New York Small Claims
Everything you need to know about filing in New York courts
General Information Only: This page provides general educational information as of January 2025. Court rules and fees change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local court or the NY Courts website.
New York
City, Town, and Village Courts
$10,000
Most courts
$10,000
NYC Civil Court
$15-$20
Plus service fees
Optional
Allowed but rare
Key Information
1Court Types
- NYC Civil Court (5 boroughs)
- City Courts (larger cities)
- Town/Village Justice Courts
- District Courts (Nassau/Suffolk)
2Who Can File
- Individuals and sole proprietors
- Partnerships
- Corporations (with some limits)
- Must be 18+ or use guardian
Common Case Types
Security Deposits
Landlord disputes
Property Damage
Auto, neighbor issues
Unpaid Services
Work not compensated
Contract Disputes
Broken agreements
Consumer Problems
Defective goods
Loan Recovery
Personal loans
Statutes of Limitations
You must file your claim within these time limits from when the issue occurred:
Filing Process Overview
Choose the Right Court
Based on where defendant lives or does business
File Your Claim
Complete claim form at clerk's office or online (NYC)
Pay Filing Fee
$15-$20 depending on court; request waiver if eligible
Defendant Gets Notice
Court usually handles service by mail
Attend Hearing
Present your case with evidence; hearings often at night
NYC Residents
New York City has its own Civil Court system with small claims parts in all 5 boroughs. Evening hours are available for working people.
NYC Small Claims CourtOfficial Resources
Find Your Local Court
New York has 62 counties with different court systems. Find the right court for your location.
View New York CountiesLegal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and may be outdated. Laws and procedures change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the New York Courts website or consult a licensed attorney. This is not legal advice. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.