Monterey Courthouse
Filing information for Monterey Courthouse in Monterey, CA. Part of the Monterey County small claims court system.
Small claims in California — the numbers that apply at this court
$12,500
maximum claim
from $30
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
2–4 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full California small claims guide · The form that starts a case (SC-100): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Monterey Courthouse
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
Mailing Address
1200 Aguajito Road
Monterey, CA 93940
Hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday
Area Served
All of Monterey County for filing small claims documents.
How to File at Monterey Courthouse
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: The court uses multiple third-party Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs). Self-represented litigants are encouraged, but not required, to e-file.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideWrong court? Monterey County has 2 courts.
See all 2 courts in Monterey County →Small claims rules in California
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $12,500 · businesses up to $6,250.
Individuals limited to 2 claims over $2,500/year. Businesses limited to 2 claims over $2,500/year. Filing fee increases to $100 if you file more than 12 claims/year.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
4 yrs written contract · 2 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 2 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Monterey Courthouse?
Filing fees in California are set by the state and run from $30 to $75, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, California offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Monterey County?
Small claims cases in Monterey County are limited to $12,500. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Monterey Courthouse?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is Monterey Courthouse, and when is it open?
Monterey Courthouse is at 1200 Aguajito Road, Monterey, CA 93940. Posted hours: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Monday - Friday. Phone: (831) 647-5800. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Monterey?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.