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
Related Bergen County Court Resources
Frequently asked questions
What is the small claims limit in Bergen County NJ?
The small claims limit in Bergen County, New Jersey is $5,000. This is lower than neighboring states like New York ($10,000). Cases between $5,001 and $20,000 must be filed in the Special Civil Part with higher fees and more complex procedures.
Are attorneys allowed in Bergen County small claims court?
Unlike some states, attorneys ARE allowed in New Jersey small claims court. However, they're not required for cases under $5,000, and many people successfully represent themselves. PettyLawsuit helps you prepare your case professionally for just $29 plus court fees.
How long does small claims court take in Bergen County?
Small claims cases at Bergen County Justice Center typically resolve within 30-45 days from filing to judgment. After filing, the defendant has 35 days to respond, and hearings are usually scheduled within 2-3 weeks after that. This is much faster than Special Civil Part cases which can take 3-6 months.
What are the filing fees for small claims in Bergen County NJ?
Small claims filing fees at Bergen County Justice Center are: $35 for claims up to $1,000, $42 for claims $1,001-$2,500, and $54 for claims $2,501-$5,000. Additional costs include service fees ($29 for certified mail) and any post-judgment collection fees. PettyLawsuit charges just $29 to handle all paperwork (court fees apply separately).
What types of cases can I file in Bergen County small claims?
You can file these cases in Bergen County small claims: breach of contract, property damage, unpaid loans, security deposit disputes, defective goods or services, unpaid rent (landlords), auto accident damages (up to $5,000), and personal property disputes. You cannot file for eviction, divorce, defamation, or cases over $5,000.