Joshua Tree District Small Claims - Joshua Tree, CA
Courthouse in San Bernardino County, CA
Last updated at 2022-05-18T21:02:33.120Z
Important information
Courthouse info
Address
6527 White Feather Road, Joshua Tree CA 92252
Hours of operation
The hours of operation for the San Bernardino-Joshua Tree Courthouse are Monday-From from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Court fees
Up to $100
Contact info
Clerk phone number
(760) 974-3047
JoshuaTree@sb-court.org
Mailing Address
6527 White Feather Road, Joshua Tree CA 92252
General info
If you want to sue another party for a complaint like personal injury, property damage, or breach of contract, you might choose the San Bernardino Small Claims Court. Small claims cases have a cap of $10,000 for damages, but it's a very straightforward way to sue another party. Here's what you need to know about filing a small claims case in San Bernardino, California.
How to Contact San Bernardino Small Claims Court
Judges don't decide San Bernardino small claims cases at the county's main branch in San Bernardino. Rather, judges hear small claims cases in the cities of Barstow, Fontana, and Joshua Tree.
You'll use one of these three courthouses at the bottom of the page when the person or company you want to sue lives or conducts business in San Bernardino County.
Uses for San Bernardino Small Claims Court
Small claims court is a convenient venue when you want to sue someone and you don't want to spend years in court or secure a million-dollar settlement. You may sue another party for personal injury, property damage, or contract disputes, as well as for other reasons, like tenant/landlord disputes.
What Other Cases are Filed at the San Bernardino Small Claims Court
The Barstow District Courthouse hears small claims, family law, and traffic cases. The Fontana District Courthouse hears traffic and small claims cases. The Joshua Tree District Courthouse hears criminal, family law, small claims, and traffic court cases.
Alternative Locations for San Bernardino Small Claims Court
You have three choices for filing a small claims court case in San Bernardino. You can contact each courthouse to determine which location should hear your case. However, in most cases, the courthouse closest to you, the entity you're suing, or the location where they conduct business is the filing location you should choose.
What Types of Cases are Filed at the San Bernardino Small Claims Court?
Small claims cases are varied and include claims for property damage, disputes between landlords and tenants, and fights with homeowner associations (HOAs). You may also decide to file in small claims court if a neighbor damages your home, you have a dispute with a contractor who did work on your home, or you believe someone owes you money for a service or product you provided.
How Long Does It Take to File a Case?
Small claims court offers a streamlined approach to settling a legal dispute. Unlike traditional civil cases, small claims court cases usually take no more than a few months before you receive a decision from the judge. The court usually sets a date for a hearing about a month after you file your initial paperwork.
What is the Maximum I Can Sue for in Small Claims Court?
You can sue for a maximum of $10,000 in small claims court in California.
What Do I Have to Pay for in Small Claims Court?
Fees for small claims court range from $30 to $75 and are based on the amount you seek in the lawsuit.
- Cases from $0.01 to $1,500 cost $30 to file.
- Cases greater than $1,500 but less than $5,000, pay $50 to file.
- Any case over $5,000 pays a $75 filing fee.
What to Expect for Small Claims Court Hearings
You won't have a lawyer representing you in small claims court, which means you must handle all of the preparation on your own. You won't need to know a lot of legal and technical jargon, but you should familiarize yourself with the standard procedures of a small claims court case.
You can expect to arrive at court the day of your hearing and sit among many other litigants. The court will hear several cases, one after the other. Each case will only take about fifteen minutes unless extraordinary circumstances exist.
How to Prepare for Small Claims Court
Prepare for your small claims court date as if you held a law degree. Dress professionally, practice what you want to say to the judge, and ensure your paperwork is in excellent order. Bring extra copies of everything for the judge and the opposing party and any witnesses you might call.
Sometimes, the County of San Bernardino offers workshops to help you prepare for court. They post those opportunities on the county's official court website.
FAQs & Notes About Small Claims Court
Can I use a lawyer in small claims court?
You represent yourself in small claims court. However, the advice of a lawyer may help if you decide to file in regular civil court.
Should I file in Los Angeles, Riverside, or San Bernardino County?
File your case in the county where your opponent does business or resides.
How long do I have to file my case?
Two to four years, depending on your complaint. The deadline for oral contracts is two years. Meanwhile, written contracts have a four-year deadline.
Helpful to know
Judge info
The presiding judge is the honorable John W. Burdick. Burdick is a graduate of the Western Michigan Cooley School of Law. Prior to being appointed to the bench in 2017, Burdick worked in private practice, where he was a managing partner at a number of firms. He was also on the East Desert District Conflict Panel for many years.
Parking info
Public parking is available at the parking lot located at the north entrance of the courthouse.
Busiest time
The busiest time of day at the Joshua Tree courthouse is the early morning during the hours of 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. from Monday-Friday.
Transit direction
If taking public transit to the Joshua Tree courthouse, the Morongo Basin Transit Authority has lines and routes that will take passengers in the direction of the courthouse. More information regarding public transportation lines from Mongo Basin Transit Authority can be found at this website.
Driving direction
The Joshua Tree Court is located on the corner of Highway 62 and White Feather Road. If traveling from the West, take the I-10 freeway to Highway 62 and drive about 30 miles further. If traveling from the East, take Highway 62 or National Trails Highway until you reach Highway 62. You will find the courthouse in the Government Center.
Food nearby
If looking for a meal, Natural Sisters Cafe serves vegetarian cuisine with an emphasis on salads and sandwiches. Located on Twentynine Palms Highway, Natural Sisters Cafe is only a four minute drive from the Joshua Tree Courthouse. Crossroads Cafe is also located on Twentynine Palms Highway and serves traditional American diner food. For a quick cup of coffee, Joshua Tree Coffee Company serves freshly roasted coffee. Also located on Twentynine Palms Highway, Joshua Tree Coffee Company is a short drive from the courthouse.
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