Civil
Civil cases involve claims by one party or individual against another for wrongs committed or damages caused.
A civil matter may include a lawsuit in which one party sues another to recover money or property, enforce a contract or obligation, collect damages for an injury, or protect a civil right. Examples of civil cases include claims for personal injuries resulting from automobile accidents, alleged wrongful termination of employment, evictions from residential or commercial properties, or disputes over the use of an easement.
Civil lawsuits (excluding family, juvenile, probate, unlawful detainer, and civil harassment cases) are generally divided into three categories based on the amount of money involved:
Amendments to CA law effective January 1, 2024 (SB-71), have amended the jurisdictional damage and controversy amounts for civil case jurisdictions. The updated amounts are reflected below:
| When the dollar amount is... | This case is usually called a... |
|---|---|
| Under $12,500 | Small Claims case |
| Between $0 and $35,000 | Limited Jurisdiction Civil case |
| Over $35,000 | Unlimited Jurisdiction Civil case |
Small Claims
Small claims court is a special court where disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively. In small claims court, the rules are simplified and the hearing is informal. Attorneys are generally not allowed.
In general, claims are limited to disputes up to $6,250. However, natural persons (individuals) can claim up to $12,500.
View the Small Claims Page for Additional Information »
Limited Civil
A general civil case that involves a lawsuit that amounts to $35,000 or less to recover money or property, enforce a contract, collect damages for injury, or to protect some civil right. For further information, visit the California Courts' Self-Help page on Cases for $35,000 or less.
Unlimited Civil
A general civil case that involves a lawsuit for amounts over $35,000 to recover money or property, enforce a contract, collect damages for injury, or to protect some civil right. For further information, visit the California Courts' Self-Help page on Cases for Over $35,000.
Landlord/Tenant Evictions (Unlawful Detainer)
Keeping possession of real property without a legal right—such as staying after a lease has expired, after being served with a notice to quit for non-payment of rent or other breach of lease, or squatting on the property—entitles the property owner to file a lawsuit for "unlawful detainer." This legal action requests a court order for possession of the property, as well as unpaid rent and damages. Unlawful detainer lawsuits are used to evict a tenant or occupier without legal rights, declare a breach of lease, and obtain a judgment for repossession, unpaid rent, and other damages. These cases take priority over most other legal matters and are scheduled for trial promptly.
Other disputes between landlords and tenants, such as disagreements about the return of a security deposit, are typically handled in small claims court.
For additional information, see the California Courts' Self-Help pages on Eviction cases and Guide to security deposits.
Abuse & Harassment (Restraining Orders)
There are different types of civil restraining orders, each with their own eligibility requirements and steps to obtain. See the Restraining Order page for additional information.
Name Change
To obtain a court order to change your name or your child's name, you must file a petition in the Superior Court in the county where you reside. Once the court order is granted, you can use it to update the name on documents such as the birth certificate, passport, Social Security card, driver's license, and other records.
After filing your petition, you will receive a court hearing date. Before the hearing, you must publish a legal notice in a newspaper of general circulation for four consecutive weeks, one day per week.
If you are requesting a name change for your child, you must also serve the other parent personally at least 30 days before the hearing, allowing them the opportunity to appear in court if they do not agree with the name change. If both parents agree, they can sign the petition together to request the name change for their child.
For more details, visit the California Courts' Self-Help page: Change your name in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
A civil case is a lawsuit in which one party sues another. Civil matters encompass a range of issues, including small claims, general civil cases, conservatorships, probate, family law, adoption, and juvenile compromises.
A civil case may be filed by a party for the following purposes:
- To enforce a contract or agreement
- To collect damages for harm to their person or property
- To recover money or property
- To protect a civil right
Generally, civil lawsuits are divided into three categories based on the amount of money involved in the case. Examples of cases typically excluded from this categorization include unlawful detainer, juvenile, civil harassment, probate, and family law matters.
- When the dollar amount involved is under $12,500, the case is usually referred to as a Small Claims case.
- When the dollar amount is less than or equal to $35,000, it is classified as a limited jurisdiction civil case.
- When the dollar amount exceeds $35,000, it is considered an unlimited jurisdiction civil case.
You can file documents in Civil cases by visiting the Clerk's Office in Room 104 of the Plumas Courthouse at 520 Main Street in Quincy, CA. Ensure all documents are signed, dated, organized and stapled. The clerk cannot accept copies which are not organized and stapled.
- You will need to file with the clerk the original set off documents that are organized, two-hole punched, and stapled, along with the appropriate number of copies.
- Check the Statewide Civil Fee Schedule to be sure you have included the proper filing fees or submit a Request to Waive Court Fees.
No, at this time, the Plumas Superior Court does not accept filings by fax.
Litigants meeting statutory income limitations may be eligible for a waiver of court fees and costs. A Request to Waive Court Fees must be filed with the first documents the litigant presents for filing in a case. The Request is reviewed by a judge and a determination is made as to whether the litigant is eligible for the waiver. A clerk may also grant a fee waiver based on certain information. Please review the California Court's Self-Help page on asking for a fee waiver for additional information.
Yes, contact the Language Access Representative at (530) 283-6305 for assistance.
Yes, you can request copies through the Clerk's Office; either online, in person, or by mail. For more information and to submit a request online, visit the Record Searches page.
See the Remote Appearances page for information on remote appearances. Zoom and CourtCall (telephonic) appearances are permitted for certain circumstances in Civil cases.
Certain forms, procedures, and time constraints for filing, serving, and complying with applicable rules may apply and need to be completed in advance of your proceeding. Visit the Remote Appearances page for additional information.