- Claim limit
- $5,000
- Court
- Special Civil Part
- File online
- Yes (statewide)
- Appeal window
- 45 days
Common questions
Who can I sue in small claims court in New Jersey?
An individual or a business, as long as your claim is within the limit. You must name and serve the correct legal person or entity.
How much can I sue for in New Jersey?
Up to $5,000, excluding costs. Over that, you can waive the excess and still use small claims.
Do I need a lawyer to sue in New Jersey small claims?
No — small claims is designed for self-representation.
What are the steps to sue someone in New Jersey?
Send a demand, file your county's claim form in Special Civil Part, pay the fee, and serve the defendant. We prepare the demand and the filing from the same facts.
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.
Pick the county where you'll sue
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.
Start my claimYour 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.