(a) If a plaintiff, cross-complainant, or petitioner files an amended complaint or other amended initial pleading that changes the jurisdictional classification from limited to unlimited, the party at the time of filing the pleading shall pay the reclassification fee provided in Section 403.060, and the clerk shall promptly reclassify the case. If the amendment changes the jurisdictional classification from unlimited to limited, no reclassification fee is required, and the clerk shall promptly reclassify the case.
§ 403.020.Pleading Changes Jurisdictional Classification From Limited to Unlimited
Title 4. Of the Place of Trial, Reclassification, and Coordination of Civil Actions · Chapter 2. Reclassification of Civil Actions and Proceedings · Last amended 2002 · Last verified July 28, 2026
In one sentence§ 403.020 requires a party who amends a pleading to push a case from limited to unlimited civil status to pay a reclassification fee at the time of filing, while a move down from unlimited to limited requires no fee at all.
Full Text of § 403.020
(b) For purposes of this chapter, an amendment to an initial pleading shall be treated in the same manner as an amended initial pleading.
Plain-English Summary
An amended complaint or other amended initial pleading can change a case's jurisdictional classification. Under § 403.020(a), if the amendment pushes the case from limited to unlimited, the filing party must pay the reclassification fee under § 403.060 when the pleading is filed, and the clerk promptly reclassifies the case. If the amendment moves the case the other way, from unlimited to limited, no fee is required and the clerk reclassifies it just the same.
Subdivision (b) treats a mere amendment to an initial pleading the same as a fully amended initial pleading for purposes of this chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I owe a fee if my amended complaint raises the case above the limited civil dollar limit?
Yes -- the reclassification fee under § 403.060 is due when that amended pleading is filed.
What if my amendment lowers the case into limited civil court instead?
No reclassification fee is required in that direction.
Amendment History
Amended by Stats 2001 ch 824 (AB 1700), s 2, eff. 1/1/2002. Added September 7, 1999 (Bill Number: SB 210) (Chapter 344).
Source & verification. Section text is reproduced verbatim from
the Deering's California Codes Annotated / vLex. Enacted by the California Legislature.
Last verified July 28, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: reclassify limited to unlimited civil case californialimited civil case fee reclassification california