California · Code of Civil Procedure - CCP

CCP §116.410: (a) Any person who is at least 18 years of age, or legally emancipated, and mentally competent may be a party to a small claims action.

What this law says, in plain English

Adults aged 18 or older who are legally emancipated and mentally competent may participate as parties in small claims court actions.

Read the full statutory text

(a) Any person who is at least 18 years of age, or legally emancipated, and mentally competent may be a party to a small claims action. (b) A minor or incompetent person may appear by a guardian ad litem appointed by a judge of the court in which the action is filed.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.