Small Claims Court Complaint in New York
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
New York Requirements
- Claim limit: $5,000 in most courts; $10,000 in NYC commercial small claims
- Claimant must be an individual or sole proprietor (corporations use commercial small claims)
- Night court sessions available in some NYC locations
- Arbitration may be offered as a faster alternative to trial
- No appeal from small claims judgment if arbitration was chosen
Filing Location
City Court, District Court, or Justice Court (Small Claims Part)
Filing Fee
$15–$20
How to Complete This Form
- 1Confirm that your dispute falls within your state's small claims court jurisdictional limit.
- 2Attempt to resolve the dispute directly with the other party before filing.
- 3Obtain a small claims complaint form from your local court or court website.
- 4Complete the form with the names and addresses of all parties and a clear description of your claim.
- 5File the complaint with the court clerk and pay the filing fee.
- 6Arrange for the defendant to be served with the complaint according to your court's rules.
- 7Gather all evidence (contracts, receipts, photos, correspondence) and attend the hearing.
Download Form Template
Download a template for the Small Claims Court Complaint customized with New York-specific requirements and instructions.
Small Claims Court Complaint in Other States
Other Forms in New York
When to Talk to a Lawyer
- Your claim involves complex legal issues such as breach of contract with multiple parties or disputed damages.
- The defendant has filed a counterclaim or you need to enforce a judgment after winning your case.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.