The forms you need
To open a small claims case in North Carolina you file the court's claim form and a service/summons form:
- The court's claim form (Statement of Claim, Complaint, or Petition — your court's term)
- Summons / notice to the defendant
- Proof/return of service
Terminology and layout vary by county in North Carolina. The blank forms are free; getting the wording right is what keeps your case from being sent back. We supply your county's current forms, completed with your claim.
If your claim is based on a written agreement, a copy generally must be attached.
Get your county's forms
Small claims is filed at the county level. Pick your county for its court, fee, and forms — or start your claim and we'll ask where you'd sue.
- Mecklenburg County Small Claims Court
- Wake County Small Claims Court
- Guilford County Small Claims Court
- Durham County Small Claims Court
- Forsyth County Small Claims Court
- Buncombe County Small Claims Court
- Cumberland County Small Claims Court
- New Hanover County Small Claims Court
- Gaston County Small Claims Court
- Cabarrus County Small Claims Court
- Johnston County Small Claims Court
- Onslow County Small Claims Court
- Pitt County Small Claims Court
- Iredell County Small Claims Court
- Rowan County Small Claims Court
- Davidson County Small Claims Court
- Catawba County Small Claims Court
- Randolph County Small Claims Court
- Union County Small Claims Court
- Harnett County Small Claims Court
- Nash County Small Claims Court
- Cleveland County Small Claims Court
Common questions
What forms do I need for small claims in North Carolina?
The court's claim form plus a summons/service form, filed in Small Claims Court. Some counties add a return-of-service form.
What is the North Carolina small claims form called?
It depends on the county and court — often a Statement of Claim, Complaint, or Petition. We use your court's exact term.
Where do I get North Carolina small claims forms?
From the county court that will hear your case. We keep the current version for each supported county.
Your small claims filing packet — $49
Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:
- Your court's own forms, with your claim written in the language the court expects
- A demand letter built from the same facts
- A filing checklist with your court's address, hours, and fee
- What to bring to your hearing
Answer a few questions first. See your claim written out before you pay anything.
Not sure this fits your situation? Ask us about it — we answer by email, and it costs nothing.
Reviewed by Small Claims Desk · Last reviewed 2026-08-23 · Sourced from North Carolina judiciary self-help resources and each county's clerk of court and N.C.G.S. §7A-210 (small claim action defined; $10,000 amount-in-controversy ceiling). See how we verify.