If, after you have participated in an arbitration hearing in the New York County Civil Court, you are dissatisfied with the outcome, you may file a request for a new trial before a Civil Court Judge. A request for a new trial after arbitration is known as a “trial de novo.”

The request for a trial de novo must be filed within 30 days of the date of the entry of the arbitrator's decision (35 days if notified by mail). The request must be served on the other side, then filed along with an affidavit of service and payment of a $75.00 fee. If you wish to request a jury trial, an additional fee of $75.00 is required. You may download the request form for free by clicking on Trial De Novo, or you may obtain a form from the clerk or use your own form. To find out where the cashier is located, click on Locations. If you are unable to afford to pay, you may be entitled to Poor Person’s Relief.

Once you have filed the request for a trial de novo, the court will set a date for trial and advise all parties.