Small Claims

WHO CAN USE SMALL CLAIMS?

You must be an individual to use Small Claims. Corporations, partnerships, associations or assignees cannot bring actions in Small Claims (see Commercial Claims if you are a corporation, partnership or association).

All claims must be filed in person Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 505 South State Street, Room 130, Syracuse, New York, unless you are out of Onondaga County.

Court is held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. before arbitrators. The case will be scheduled approximately 8 to 10 weeks from the date you file.

Judge requests must be made at least three weeks prior to the court date.

GEOGRAPHIC JURISDICTION:

You may file a claim in Syracuse City Court only if the defendant resides in (requiring a street/mailing address - if you have a P.O. Box Number, you must also include a street address), is doing business in, or is employed in Onondaga County at the time you start the action. Syracuse City Court has jurisdiction within Onondaga County. You also have the option to sue in Town or Village Court if the defendant resides outside the City of Syracuse.

MONETARY JURISDICTION:

Up to $5000 (exclusive of interest and costs) for money damages only. Claims up to $1000 will cost $15.00 in cash to file. If the claim is over $1000 and up to $5000 (Maximum) the fee is $20.00. The fee is payable by cash, certified bank check or government (postal) money order. Small Claims is a "Do It Yourself" court. IF YOU ARE AWARDED A JUDGMENT, IT WILL BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO COLLECT IT. You will be provided with a booklet that will explain how to enforce your judgment. The Court cannot make the party pay you.