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County of Los Angeles |
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Court Fees
Who pays the fees?
You must pay the court, the Sheriff and the Secretary of State for their services. If you win, the court may include these costs as part of your judgment.
If you cannot pay the fees
If you cannot afford to pay the court fees, you may file a Request to Waive Court Fees form with the Clerk’s office. You must include personal financial information for the court to consider your request.
SMALL CLAIMS FEES
Filing Fee
The filing fee for a Plaintiff’s Claim and Defendant's Claim is based on the amount you are suing for. The filing fees are:
Amount of Your Claim |
Filing Fee |
|---|---|
$0- $1500 |
$30 |
$1500.01- $5000 |
$50 |
*$5000.01- $10,000 |
$75 |
**Frequent Filer |
$100 |
*Only individuals, not businesses, can sue for this amount. |
|
Additional Court Fees
Request for Postponement |
$10 |
Plaintiff's Request for Postponement |
no fee |
Request for Court Order |
no fee |
Service by Clerk (Certified Mail) |
$10 |
Motion to Vacate |
$20 |
Judgment Debtor Hearing |
$40 |
Application for Renewal of Judgment |
$30 |
Request to Pay Judgment to Court |
$20 |
Request to Pay Judgment in Installments |
no fee |
Notice of Appeal |
$75 |
Certified copies |
$25 |
Miscellaneous fees
Issuing Writ of Execution |
$25 |
Issuing Abstract of Judgment |
$25 |
Searching records or files, per file |
$15 |
L.A. COUNTY SHERIFF FEES
Some court papers require a copy to be served to the other party. The Sheriff’s Department can do this for you. Their fees are as follows:
Service of Plaintiff’s Claim |
$35 |
Service of Defendant’s Claim |
$35 |
Order for Appearance |
$35 |
Subpoena |
$35 |
Earnings Withholding |
$30 |
Bank Levy |
$35 |
Till Tap |
$85 |
Keeper — 8 Hours |
$300 |
Keeper — 12 Hours |
$450 |
Vehicle Levy |
$975 |
Bench Warrant — Varies depending on the type of case |
$50-120 |
SECRETARY OF STATE FEES
If a corporation is served through the Secretary of State by the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, the fees are:
Secretary of State, including Certificate of Service |
$55 |
Sacramento County Sheriff |
$60 |
Contact us for more information or speak with one of our counselors at (800) 593-8222. If you live outside of Southern California, call us at (213) 974-9759.
Updated Jan. 20, 2012
For more information:
County of Los Angeles Department of Consumer Affairs
B-96 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 W. Temple Street *
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2706
Telephone (800) 593-8222 (within LA County)
web site: dca.lacounty.gov