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Forms Guide

New Jersey Small Claims FormsDC-6 Complaint & Required Documents

Master the forms needed for New Jersey small claims court. From the DC-6 Complaint to supporting documents, we guide you through each requirement.

DC-6
Main Form
5
Key Sections
35
Day Response
$5K
Max Claim

$29 service fee + court filing fees

DC-6 Complaint Form: The Main Document

Small Claims Complaint (DC-6)

Primary form for filing your case

Form Sections:

Part 1: Case Information
  • • County and docket number (clerk fills)
  • • Case caption
  • • Filing date
Part 2: Plaintiff Information
  • • Your full legal name
  • • Complete address
  • • Phone number
Part 3: Defendant Information
  • • Defendant's full legal name
  • • Service address
  • • Business name if applicable
Part 4: Claim Details
  • • Statement of facts
  • • Amount sought
  • • Basis for claim
Pro Tip: The DC-6 form combines three documents in one: the Complaint, Verification of Complaint, and Summons. Make sure to complete all sections.

Verification of Complaint

Part of the DC-6 form where you swear the information is true

  • • Sign under penalty of perjury
  • • Date your signature
  • • Print your name clearly
  • • No notarization required

Summons Section

Official notice to defendant included in DC-6

  • • Court fills this section
  • • States 35-day response time
  • • Includes court contact info
  • • Legal consequences warning

Complete Document Checklist

Required & Supporting Documents

Required Documents

  • DC-6 Complaint Form

    Fully completed and signed

  • Filing Fee

    $54-79 based on claim amount

Supporting Evidence (Bring to Hearing)

Contracts & Agreements
  • • Written contracts
  • • Lease agreements
  • • Purchase orders
  • • Service agreements
Financial Records
  • • Receipts and invoices
  • • Canceled checks
  • • Bank statements
  • • Payment records
Communications
  • • Email exchanges
  • • Text messages
  • • Written correspondence
  • • Demand letters
Visual Evidence
  • • Photographs
  • • Videos
  • • Diagrams
  • • Damage documentation
Important: Bring 3 copies of all evidence - one for you, one for the court, and one for the defendant. Original documents should be available for court inspection.

Common Form Mistakes to Avoid

Filing Errors

  • ❌ Using nicknames instead of legal names
  • ❌ Incorrect or incomplete addresses
  • ❌ Math errors in damage calculations
  • ❌ Missing signature or date
  • ❌ Filing in wrong county

Content Mistakes

  • ❌ Vague claim descriptions
  • ❌ Claiming more than $5,000
  • ❌ Including non-recoverable damages
  • ❌ Emotional arguments vs. facts
  • ❌ Missing key dates

Best Practices

  • ✓ Use full legal names for all parties
  • ✓ Double-check all addresses
  • ✓ Calculate damages precisely
  • ✓ Include specific dates and amounts
  • ✓ Keep descriptions factual and brief

Evidence Tips

  • ✓ Organize documents chronologically
  • ✓ Label all evidence clearly
  • ✓ Create an evidence list/index
  • ✓ Highlight key information
  • ✓ Prepare witness contact info

Additional Forms You May Need

Application for Default Judgment

If defendant doesn't respond within 35 days

Motion for Service by Publication

When you cannot locate the defendant

Request for Adjournment

To postpone your hearing date

Satisfaction of Judgment

When the judgment is paid in full

Note: Most cases only require the DC-6 form. Additional forms are needed only in specific situations. Court clerks can advise which forms apply to your case.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main form for NJ small claims court?

The DC-6 Complaint form is the primary document needed to file a small claims case in New Jersey's Special Civil Part. This form includes the complaint, verification, and summons.

What documents do I need for NJ small claims?

You need the DC-6 Complaint form, supporting evidence (contracts, receipts, photos), proof of damages, and defendant's information. Additional forms may be required for specific case types.

Where can I get NJ small claims forms?

Forms are available at any Special Civil Part office in New Jersey's 21 county courts, online at njcourts.gov, or through professional filing services like PettyLawsuit.