In Oswego County, small claims cases up to $10,000 are heard by the Oswego City Court. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 20 West Oneida Street, 2nd Floor, Oswego, NY 13126 · Map
Phone: 315-207-7251
Fulton City Court (141 South 1st Street, Fulton, 315-207-7231). A City Court hears small claims against people and businesses that live, work or have an office in that city; otherwise sue in the town or village justice court where the defendant lives.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
In NYC, file in the borough where you or the defendant lives; the defendant must live, work or do business in NYC. Outside NYC, file in the City, Town or Village Court where the defendant lives, works or does business.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all New York counties.
Individuals don't have to send a demand letter first, though it's wise. Businesses suing over a consumer debt must mail one 10 to 180 days before filing. Make a free demand letter.
Statement of Claim (Small Claims), NYC Civil Court Get the form.
$15 for claims up to $1,000 and $20 above that in NYC and City Courts ($10 and $15 in Town and Village Courts). Business claims in the Commercial Claims Part cost $25 plus postage. In NYC, personal checks aren't accepted. Fee waiver: Poor person relief under CPLR 1101; ask the clerk or a Court Help Center for the form.
The clerk mails the claim to the defendant twice, by certified and regular mail. If both fail, the clerk tells you how to arrange personal delivery by an adult who isn't part of the case or a process server. You can't deliver it yourself.
In NYC you get a hearing date when you file, usually about 6 weeks later. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full New York filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Oswego County are filed with the Oswego City Court, 20 West Oneida Street, 2nd Floor, Oswego, NY 13126. Phone: 315-207-7251.
Up to $10,000. $10,000 is the limit in New York City. City Courts outside NYC and District Courts in Nassau and western Suffolk allow up to $5,000; Town and Village Courts up to $3,000. You can't split a claim. Only individuals 18 or older can file small claims; businesses use the Commercial Claims Part ($10,000 in NYC, at most 5 claims a month).
$15 for claims up to $1,000 and $20 above that in NYC and City Courts ($10 and $15 in Town and Village Courts). Business claims in the Commercial Claims Part cost $25 plus postage. In NYC, personal checks aren't accepted.