What happens if I disagree with the decision in a small claims court case?
In California, if you disagree with the decision in a small claims court case, you have the right to file an appeal with the Superior Court within 30 days of the judgment. An appeal is a request to have the court review the decision of the lower court. However, it is important to be aware that appeals are costly, and usually only attempted if the outcome of the case was very significant. When filing an appeal, you will need to submit a copy of the written appeal and a Notice of Appeal to the court. The court will then set a date for a hearing, where both parties will be able to present evidence and argue their case again. After the hearing, the judge decides whether to uphold the lower court’s decision or reverse it. It is important to note that appeals in the Superior Court often take longer than the original small claims cases. If you disagree with the decision in the Superior Court, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals of California. You will need to submit a written Statement of Appeal and pay a fee for the appeal. It is important to be aware that appeals to the Court of Appeals of California are rarely granted, so it is important to understand the process before filing an appeal.
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