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Inyo County, California · Small claims court · Updated Oct 2026

Small claims court in Inyo County, California

In Inyo County, small claims cases up to $12,500 are heard by more than one court: 2 courthouses hear small claims. You must file with the one that serves the right area. Below is one of them, the Superior Court of California, County of Inyo (Small Claims) - Bishop Courthouse, with a link to the official list.

$12,500Most you can sue for
$30–$75Filing fee (state figure; confirm with the clerk)
No lawyersEach side speaks for itself at the hearing
1–2 monthsTypical wait to the hearing

Where to file in Inyo County

One of several courts in Inyo County: 2 courthouses hear small claims. Find the right one: Official court directory.

Superior Court of California, County of Inyo (Small Claims) - Bishop Courthouse

Address: 301 West Line Street, Bishop, CA 93514 · Map

Phone: 760-872-3038

2 courthouses hear small claims: also Independence Courthouse (168 North Edwards Street, Independence, CA 93526). Check the court's small claims page for which courthouse handles your case.

Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.

Is this the right county?

Usually the county where the defendant lives or does business, where the contract was signed, or where the damage happened. Use the defendant's exact legal name.

If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all California counties.

How to file in Inyo County

  1. Ask for payment in writing

    California requires you to ask the other side to pay before you file, where you reasonably can. Make a free demand letter.

  2. Fill in the claim (SC-100)

    Plaintiff's Claim and Order to Go to Small Claims Court Get the form.

  3. File it with the right court and pay the fee

    $30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 up to $5,000, and $75 above that ($100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months). Serving the papers costs extra. Fee waiver: Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001).

  4. Have the papers served

    You cannot hand the papers over yourself. Use the sheriff, an adult who isn't part of the case, a process server, or certified mail through the clerk, then file a Proof of Service (form SC-104).

  5. Go to the hearing

    About 1 to 2 months after you file. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.

Want every detail? The full California filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.

Open the filing guide

Common questions

Where is small claims court in Inyo County?

Inyo County has more than one small claims court (2 courthouses hear small claims). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Superior Court of California, County of Inyo (Small Claims) - Bishop Courthouse, 301 West Line Street, Bishop, CA 93514. Phone: 760-872-3038. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://courts.ca.gov/find-my-court

How much can I sue for in Inyo County small claims court?

Up to $12,500. People and sole proprietors can sue for up to $12,500; businesses and public entities for up to $6,250. You can file any number of claims up to $2,500, but only two claims over $2,500 per calendar year.

How much does it cost to file in Inyo County?

$30 for claims up to $1,500, $50 up to $5,000, and $75 above that ($100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in the past 12 months). Serving the papers costs extra. Fee waiver: Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001).

Other California counties