pettylawsuit
Verified Court Information
Updated February 2026

Small Claims Court New JerseyFile Your Case in Any of 21 County Courts

$5,000
Small Claims Limit
$54-79
Filing Fees
35 Days
Response Time
21
County Courts

File your small claims case in New Jersey's Special Civil Part with professional assistance. We handle the DC-6 forms, service requirements, and filing procedures while you focus on your case.

$29 service fee + court filing fees

About New Jersey Small Claims Court

New Jersey handles small claims through the Special Civil Part of the Superior Court, Law Division. The Small Claims Section specifically handles cases up to $5,000, while the broader Special Civil Part handles cases up to $20,000. With 21 county courts across the state, you can file in the county where the defendant resides or where the dispute occurred.

Like Connecticut, New Jersey does not allow jury trials in small claims cases. All cases are heard by a judge who will make a decision based on the evidence presented. The defendant has 35 days to respond to your complaint after being served, providing a clear timeline for case resolution.

No Jury Trials

Cases decided by judge only

35-Day Response

Clear timeline for defendants

Defendant's County

File where defendant lives

What Can You Claim?

Eligible Claims (Up to $5,000)

  • • Security deposit disputes
  • • Unpaid rent or loans
  • • Property damage claims
  • • Breach of contract
  • • Consumer complaints
  • • Auto accident damages
  • • Professional service disputes

Not Allowed

  • • Claims over $5,000 (in small claims)
  • • Eviction proceedings
  • • Criminal matters
  • • Family court issues
  • • Defamation cases
  • • Professional malpractice
  • • Estate matters

Ready to File Your Small Claims Case in New Jersey?

Let us handle the paperwork and filing procedures while you focus on your case. Professional service, flat-rate pricing, and peace of mind.

$29 service fee + court filing fees