Small Claims Court: Contra Costa Superior Court

Department 54 (Richmond)

Hearings will be conducted pursuant to the Civil Emergency Local Rules.
The rules require that litigants seeking to appear remotely notify the Court and the other parties in writing.
Only parties and witnesses will be physically allowed in the courtroom.

Zoom Link: Department 54 Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 160 430 3500
Passcode: 505882
Zoom phone number: 669-254-5252 / 669-216-1590

DO NOT join a Zoom hearing unless your remote appearance request has been approved.

Department 57 (Pittsburg and Martinez)

Effective April 12, 2021, matters will be heard in-person.
Anyone who cannot personally appear for COVID-19-related health reasons only shall call or write to the Clerk’s Office, (925) 608-1000, no later than 2 court days before the hearing to request a remote appearance.

Remote appearances will be by phone only (no Zoom). The Court will initiate the phone call.

Special Rules for Remote Hearings:

Parties must serve and submit documents via drop box or overnight delivery 3 court days prior to hearing (as in current Civil Emergency Rules)
Documents will be destroyed after court renders judgment, per custom, so submit copies only
For parties who cannot/do not want to appear by ZOOM: Continuances may be requested on short notice, 5 days prior and with no fee. The department will set the matter 90 days out for a live hearing. Continuances requested for other reasons must comply with regular rules including submission of the fee.

Small Claims Courts	Addresses	Telephone No.
Martinez	725 Court Street, Martinez, CA 94553	(925) 608-1000
Pittsburg	1000 Center Drive, Pittsburg, CA 94565
Richmond	100 37th Street, Richmond, CA 94805
Where to File:	Contra Costa Court Filing Information and Locations

Amounts You May Sue For and Filing Fees
If you are: a person (this includes sole-proprietors) you may claim up to $10,000; if you are a Corporation, limited liability company or partnership, you may claim up to $5,000.
If your claim is between….	Your filing fee is:
$0 and $1,500	$30 per case
$1,501 and $5,000	$50 per case
$5,001 and $10,000	$75 per case
When you file more than 12 cases in any 12-month period, the filing fee is: $100 per case.
You are limited to filing two claims per calendar year (Jan-Dec) for more than $2,500.

Assistance and Small Claims Advisor

The Small Claims Advisor helps both plaintiffs and defendants understand how to prepare and file their court forms, follow court procedures, consider different ways to settle a case, and get ready for court. In Contra Costa County, the Small Claims Advisor holds legal information workshops in different parts of the county.
Contact the Small Claims Advisor

You will get a response within 2 weeks of your email. If you cannot wait for a response, you can follow the links below to get information that might answer some or all of your questions.

If you would like to talk to a lawyer, call the Contra Costa Bar Association at 925-825-5700. They charge a $35.00 administrative fee to schedule a half-hour consultation with an attorney.

Assistance and Small Claims Advisor

Download the Form Packet