New York Small Claims

Sherrie Bennett

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Sometimes the cost of hiring a lawyer totals more than the money you're owed. Small claims court can be a quick and inexpensive way to collect on your own. The court procedures are informal, not intimidating. And a judge, instead of a jury, usually decides the case.

Who Can Sue and Be Sued?

Any individual, business or corporation may bring a small claims suit for the recovery of money when the amount requested is $5,000 or less except in Town and Village Courts where the limit is $3,000. Even if you have a claim for a slightly greater amount, you may choose to limit it to $5,000 to take advantage of the small claims court's streamlined procedure. Attorneys are allowed, but not required.

Where Do I File a Small Claims Case?

There is at least one Small Claims Court in each of the 62 counties in New York State, including at least one in each of the five boroughs of New York City. In New York City, the Small Claims Court is part of the Civil Court of the City of New York. In Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the District Courts have Small Claims Parts. All city courts have a Small Claims Part. Town and Village Courts, with the exception of those located in Nassau County, handle Small Claims in the municipalities where they are located. You should file a small claims case in the court where the party you're suing (the "defendant") lives or, in the case of a traffic accident where the accident occurred. If your case involves a landlord-tenant dispute, you can bring the case where the home or apartment is located. The clerk of the court should be able to determine whether the address is within the boundaries of that court.

Dispute Resolution Services

Before filing a small claims case, the parties are encouraged to try to resolve their differences. Free or low-cost services are available through the court or local legal clinics. For more information, contact your local court.

How Much Does It Cost?

You must pay a filing fee of $15 for claims up to $1,000 and $20 for claims over $1,000. You also may have to pay to have the court, the sheriff's office or a local process server deliver notice of your claim to the defendant. At the time you file the claim, the clerk of the court can tell you what service options are available.

What Happens at Trial?

The trial in small claims court is between you and the defendant. Both parties must prepare their cases and bring those witnesses or other evidence (such as documents, records, photographs or drawings) to court to support their claims or defenses. Witnesses must have personal knowledge of the facts in their testimonies. Documents, records, photographs and drawings must be identified and explained by someone with personal knowledge of them.

If the defendant does not appear at trial, you will be granted a "default" judgment for the amount of your claim, plus your filing and service costs. If you fail to appear at trial, the judge will dismiss your claim.

How Do I Collect the Judgment?

If the court enters a judgment against either party, it that party's duty to pay without delay. The small claims court does not collect the judgment for you. But if the judgment is not appealed or paid within 30 days, you can start trying to collect the judgment by garnishing wages or bank accounts, or trying to locate the personal property of the person who owes the judgment. Ask the court clerk for specific court procedures to help you collect.

How Do I Appeal a Judgment Against Me?

Any appeal must be filed within 30 days of the time the judgment is entered. Detailed instructions for filing a small claims appeal are available from the clerk of the court.

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