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New Jersey Small Claims Court Limits
New Jersey small claims court limit is $5,000 for all plaintiffs.
Court Name: Small Claims Section of Special Civil Part (Superior Court)
Official Website: https://www.njcourts.gov/self-help/small-claims-court
Filing Fees in New Jersey
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $30-50 |
Filing fees are relatively low. Additional fees for mailing and service.
Serving the Defendant
The court mails the complaint to the defendant. Service must be completed 15 days before hearing.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Regular mail (court mails complaint)
- Personal service by sheriff (if mail fails)
- Certified mail
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 15 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in New Jersey small claims court but most parties represent themselves.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to Law Division within 45 days.
New Jersey Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter is recommended to show you attempted resolution before filing.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in New Jersey?
The New Jersey small claims court limit is $5,000 for all plaintiffs.
How is the defendant served in New Jersey small claims court?
The court mails the complaint to the defendant. If mail service fails, personal service by sheriff may be required.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you have 6 years to file a lawsuit for breach of written or oral contract.
How do I appeal a New Jersey small claims judgment?
Either party may appeal to the Law Division of Superior Court within 45 days.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup