Question 1 of 8. Carries forward to the intake.
- Claim limit
- $5,000
- Filing fee
- $35
- Court
- Special Civil Part
- File online
- Yes
Bergen County filing fees
Source: njcourts.gov: /self-help/small-claims-court, /self-help/special-civil-court, /public/directories/court-services/special-civil-part-offices-dir, /courts/vicinages/bergen, statewide forms CN 10290/10532/10533/10534/10837, and statewide fee schedule CN 11112
| Your claim | You pay |
|---|---|
| Under $5,000 | $35 |
Fees change — confirm the current amount with the clerk at 201-221-0700 before you file.
Where to file
Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage, Special Civil Part
Bergen County Justice Center, 10 Main Street, Suite/Room 427, Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-221-0700
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday
- Electronically via JEDS
- By mail to the Bergen Special Civil Part office
- In person at the Bergen County Justice Center, Hackensack
The forms you need
Bergen County requires 3 forms to open a small claims case:
- Small Claims Complaint - Non-Motor Vehicle (CN 10532)
- Small Claims Complaint - Motor Vehicle (CN 10533)
- Small Claims Summons and Return of Service (CN 10534)
We keep the current Bergen County versions of both. The forms are not the hard part — filling them out is. The Statement of Claim has to describe what happened in the language the court expects, and that is where most first-time filers get sent home to try again.
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.
Why not just download the free form?
The forms are free. Why pay?
The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.
Can't I just hire a lawyer?
Most attorneys will not take a $5,000 case, and the ones who will cost more than the claim.
What if I get it wrong?
You refile and pay the fee again. That is the actual cost of guessing.
What happens next
Your trial date is set when you file, so you leave the counter knowing when to come back. If the defendant loses, they have 10 days to move for a new trial and 45 days to appeal.
The Bergen County filing packet — $49
Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:
- Your Bergen County filing forms, with your claim written in the language the court expects
- A demand letter built from the same facts
- Filing checklist with this court's address, hours, and fee
- What to bring to your trial
Answer a few questions first. See your claim written out before you pay anything.
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Bergen County?
A flat $35 to file, regardless of the amount you are claiming, plus $7 per defendant for service.
What is the small claims limit in Bergen County?
$5,000, excluding costs.
Where do I file a small claims case in Bergen County?
Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage, Special Civil Part, Bergen County Justice Center, 10 Main Street, Suite/Room 427, Hackensack. You can also file online.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Bergen County?
No. Small claims is designed for people to represent themselves.
Who serves 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.
Reviewed by Small Claims Desk · Last reviewed 2026-08-23 · Sourced from njcourts.gov: /self-help/small-claims-court, /self-help/special-civil-court, /public/directories/court-services/special-civil-part-offices-dir, /courts/vicinages/bergen, statewide forms CN 10290/10532/10533/10534/10837, and statewide fee schedule CN 11112 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.