How to File Court Papers Bergen County NJ
Complete guide to filing your case at Bergen County Justice Center. Serving all 70 municipalities in Bergen County.
Bergen County Justice Center Information
Court Location
- 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
- (201) 527-2700
- Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Paid parking nearby
Court Divisions
- Small Claims: Up to $5,000
- Special Civil: $5,001-$20,000
- Law Division: Over $20,000
- Serves 950,000+ residents
Small Claims Court (Recommended for most)
Claims up to $5,000
- ✓ Simplified procedures - no legal jargon
- ✓ No attorney required (though allowed in NJ)
- ✓ Quick resolution (30-45 days)
- ✓ Lower filing fees ($35-$54)
- ✓ Use Form DC-1
Special Civil Part
Claims $5,001 - $20,000
- • More complex procedures
- • Discovery process may apply
- • Attorney often beneficial
- • Higher filing fees ($105-$200)
- • Use Form DC-2
Law Division
Claims over $20,000
- • Full civil procedure rules
- • Extensive discovery required
- • Attorney strongly recommended
- • Highest filing fees ($250+)
- • Complex forms required
Small Claims Forms
- • DC-1: Small Claims Complaint
- • DC-86: Proof of Service
- • DC-91: Default Judgment Request
Special Civil Forms
- • DC-2: Special Civil Complaint
- • DC-48: Summons
- • DC-86: Proof of Service
Where to Get Forms:
- In Person: Bergen County Justice Center, 10 Main Street, Hackensack
- Online: New Jersey Courts website (njcourts.gov)
- PettyLawsuit: We generate all forms automatically for you
Accurate form completion is crucial to avoid delays or dismissal. Here's what you'll need:
Essential Information Required:
- Your Information: Full legal name, address, phone number
- Defendant's Information: Full name, current address (critical for service)
- Claim Amount: Exact dollar amount plus any interest or costs
- Case Description: Clear, factual statement of what happened
- Date of Incident: When the dispute occurred
Filing In Person
Location
10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Civil Division, Room 119
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed weekends and holidays
Parking
Paid parking in nearby garages
Metered street parking available
Filing Online with PettyLawsuit
- File from anywhere, anytime
- No travel to Hackensack required
- Forms completed correctly
- Just $29 + court fees
What to Bring for In-Person Filing:
- ✓ Completed forms (original + 3 copies)
- ✓ Filing fee payment (cash, check, money order)
- ✓ Photo ID
- ✓ All supporting documents
- ✓ Defendant's current address
- ✓ Case number (if applicable)
Filing Fee Schedule
Payment Methods Accepted
- ✓ Cash (exact change recommended)
- ✓ Personal check
- ✓ Money order
- ✓ Certified check
- ✗ Credit cards NOT accepted at counter
Additional Costs
- • Service by mail: $29
- • Process server: $50-100
- • Motion filing: $50
- • Certified copies: $10
- • PettyLawsuit service: $29
Service Options in New Jersey
Certified Mail (Recommended)
Best for most small claims cases
- • Return receipt provides proof
- • Works if defendant accepts mail
- • Fastest and cheapest option
Special Process Server
For hard-to-serve defendants
- • Professional serves papers personally
- • Multiple attempts if needed
- • Provides affidavit of service
Sheriff Service
Official county service
- • Bergen County Sheriff delivers
- • May take 2-4 weeks
- • Good for local defendants
What to Bring to Court
- ✓ All original documents
- ✓ Copies for the judge and defendant
- ✓ Photos or physical evidence
- ✓ Witness list with contact info
- ✓ Contracts or agreements
- ✓ Receipts and invoices
- ✓ Communication records
- ✓ Timeline of events
Courtroom Tips
- • Dress professionally
- • Arrive 30 minutes early
- • Address judge as "Your Honor"
- • Speak clearly and stick to facts
- • Bring pen and paper for notes
Timeline to Resolution
- • Filing to service: 1-7 days
- • Response period: 35 days
- • Hearing scheduled: 2-3 weeks
- • Total time: 30-45 days average
- • Judgment issued: Same day usually
Skip the Courthouse Trip - File Online Today
PettyLawsuit handles all the paperwork for Bergen County Justice Center. File from home in 15 minutes for just $29 plus court fees.
Serving all 70 Bergen County municipalities
Frequently asked questions
How do I file court papers at Bergen County Justice Center?
To file court papers at Bergen County Justice Center: 1) Determine your case type - Small Claims (up to $5,000), Special Civil Part ($5,001-$20,000), or Law Division (over $20,000), 2) Complete the appropriate forms (DC-1 for small claims), 3) Visit the courthouse at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, 4) Pay filing fees ($35-250), 5) Serve the defendant within required timeframes.
Can I file court documents online in Bergen County NJ?
Yes, you can file court documents online for Bergen County through services like PettyLawsuit. This saves you a trip to the Hackensack courthouse and ensures all New Jersey court forms are properly completed. PettyLawsuit charges $29 for this service plus court filing fees.
What forms do I need for small claims in Bergen County?
For small claims at Bergen County Justice Center, you need Form DC-1 (Small Claims Complaint) for cases up to $5,000. You'll also need proof of service forms after filing. For Special Civil Part cases, you need Form DC-2. PettyLawsuit automatically generates all required New Jersey forms for you.
Where is Bergen County Justice Center located?
Bergen County Justice Center is located at 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. The courthouse is open Monday-Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Phone: (201) 527-2700. Paid parking is available in nearby garages and metered street parking.
Which court division should I file in Bergen County?
In Bergen County: File in Small Claims Court for disputes up to $5,000 (simplified procedures, no attorneys required), Special Civil Part for $5,001-$20,000 (more complex, attorneys allowed), or Law Division for over $20,000 (full civil procedures, attorneys recommended). Each has different forms and fees.