How to File Small Claims in Nevada

Claim limit

$10,000

Court

Justice Court

File online

Yes (statewide)

Appeal window

7 days

Common questions

Step 1 — Which court do I file in?

Nevada small claims cases go to Justice Court in the county where the defendant lives or where the dispute arose. Pick your county below.

Step 2 — What form do I file?

Your county's claim form (Statement of Claim, Complaint, or Petition). We complete it with your claim in the language the court expects.

Step 3 — What does it cost?

A filing fee set by your county, plus a small service fee. Your county page shows the current amounts.

Step 4 — How is the defendant served?

The plaintiff arranges and pays for service; the clerk does not serve the defendant. In practice, self-represented plaintiffs most often use the township constable (fee-based) or the sheriff.

Step 5 — What happens at the hearing?

Nevada uses a Trial. Bring your documents and be ready to explain what happened. We give you a checklist of what to bring.

Serving the defendant

The plaintiff arranges and pays for service; the clerk does not serve the defendant. In practice, self-represented plaintiffs most often use the township constable (fee-based) or the sheriff.

• Personal service by the township constable or the county sheriff, for a fee
• Personal service by any person 18 years of age or older who is not a party to the action
• Service by certified mail, but only where the court has granted a Motion for Service by Certified Mail

Because the trial date is fixed at filing rather than after service, service that is completed too close to (or after) the printed trial date does not automatically continue the case — the plaintiff must seek a continuance from the court, and certified-mail service generally requires prior court approval by motion.