Bergen County Small Claims Court
File small claims cases up to $5,000 at Bergen County Justice Center. Simplified procedures, quick resolution, and no attorney required.
Court Information
- 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
- (201) 527-2710
- Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Serves: All 70 Bergen County municipalities
Small Claims Facts
- Maximum claim: $5,000 (NJ limit)
- Filing fees: $35-$54
- Resolution: 30-45 days average
- Attorneys allowed but not required
PettyLawsuit makes filing simple - $29 service fee + court fees
Small Claims Court at Bergen County Justice Center is a special division designed to resolve disputes quickly and inexpensively for claims up to $5,000. Located at 10 Main Street in Hackensack, this court serves all 70 municipalities in Bergen County, New Jersey's most populous county with nearly 950,000 residents.
The court uses simplified procedures that allow regular people to present their cases without attorneys. While lawyers are permitted in New Jersey small claims court (unlike some other states), they're not required, and most people successfully represent themselves.
✓ Cases You CAN File
- Breach of contract disputes
- Property damage claims
- Security deposit disputes
- Unpaid loans or debts
- Defective goods or services
- Auto accident damages (up to $5,000)
- Unpaid rent (for landlords)
- Personal property disputes
✗ Cases You CANNOT File
- Claims over $5,000
- Eviction proceedings
- Divorce or family matters
- Defamation (libel/slander)
- Name changes
- Criminal cases
- Cases against the State of New Jersey
- Complex business disputes
Verify Your Claim Amount
Ensure your total claim is $5,000 or less. If it's more, you'll need to file in Special Civil Part ($5,001-$20,000) or Law Division (over $20,000) with different procedures and higher fees.
Complete Form DC-1
Fill out the Small Claims Complaint (Form DC-1) with defendant's information, claim amount, and a clear description of why you're owed money. PettyLawsuit can help you complete this correctly to avoid delays.
File at Bergen County Justice Center
Submit your forms at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. The clerk's office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Or file online with PettyLawsuit from anywhere.
Pay Filing Fees
Pay the required filing fee: $35 (up to $1,000), $42 ($1,001-$2,500), or $54 ($2,501-$5,000). The court accepts cash, check, or money order.
Serve the Defendant
The defendant must be legally notified. You can use certified mail ($29) or have a special process server deliver the papers (typically $50-100). The defendant has 35 days to respond.
Attend Your Hearing
Appear on your scheduled court date with all evidence (contracts, photos, receipts, witness statements). Present your case clearly to the judge. Decisions are usually made the same day.
Court Filing Fees (Required)
Service Fees (Required)
PettyLawsuit Service (Optional but Recommended)
Includes: Form preparation, filing guidance, document review, and step-by-step support
Save Time
Skip the trip to Hackensack courthouse. File from home in 15 minutes.
Avoid Mistakes
Our system ensures all New Jersey forms are completed correctly.
Clear Pricing
Just $29 service fee + court costs. No hidden charges.
Step-by-Step Guidance
We walk you through every step of the Bergen County process.
Ready to File Your Small Claims Case?
Get started with Bergen County Small Claims Court today. Our service makes filing easy and affordable.
Serving all 70 municipalities in Bergen County, NJ