New Jersey Small Claims Court FeesComplete Cost Breakdown & Calculator
Understand all costs involved in filing your NJ small claims case. From court fees to service costs, know exactly what you'll pay.
$29 service fee + court filing fees
Court Filing Fees by Claim Amount
| Claim Amount | Court Division | Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $1,000 | Small Claims | $54 |
| $1,001 - $5,000 | Small Claims | $79 |
| $5,001 - $15,000 | Special Civil | $129 |
| $15,001 - $20,000 | Special Civil | $179 |
Service & Additional Fees
Service Methods & Costs
Additional Court Costs
Total Cost Examples
Small Claim ($800)
Typical Claim ($3,000)
Complex Case ($10,000)
Cost Comparison: DIY vs Attorney
| Filing Method | Time Required | Success Rate | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
DIY Filing Self-representation | 8-12 hours | 65% | $77-189 |
PettyLawsuit Service Professional filing help | 30 minutes | 85% | $106-218 |
Attorney (Hourly) $250-400/hour | N/A | 90% | $2,000-5,000 |
Attorney (Contingency) 33% of winnings | N/A | 90% | $1,650* |
*Based on $5,000 maximum claim at 33% contingency
Attorney Costs
Most attorneys won't take cases under $10,000 due to low profit margins
Time Investment
DIY filing requires multiple court visits and significant research time
Best Value
Professional filing service offers attorney-level success at DIY prices
Court Payment Methods
Accepted Payment Types
- Cash (exact change recommended)
- Money order (payable to "Clerk of Court")
- Certified check
- Attorney trust account check
- Credit/debit cards (some courts only)
Payment Tips
- Personal checks often not accepted
- Get receipt for all payments
- Pay early in day to avoid lines
- Keep payment receipts for records
- Fees are non-refundable
Can You Recover Court Costs?
Yes! Court Costs Are Recoverable
If you win, the defendant typically pays your court costs
Recoverable Costs:
- ✓ Court filing fees
- ✓ Service of process fees
- ✓ Witness fees
- ✓ Subpoena costs
- ✓ Certified mail expenses
- ✓ Deposition costs (if taken)
Non-Recoverable:
- ✗ Your time/lost wages
- ✗ Travel expenses
- ✗ Parking fees
- ✗ Attorney fees (usually)
- ✗ Document preparation services
- ✗ Expert witness fees (usually)
File Smart, Save Money
Don't overpay for legal representation on small claims. Get professional filing help at a fraction of attorney costs with the same high success rate.
$29 service fee + court filing fees
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file small claims in New Jersey?
Filing fees in NJ small claims court are $54 for claims up to $1,000 and $79 for claims $1,001-$5,000. For Special Civil Part cases $5,001-$15,000, the fee is $129.
What are the service fees for NJ small claims?
Service fees in New Jersey are $8-15 for certified mail service and $40+ for personal service by sheriff or process server.
Is it cheaper to file small claims without a lawyer?
Yes, filing without a lawyer saves thousands. Attorney fees typically range from $2,000-$5,000 for small claims cases, while self-filing costs under $150 total.