Small Claims Court in New York
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in New York
Last updated: April 2026 | Reading time: ~5 minutes
⚠ Disclaimer: This page provides general legal information about small claims court in New York. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney in New York.
Where to File in New York
File in the Small Claims Part of the court in the county or city where the defendant lives or works, or where the transaction occurred.
The court that handles small claims in New York is the Small Claims Part of the City, District, or Justice Court. You generally file in the judicial district or county where the defendant resides, where the defendant does business, or where the events giving rise to the claim occurred. If you are unsure which court has jurisdiction, contact the court clerk's office for guidance.
Statute of Limitations in New York
The statute of limitations is the deadline by which you must file your lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your case will almost certainly be dismissed regardless of its merits. In New York, the key deadlines are:
6 years (written and oral contracts), 3 years (property damage, personal injury)
These time limits begin running from the date the breach or injury occurred, or in some cases, from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the harm. If you are close to any of these deadlines, file your case as soon as possible to preserve your rights.
New York Small Claims Rules & Procedures
New York small claims court handles disputes up to $10,000 ($5,000 in some Town and Village courts). Filing fees are among the lowest in the nation: $15 for claims up to $1,000 and $20 for claims over $1,000. In New York City, cases are heard in the Small Claims Part of the Civil Court.
Attorneys are allowed but not required. New York also offers a unique Commercial Small Claims option for businesses with a limit of $10,000. The court provides free arbitration as an alternative to a judge trial — if both parties agree, an arbitrator (usually a practicing attorney) hears the case the same evening, and decisions are final with no right of appeal.
To file, you can do so in person at the court clerk's office or online in some jurisdictions. The court handles service by sending the claim to the defendant via certified and regular mail. If mail service fails, you may need to arrange personal service through a process server.
Hearings are typically held in the evening (usually starting at 6:30 PM) to accommodate working schedules. The judge or arbitrator hears both sides, reviews evidence, and typically issues a decision within a few days by mail. Only the defendant may appeal a small claims judgment in New York — within 30 days to the Appellate Term.
Key New York statutes: New York City Civil Court Act Article 18 and Uniform District Court Act Article 18 govern small claims proceedings. General Business Law Article 22-A (Section 349) provides consumer protection.
How to File a Small Claims Case in New York
Filing a small claims case in New York follows these general steps:
- Send a demand letter — Before filing, send a written demand letter to the defendant requesting payment. This shows the court you attempted to resolve the matter. Keep a copy and proof of delivery.
- Gather your evidence — Collect all contracts, receipts, photos, correspondence, and other documents that support your claim. Organize them chronologically.
- Complete the filing forms — Visit your local Small Claims Part of the City, District, or Justice Court clerk's office or check their website for the required forms. Fill out the complaint form with the defendant's full legal name, address, the amount claimed, and a description of your case.
- Pay the filing fee — Filing fees in New York range from $15 – $20. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver application.
- Serve the defendant — The defendant must receive official notice of the lawsuit. Follow New York's specific service requirements carefully — improper service can delay or dismiss your case.
- Attend the hearing — Arrive early, dress appropriately, and bring three copies of all evidence (for the judge, the defendant, and yourself).
Preparing for Your Hearing in New York
To maximize your chances of success:
- Practice explaining your case in 2-3 minutes — judges appreciate brevity and clarity
- Present evidence in a logical order, with a brief index or summary sheet
- Prepare to answer the judge's questions calmly and factually
- Anticipate the defendant's arguments and have responses ready
- If you have witnesses, confirm they will attend and brief them on what to expect
- Know the exact amount you are requesting and how you calculated it
- Be respectful to the judge, court staff, and the opposing party at all times
Ready to File Your New York Small Claims Case?
GetSmallClaims prepares your complete filing package with New York-specific documents, legal citations, and step-by-step filing instructions.
Start My New York Case⚠ Disclaimer: This is general legal information, not legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a licensed attorney in New York for advice specific to your situation.