Small claims court in Suffolk County, New York
In Suffolk County, small claims are heard by more than one kind of court, and the limit depends on the court: District Court: up to $5,000; Town and Village Justice Courts: up to $3,000. Use the court for the place where the person or business you are suing lives, works or does business. The Suffolk County District Court, 1st District Civil Term is one of them.
Where to file in Suffolk County
One of the courts in Suffolk County. District Court: up to $5,000; Town and Village Justice Courts: up to $3,000. Find the right one: NY Courts: Find a court.
Suffolk County District Court, 1st District Civil Term
Address: 3105 Veterans Memorial Highway, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 · Map
Phone: 631-381-6000
District Court covers the five western towns (Babylon, Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown); the five eastern towns use their town justice courts.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
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.
How to file in Suffolk County
Ask for payment in writing
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.
Fill in the claim
The court's own small claims form or statement of claim. Ask the clerk; the New York City form CIV-SC-50 is only for NYC. Official NY small claims help.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
$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.
Have the papers served
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.
Go to the hearing
The clerk tells you the hearing date; how long you wait depends on the court. 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 guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Suffolk County?
It depends on where the person or business you are suing lives, works or does business. Suffolk County has more than one court that hears small claims (District Court: up to $5,000; Town and Village Justice Courts: up to $3,000). One of them is the Suffolk County District Court, 1st District Civil Term, 3105 Veterans Memorial Highway, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779. Phone: 631-381-6000.
How much can I sue for in Suffolk County small claims court?
It depends on the court: District Court: up to $5,000; Town and Village Justice Courts: up to $3,000. The $10,000 limit applies only in New York City.
How much does it cost to file in Suffolk County?
$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.