About Small Claims in New York City
What is the maximum I can sue for in NYC Small Claims Court?
You can file for up to $10,000. If your claim is higher, you’d need to consider another court.
Do I have to live in New York City to file?
No. The plaintiff (you) can live anywhere. The claim must be filed in the borough where the defendant lives or has a business in.
Can minors file a small claim?
You must be 18 or older to file on your own. Minors must have a parent/guardian file for them.
How soon will my case be heard?
Typically 3 – 6 months after filing, depending on the borough’s court schedule.
Our Service & Process
Do you prepare and file the court forms for me?
Yes. We handle all preparation and filing. You only need to appear at your scheduled hearing.
What’s the difference between standard and expedited service?
- Standard: We file within our regular processing time.
- Expedited: We prioritize your case and guarantee filing by the next business day. (Business filings may take slightly longer because notarization is required.)
Do you handle both individual and business filings?
Yes. We support both. We also offer demand letter services for businesses.
Do you provide online notarization for businesses?
Yes. Business forms require notarization, we arrange secure online notarization for convenience.
Do I need to physically go to the courthouse?
No. We handle the filing for you. You’ll only need to appear in person on your scheduled court date, which the court will mail to the address you provide.
Fees & Payments
How much are your service fees?
Our fees depend on the package you choose, please submit a claim in order to view the full pricing
What are the court fees?
Court fees are set by law:
- $20 if claim is $1,001–$10,000
- $15 if claim is $1,000 or less
Are court fees included in your price?
No. Court fees are added separately since they go directly to the court.
Do you provide online notarization for businesses?
Yes. Business forms require notarization, we arrange secure online notarization for convenience.
How do I pay?
We accept credit/debit card payments.
Demand Letters
What is a demand letter, and do I need one?
If you are a business suing an individual customer, New York law requires you to send a written demand letter at least 10 days before filing.
Can you create and send the demand letter for me?
Yes. We offer a Demand Letter Service where we draft and mail the letter to your customer (certified mail).
Do I need to send proof of the demand letter to the court?
No. You only need to certify that the letter was sent. Keeping a copy is strongly recommended as well as retaining any tracking information if sent by mail.
Serving the Defendant
How does the defendant get notified?
The court clerk usually mails the Notice of Claim to the defendant.
What if the court mailing fails?
The court may instruct you to arrange service yourself (via certified mail or a process server). Contact us if this occurs.
After Filing
How will I know my court date?
Once the court accepts your claim, they mail you a Notice of Claim with the hearing date, time, and location.
What happens at the hearing?
You’ll present your case to the judge. Bring contracts, receipts, photos, or any evidence that supports your claim.
Do you attend court with me?
No. We are not attorneys and do not represent you in court. We only prepare and file your paperwork.
What if I lose the case?
Small Claims Court judgments are generally final for plaintiffs. Defendants may have limited rights to appeal. Our role ends once your claim is filed and accepted by the court.
Refunds & Support
Do you guarantee I will win my case?
No. The outcome is up to the judge. We only prepare and file your paperwork accurately.
Do you offer refunds?
Refunds are subject to our posted Refund Policy inside our Terms of Service. Once filing begins, service fees are generally non-refundable.
What support do you provide?
We provide email, phone, and live chat support, filing status updates, and general guidance if the court requests additional action. We do not provide legal advice.