NYC Small Claims Court Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I watch a video on how to fill in the form to start a Small Claims Court case?

See the "How to Start a Small Claims Case" seminar at Videos, Publications and Community Seminars.

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Can I watch a video on how to start a small claims case?

See Videos, Publications and Community Seminars.

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How can I listen to, or get a written copy of, what happened in court?

See Appeals: Obtaining the Transcript of the Trial.

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How can I prove or defend my case?

See Starting a Case: Preparing for Court.

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How do I find phone numbers, addresses, directions or court hours?

For addresses, directions and hours: Find your court on the NYC Civil Courts by County page.

For phone numbers: Find your court on the Court Directory.

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How much does it cost to start my case?

See NYC Civil Court Fees.

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I sent a copy of the judgment to the defendant and the defendant didn’t pay. What do I do?

See Collecting the Judgment.

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My salary has been garnished, or my bank account is frozen. What can I do?

If you have received an execution based on a small claims or commercial claims judgment, or if your salary has been garnished, or your bank account frozen, you may request that the case be reopened. See Vacating a Default Judgment to learn more.

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The judge or arbitrator "reserved decision" in my case. What does that mean?

See Trial: The Decision.

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What do I do if I can’t make my court date?

See Adjournments.

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What do I do if I don’t want to come to court at night?

See Starting a Case in NYC Small Claims Court: Starting the Case.

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What do I do if I know that records or documents can prove my case, but I don’t have them?

See Subpoenas.

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What do I do if I missed my court appearance ("defaulted")?

See Vacating a Judgment.

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What do I do if I think the judge or arbitrator made a mistake in my case?

See Appeals.

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What do I do if I want someone ("witness") to come to my trial to tell the judge important information, but they refuse?

See Subpoenas.

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What do I do if I want to sue someone in Small Claims Court who lives outside New York City?

See Starting a Case: Where to Sue.

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What happens if I don’t settle the case?

See Trial.

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What is the difference between a judge and an arbitrator?

See Appearing in Court: Choosing a Judge or Arbitrator.

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Where can I get free help?

See Help Center Services.

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Where can I read more about Small Claims Court?

See the Guide to Small Claims & Commercial Small Claims.

Documents:

A Guide to Small Claims Court in New York City, Nassau County and Suffolk County (PDF)

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New York City Small Claims Court NYC Small Claims Court Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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