Skip to content
Oakclause

Small Claims Court Limits in New Jersey

In New Jersey, small claims in the Special Civil Part cover lawsuits of $5,000 or less, the filing fee is $35 for one defendant, and most people file without an attorney.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

New Jersey at a glance

Maximum claim
$5,000
Tenants can also seek return of a security deposit of $5,000 or less.
Filing fee
$35
$35 for one defendant plus $5 for each additional defendant; counterclaims are $30.
Lawyers allowed
Yes
Lawyers are optional; most people file and present small claims without one.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in New Jersey

What is the small claims court limit in New Jersey?

Maximum claim in New Jersey: $5,000. Tenants can also seek return of a security deposit of $5,000 or less.

How much does it cost to file a small claims case in New Jersey?

Filing fee in New Jersey: $35. $35 for one defendant plus $5 for each additional defendant; counterclaims are $30.

Can you bring a lawyer to small claims court in New Jersey?

Yes. Lawyers allowed in New Jersey: yes. Lawyers are optional; most people file and present small claims without one.

Where do the New Jersey small claims court limits come from?

The rules above come from N.J.S.A. 22A:2-37.1 and N.J. Ct. R. 1:43. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Before filing, send the other side a written demand that states what is owed, why, and a deadline to pay. A clear demand letter sometimes settles the dispute without court, and some courts ask whether you tried to resolve the matter first.

Bring organized evidence to the hearing: contracts, receipts, invoices, photos, text messages and any written promise to pay. Prepare a short timeline of what happened. Judges in small claims court decide cases quickly, so a clear, document backed explanation helps.

Winning a judgment does not mean you are paid automatically. If the other side does not pay voluntarily, you may need to use collection tools such as wage garnishment, a bank levy or a lien, and each of those has its own forms, fees and rules.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.