How to File Court Papers in Nassau County, NY
Complete guide to filing documents at Nassau County District Court's 5 locations. From small claims to civil actions.
Nassau County District Court Filing Overview
$29 service fee + court filing fees
Step 1: Choose Your Court Location
Nassau County has 5 District Court locations. File where the defendant lives or where the incident occurred.
1st District Court
99 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
Serves: Western Hempstead area including Garden City, Franklin Square
2nd District Court
99 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
Serves: Eastern Hempstead area including Uniondale, Roosevelt
3rd District Court
435 Middle Neck Road, Great Neck, NY 11023
Serves: North Hempstead including Great Neck, Manhasset, Port Washington
4th District Court
1050 Franklin Avenue, Hewlett, NY 11557
Serves: Five Towns area including Hewlett, Lawrence, Cedarhurst
Nassau County Traffic Court
16 Cooper Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
Serves: Traffic violations throughout Nassau County
Step 2: Determine Your Case Type
- No attorneys required
- Evening court sessions
- Simple forms (Small Claims Application)
- Filing fee: $15-20
- Quick resolution (30-60 days)
- Attorneys allowed
- Regular business hours
- Formal complaint required
- Filing fee: $45-95
- Longer process (3-12 months)
- Complex litigation
- Attorney typically required
- Multiple court appearances
- Higher filing fees
- Extended timeline (1-3 years)
Step 3: Complete Filing Process
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Collect contracts, receipts, photos, emails, witness statements, and any evidence supporting your claim.
Step 2: Complete Court Forms
Small Claims: Fill out Small Claims Application. Civil Actions: Prepare formal complaint with all required information.
Step 3: Make Copies
Make at least 3 copies of all documents: one for court, one for defendant, one for your records.
Step 4: Visit Court or File Online
Go to the appropriate Nassau County District Court location or use PettyLawsuit to file online.
Step 5: Pay Filing Fees
Small claims: $15-20. Civil actions: $45-95. Payment by cash, check, or money order.
Step 6: Get Court Date
Small claims: Evening session scheduled. Civil actions: Regular court date assigned.
Step 7: Serve the Defendant
Choose certified mail ($6) for economy or personal service ($40) for reliability.
Step 8: Prepare for Court
Organize evidence, practice presentation, arrive early on court date.
Forms Required for Nassau County Filing
- Small Claims Application
- Affidavit of Service
- Request for Default Judgment
- Civil Complaint
- Civil Summons
- Affidavit of Service
- Verification
- Execution
- Information Subpoena
- Income Execution
- Non-Payment Petition
- Holdover Petition
- Notice of Petition
Do's - Best Practices
- Verify jurisdiction before filing - call (516) 493-3000 if unsure
- Keep copies of everything you file
- File within statute of limitations (6 years for contracts in NY)
- Arrive early to court - parking can be challenging
- Bring payment method for fees (cash, check, money order)
Don'ts - Common Mistakes
- Don't file in wrong court location - cases may be dismissed
- Don't forget to serve defendant within time limits
- Don't bring attorneys to small claims court
- Don't file claims over jurisdictional limits
- Don't submit incomplete or unsigned forms
Skip the Courthouse Trip - File Online Today
PettyLawsuit handles all Nassau County District Court filings remotely
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Court-accepted documents
Only $29 service fee + court filing fees