New Jersey small claims Playbook

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The Playbook coaches you as you organize and present your own case. Members: the prep guides that work in any state are in Part 1 of the Playbook below, and Part 2 covers New Jersey's forms, filing steps, service and hearing. For the basics, see the New Jersey overview.

Who can use it

• You must be 18 or older to file. If under 18, a parent or guardian files.
• Individuals can represent themselves.
• In Small Claims, a business can sue or defend through an authorized officer or employee, but only for claims that began with the business and weren't assigned (R. 6:11). For any written authorization, check your court's rules.

New Jersey limit, forms and fees

• Limit: $5,000, not counting costs, including claims to get back a security deposit (R. 6:1-2(a)(2)). Anything over the limit is waived and can't be claimed later (R. 6:1-2(c)). Claims over $5,000 up to $20,000 go to the regular Special Civil Part.
• Not allowed: professional malpractice, support or alimony, and probate matters (Small Claims FAQ, CN 11482).
• Forms: the Small Claims Complaint, CN 10532 (CN 10533 for motor-vehicle claims), in the plaintiff kit CN 10151 (CN 10148 for motor-vehicle claims). Fee waiver: CN 11208. See NJ Courts: Small Claims.
• Fees (Court Fee Schedule CN 11112, rev. 08/2026): $35 to file against one defendant and $5 for each additional defendant; a counterclaim is $30; a jury of six is $100. There's no fee for a motion in Small Claims. Service by certified and regular mail is $10 for each defendant (Small Claims FAQ, CN 11482).
• Where to file: the county where at least one defendant lives or a business defendant is located. A security deposit claim can also be filed where the landlord is or where the rental is. If no defendant is in New Jersey, file where the claim arose.
• Default: to reopen a default judgment, use motion packet CN 10543 and include your answer and any counterclaim. There's no motion fee in Small Claims. The motion must be made within a reasonable time, and no more than one year after the judgment if it's based on mistake, excusable neglect, newly discovered evidence or fraud (R. 4:50-2, which applies through R. 6:6-1).

What happens after you file in New Jersey?

Filing is only the first step. After the clerk accepts your claim, the other side has to be formally told about the case, you show up on your hearing date with your proof, and the judge decides. If you win, collecting the money is a separate step, and either side may have a limited chance to appeal. Deadlines and methods differ from court to court, so when something below isn't spelled out, check your court's rules.

Can I appeal a New Jersey small claims decision?

Either party may appeal to the Appellate Division of the Superior Court within 45 days of the decision. You'll have to show the judge made a mistake. Generally, new evidence cannot be introduced in an appeal (NJ Courts: Appeals).

New to this? Our plain-language guides walk through each stage: how to fill out and file your claim form, how to serve small claims papers, and what to say on hearing day.

See a filled-in sample form

How much should I ask for in New Jersey small claims?

Ask for what you can prove: receipts, invoices, estimates and a simple running total. If your loss is bigger than the New Jersey limit described above, look closely at your options before filing, because what happens to the extra amount depends on your court's rules. Our guide to how much you can sue for in small claims explains the basics, and the damages calculator (free quick total; the itemized version is in your Playbook) helps you add up your numbers.

Where should I start?

If you're not sure whether small claims fits your problem, begin with Start Here. It points you to the right path whether you're ready to sue, just got sued, or already won. Need a different state? See every state guide.

Largest counties in New Jersey

These are the most populous counties in New Jersey. Courts, fees and local forms can differ by location, so always confirm details with the court that serves the defendant's area.

1. Bergen County (county guide coming soon)
2. Middlesex County (county guide coming soon)
3. Essex County (county guide coming soon)
4. Hudson County (county guide coming soon)
5. Ocean County (county guide coming soon)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 county population estimates (July 1, 2023), co-est2023-alldata.

Small Claims Coach is built to help you handle your case yourself, without a lawyer — but if your situation is complicated, does not fit our samples, or a deadline is close, you may want to call a lawyer.

Small Claims Coach uses public information to build the Playbook, which coaches you as you organize and present your own case. We are not your lawyer, there is no attorney-client relationship, and we don't want the details of your case.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.