- Claim limit
- $5,000
- Court
- Special Civil Part
- File online
- Yes (statewide)
- Appeal window
- 45 days
Small Claims Courts in New Jersey
Small Claims Desk currently supports 3 courts in New Jersey. Tap a pin or a court below for its filing details, fees, and forms.
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage, Special Civil Part — Bergen County
Bergen County Justice Center, 10 Main Street, Suite/Room 427, Hackensack, NJ 07601 - Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex Vicinage, Special Civil Part — Essex County
Essex County Hall of Records, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Suite/Room 241, Newark, NJ 07102 - Superior Court of New Jersey, Middlesex Vicinage, Special Civil Part (Landlord Tenant/Small Claims) — Middlesex County
Middlesex County Courthouse, 56 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
Serving the defendant
The court mails the summons and complaint to the defendant(s) after filing; the plaintiff does not personally serve the defendant. If mail service is unsuccessful, the plaintiff may request personal service by a Special Civil Part Officer.
- Certified and regular mail, sent by the court (N.J.S.A. 22A:2-37.1)
- Personal service by a Special Civil Part Officer
- Substituted service on the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission (motor vehicle actions)
If service is not completed before the scheduled trial date, the case will not be heard until the defendant is successfully served; an unsuccessful mail attempt requires the plaintiff to request and pay for personal service by a court officer.
Common questions
How much can I sue for in small claims court in New Jersey?
Up to $5,000, excluding costs. If your claim is larger, you can sue for the limit and waive the rest.
What court hears small claims in New Jersey?
Special Civil Part. Cases are filed in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute happened.
Who can file a small claims case in New Jersey?
Individual 18 years of age or older; Parent or guardian, if the person suing is under 18; Sole proprietorship or business (subject to attorney-representation rules for corporations in matters over $5,000 in the regular Special Civil Part).
Can I file small claims online in New Jersey?
New Jersey offers statewide e-filing through Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS). Some counties also accept in-person or mail filing.
How long do I have to appeal in New Jersey?
Generally 45 days from the judgment. Confirm the exact window for your court.
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 New Jersey judiciary self-help resources and each county's clerk of court and N.J.S.A. 22A:2-37.1 (Special Civil Part filing, service and process fees, incl. Small Claims Section). See how we verify.