Suing In Small Claims Court

Summary

Sending a demand letter before suing in California Small Claims Court is recommended but not required. If the defendant is out of state, jurisdiction issues may arise, and you might need to file in their state. If they have property in California, the court may have jurisdiction. Consult a legal expert for specific advice.

Full Conversation

If I want to sue someone in small claims court in CA, do I have to send a demand letter first? What if they are not in CA?
Hello ****, in California:
*. Sending a demand letter is not legally required, but it is recommended.
*. If the person you're suing is out of state, California Small Claims Court might not have jurisdiction. You may have to file in the defendant's state. Check with a legal expert for your specific case.
What if they still have property in CA?
If the defendant has property in CA, the court may have jurisdiction. However, it's a complex matter. Consult a legal expert to verify this based on the specifics of your case.