Small Claims Court, or “The People’s Court”, is where claimants can take cases for a quicker and more simple resolution of a civil dispute. In this court, you also do not need a lawyer to represent you.
In the State of New York, a Small Claims Court case is for money only, which cannot exceed five thousand dollars.
Possible Small Claims Court Cases:
- Damage to an automobile or other personal property
- Breach of a contract, lease, warranty, or agreement
- Bounced check
- Loss of luggage, property, time from work, or use of property
- Failure to provide proper repairs, services, or merchandise
- Failure to pay for services rendered, salary, or rent
- Failure to return security deposit, property, or money loaned
How to Start a Small Claims Court Case
- Go to the Small Claims Court Clerk’s office based on your county location, and fill out a statement of claim. You can also file a statement online.
- Pay the court fee. If your claim is for an amount up to and including $1,000.00, there is a fee of $15.00. If your claim is for an amount over $1,000.00 and up to $10,000.00, there is a fee of $20.00. The fee must be paid by cash, certified check, money order or bank check made out to “Clerk of the Civil Court.”
- The clerk will give you a date for the hearing, and the defendant in your case will be served with a notice of the claim by mail.
Free Small Claims Court Legal Advice
Although you do not need a lawyer to represent you in Small Claims Court, it is always good to know your options, and gain more general legal knowledge about the case.
Through IDG Legal, you have access to a preferred and networked lawyer who will help you prepare for your case for FREE. To get assistance, fill out a form here.
