In Essex County, small claims cases up to $5,000 are heard by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part, Small Claims Section (Essex County). Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 470 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., 2nd Floor, Newark, NJ 07102 · Map
Phone: 973-776-9300
Online filing: available, per the court
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
The Special Civil Part office in the county where a defendant lives or where a business defendant does business. For a security deposit case, you can also file in the county where the rental is.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all New Jersey counties.
New Jersey doesn't require a demand letter before you file, but sending one is a good way to settle and to create proof. Make a free demand letter.
How To Sue In Small Claims Court kit with the Small Claims Complaint and Summons (car-damage cases use a separate kit) Get the form.
$35 to file for one defendant plus $5 for each extra defendant, and $10 per defendant for the court to mail the papers, so a typical case costs $45. Pay by check or money order to 'Treasurer, State of New Jersey', by card online, or in cash in person. Fee waiver: Ask the judge to waive fees because you can't afford them (indigency application at the Special Civil Part office).
You don't serve the papers yourself. The court mails them by certified and regular mail; if that fails, a court officer can deliver them for a re-service fee.
The court sets the trial date and mails a postcard to both sides. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full New Jersey filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Essex County are filed with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part, Small Claims Section (Essex County), 470 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., 2nd Floor, Newark, NJ 07102. Phone: 973-776-9300.
Up to $5,000. Small Claims takes cases up to $5,000, including a tenant's claim to get a security deposit back (the $5,000 includes any double-damages penalty). Cases from $5,000 to $20,000 go to the regular Special Civil Part. If you sue for more than the limit, you give up the extra for good.
$35 to file for one defendant plus $5 for each extra defendant, and $10 per defendant for the court to mail the papers, so a typical case costs $45. Pay by check or money order to 'Treasurer, State of New Jersey', by card online, or in cash in person.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.