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California: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 10 topic we track for California on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how California compares.
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Malpractice rules · Small claims limits · Small estate limits · Debt time limits · Shared fault rules · Medicaid expansion · ACA marketplace · Claim deadlines · Estate and inheritance tax
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
| Medical malpractice | 3 years (1 yr after discovery) |
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| Wrongful death | 2 years |
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| Damage cap | $470,000 noneconomic; $650,000 in death cases (2026, rising each year to 2033) |
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| Expert affidavit or certificate | Not required |
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| Before you sue | 90-day notice of intent to sue before filing (CCP 364) |
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| Dollar limit | $12,500 (individuals); $6,250 (businesses) |
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| Filing fee | $30, $50 or $75 |
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| Lawyers | Not at the hearing |
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| Small estate limit | $208,850 personal property (deaths on or after Apr. 1, 2025) |
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| Wait after death | 40 days |
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| Real estate | Home up to $750,000 by court petition; other real estate up to $69,625 by affidavit |
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| Credit cards / open accounts | 4 years |
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| Written contracts | 4 years |
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| Promissory notes | 6 years |
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| Rule | Pure comparative negligence |
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| When you are barred | Up to 99% at fault: damages reduced by your share |
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| Expanded? | Yes |
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| Since | Jan. 1, 2014 |
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| Marketplace type | State-run marketplace |
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| Where to enroll | Covered California |
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| Acknowledge | 15 days |
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| Accept or deny | 40 days after proof of claim |
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| Pay | 30 days for undisputed amounts |
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| Estate tax | No state estate tax |
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| Inheritance tax | No inheritance tax |
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