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Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Southern Branch: Hall of Justice and Records

Filing information for Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Southern Branch: Hall of Justice and Records in Redwood City, CA. Part of the San Mateo County small claims court system.

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California flagSmall 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

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Southern Branch: Hall of Justice and Records

400 County Center, 1st Floor, Room A

Redwood City, CA 94063

Mailing Address

400 County Center, 1st Floor, Room A

Redwood City, CA 94063

Phone: (650) 261-5100Email: smallclaims@sanmateocourt.org

Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (by appointment only)

Area Served

All of San Mateo County

How to File at Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Southern Branch: Hall of Justice and Records

E-filing available

This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.

Note: E-filing is mandatory for attorneys. Filers must select a third-party electronic filing service provider (EFSP) to file documents with the court.

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 guide

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

See the full California small claims court guide →

Common questions

How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Southern Branch: Hall of Justice and Records?

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 San Mateo County?

Small claims cases in San Mateo 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 Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Southern Branch: Hall of Justice and Records?

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 Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Southern Branch: Hall of Justice and Records, and when is it open?

Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo - Southern Branch: Hall of Justice and Records is at 400 County Center, 1st Floor, Room A, Redwood City, CA 94063. Posted hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (by appointment only). Phone: (650) 261-5100. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.

Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Redwood City?

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.