NY State Guide

New York Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court (City/District/Justice Court)

$10,000

Maximum Claim

$15 - $50

Filing Fees

30-90 days

Timeline

In-person

Hearing Format

Court Information

Court Name

Small Claims Court (City/District/Justice Court)

Attorneys

Allowed

Appeal Rights

Appeal to County/Supreme Court within 30 days

Court Website

https://www.nycourts.gov

Statute of Limitations

6 years

Written Contracts

6 years

Oral Contracts

3 years

Property Damage

Unique Rules in New York

NYC has special small claims court

Commercial claims available for businesses

Night and weekend sessions

How to File in New York

Determine if your case qualifies for small claims court

Send a demand letter to the other party

File your claim at the correct courthouse

Serve the defendant with the lawsuit

Prepare your evidence and presentation

Attend the hearing and present your case

Already won your New York case but can't collect?

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Read the NY collection guide

Amendment Filing Fees in New York

Amendment Fee Range

Amendment fees in New York typically range from $15-$50, depending on the court and type of amendment.

Important Note

Contact your local court clerk for exact amendment fees, as they vary by jurisdiction.

When Amendments Are Allowed

Before the defendant is served

To correct clerical errors or add necessary details

With court permission after service

Cannot increase claim amount beyond court limits

Common Amendment Types

Correct Defendant Name

Fix misspellings or add proper legal names

Add Damages

Include additional damages discovered later

Clarify Facts

Provide clearer description of the dispute

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for New York small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in New York?

The maximum you can sue for in New York small claims court is $10,000.

How much does it cost to file in New York?

Filing fees in New York range from $15 - $50, depending on the claim amount.

Are attorneys allowed in New York small claims court?

Yes, attorneys are allowed to represent parties in New York small claims court.

How long does a case take in New York?

From filing to hearing typically takes 30-90 days in New York.

Can I appeal a small claims decision in New York?

Appeal to County/Supreme Court within 30 days

Counties We Serve in New York

Find small claims court information for your county

All 62 Counties in New York

Albany County Allegany County Bronx County Broome County Cattaraugus County Cayuga County Chautauqua County Chemung County Chenango County Clinton County Columbia County Cortland County Delaware County Dutchess County Erie County Essex County Franklin County Fulton County Genesee County Greene County Hamilton County Herkimer County Jefferson County Kings County Lewis County Livingston County Madison County Monroe County Montgomery County Nassau County New York County Niagara County Oneida County Onondaga County Ontario County Orange County Orleans County Oswego County Otsego County Putnam County Queens County Rensselaer County Richmond County Rockland County Saratoga County Schenectady County Schoharie County Schuyler County Seneca County St. Lawrence County Steuben County Suffolk County Sullivan County Tioga County Tompkins County Ulster County Warren County Washington County Wayne County Westchester County Wyoming County Yates County

State-Specific Resources

Additional guides and information for New York small claims cases

Complete Small Claims Guide

Comprehensive guide to filing, preparing, and winning your small claims court case nationwide.

Demand Letter Templates

Free templates and examples for writing effective demand letters before filing your case.

Related Guides & Articles

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