is seeking. If a plaintiff has filed twelve or less claims over the past twelve months, the filing fees are:
- $0 to $1,500 – $30
- $1,500 to $5,000 – $50
- $5,000 to $10,000 – $75
Once a party has filed twelve cases within twelve months, each consecutive case has a $100 filing fee.
Yolo County Small Claims Court Limits
A person cannot sue in small claims court for more than $10,000.00. A business can only sue for $5,000 or less in small claims court. A party can only file two actions that are more than $2,500 in a year. A person can file as many claims asking for $2,500 or less.
Can I hire an attorney?
No. A party cannot be represented by anyone else (including an attorney). But, you are able to consult and speak with an attorney before or after the hearing to answer questions or discuss strategy.
Yolo County Small Claims Court
Small claims court is a special court where disputes between parties are handled quickly and inexpensively. The rules for small claims court cases in Yolo County are the same for any county in California. These rules are meant to be simpler than a regular civil case so that a non-lawyer can understand and represent himself or herself in court. The person or business that files the action is the plaintiff. The person or persons who is being sued is called the defendant. For small claims court cases in California, neither the plaintiff or the defendant is allowed to hire an attorney to represent them at the hearing. But, each party can talk to and ask questions to an attorney before or after the hearing if they wish.
Can I sue in small claims court in Yolo County?
The general rule is the case or claim must be filed in the County where the defendant resides. There are a number of exceptions to this, like in an automobile accident which can also be filed in the County where the traffic collision happened. A party may file the claim in small claims court if that party is at least eighteen years old. A party can file as someone less than eighteen if he or she has been emancipated. If a plaintiff is under eighteen or mentally incompetent, a judge will appoint someone (normally a relative) as a guardian ad litem. This person only acts on their behalf with respect to that particular small claims court case.
How can I prepare for my Small Claims Court Hearing?
What is Mediation for Small Claims Court?
Your Yolo County Small Claims Court cases may be sent to mediation before it is heard at the actual trial or hearing. Mediation is a confidential, non-binding dispute resolution program where an impartial mediator attempts to bring both parties to an outcome that each side agrees to. Mediation may be offered before your trial or the very same day of the trial. Mediation is nothing to be scared of, but rather another chance for you to explain your side of the case (which will better prepare you for the actual hearing in front of the judge).
I am in dispute with Durcite, (custom countertops) & Home Depot.
The countertops/backsplash were installed March 14, 2017. The installation is poor due to defective material & faulty workmanship. The material was installed with chips, bad cuts, gauges and paint covering some of the chips. The counter top has 1/4″ gaps between the cabinet and the quartz tile. It was not installed level as to where the bar top slants. On Monday March 20th and inspector came to the home and took pictures. He told me he would write a report and the managers would take a look and get back to me. I received a call on Tuesday, 3/21 to advise me that a “Special Service Manager” would come out on Thursday, 3/23. Upon inspecting the job he did agree that there were some areas that needed repair and that perhaps they might be able to make some changes. I had called a friend (retired general contractor) to come by and take a look. When he arrived the Duracite mgr. took a different tone. My handyman used a level and pointed out to the Manager that indeed this was a very poor job and that the entire counter, backsplash & bar needed to be pulled out and done over. The manager took more pictures. He asked to please have the opportunity to mix up some material & special apoxy and fix the nicks & gauges. He said he could sand down the eased edges that have glossy paint. As for removing the entire counter top & bar he said he would have to meet with others from his department and would get back to me this week. However, he did say that he had the final decision.
He also said he hopes it would meet my standards. My standards & expectations are that I receive what I paid for and nothing less. As I pointed out to him I visited the showroom in Fairfield and I expected nothing less than what I saw there. Perfection!! I am paying over $9,000 for this kitchen upgrade. I am a single, retired woman on a fixed income and live very moderately. I have been in my home for 20 years. And make repairs as I am able to. The existing tile was broken in many places and the grout was no longer in good shape. I made this giant leap and went through Home Depot because they were offering a great deal. I had heard from friends that they too had used Durcite and they were highly recommended. I am not asking for my money back I want what I paid for. Not repairs with color & glue. If the company does not want to take out and replace the tile as I ask what is my recourse through Small Claims Court?
Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
Armida M. Wahl
Trying to fill out a claim my sons roommate dad took my furniture im still making payments on I lent to my son