Small claims are lawsuits for $5,000 or less. Renters can file for a return of a security deposit of $5,000 or less in small claims court.
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Essential Forms
The following forms are used to begin a case:
These forms are used to collect money after a judgment is entered:
CN | Title |
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10282 | Cobrança de Sentença Monetária |
You can use these forms to defend yourself against collection:
CN | Title |
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10543 | Como ajuizar uma petição no Juizado Especial Cível |
Examples of small claims:
- A person or company failed to comply with a written or oral contract.
- Your car was damaged in an accident.
- You paid money as a down payment and want it returned .
- Your property was damaged or lost.
- You bought a product that doesn’t work.
- Work you paid for was faulty or not completed.
- You want to be paid for work you did.
- Someone wrote you a bad check.
- You gave a landlord a security deposit that was not returned. NOTE: The limit for security deposit returns is $5,000 in small claims court.
Cases that cannot be filed as small claims:
- Malpractice claims against doctors, dentists, lawyers, or other professionals
- Claims for child support or alimony
- Cases involving wills and inheritance
- Claims seeking anything other than money from the defendant
Do I need a lawyer to file a small claims case?
Small claims are simpler than other case types. Most people are able to file and present their cases without an attorney.
Things to think about before representing yourself in court
While you have the right to represent yourself in court, you should not expect any special treatment, help, or attention from the court. You must still comply with the Rules of the Court, even if you are not familiar with them. The following is a list of some things the court staff can and cannot do for you. Please read it carefully before asking the court staff for help.
- We can explain and answer questions about how the court works.
- We can tell you what the requirements are to have your case considered by the court.
- We can give you some information from your case file.
- We can provide you with samples of court forms that are available.
- We can provide you with guidance on how to fill out forms.
- We can usually answer questions about court deadlines.
- We cannot give you legal advice. Only your lawyer can give you legal advice.
- We cannot tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court.
- We cannot give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court.
- We cannot recommend a lawyer, but we can provide you with the telephone number of a local lawyer referral service.
- We cannot talk to the judge for you about what will happen in your case.
- We cannot let you talk to the judge outside of court.
- We cannot change an order issued by a judge.
Filing Non-Auto Small Claims
How to Sue in Small Claims Court up to $5,000
This kit has all of the forms and instructions for self-represented litigants to file a small claims case. There is a separate kit if your case is the result of a motor vehicle accident.
Note: You must be 18 to file a court case. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must file the case for you.
8 steps to file a small claims case
- File the Small Claims Complaint with the court.
- Complete the Small Claims Summons.
- Include the current address of defendant .
- Attach the filing fee or request a fee waiver:
- One defendant: $35
- Each additional defendant: $5
- Check forms to make sure they are completed. Sign the forms.
- Make copies of all documents you will submit to the court and put them in a safe place.
You must remove all personal identifiers from the copies you will submit to the court. Keep those identifiers on the copies you keep.
- Upload the documents into the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system. You can pay the fee with a credit card. You can upload the fee waiver request form if needed. You also can mail the complaint , the summons and the fee to the county Superior Courtwhere the person or business is. Certified mail is recommended.
- You will receive a postcard in the mail with your court date. If you cannot come to court on your assigned date, call the court right away. Your case might be dismissed if you do not appear for trial.
Serving the papers on the defendant
Your case cannot move forward unless the defendant receives the complaint and summons from the court.
The court will mail the complaint and summons to the defendant(s).
NOTE: You must give the court the correct address for the defendant or your case cannot move forward.
Preparing for trial
Both the plaintiff and defendant will be asked to give testimony at the trial.
You can present witnesses. The court cannot accept written statements. You must have your witnesses available to testify on the trial date.
Submit all of the documents you need to prove your side of the case at the trial using Electronic Evidence Submission . The court cannot use text messages or emails on your mobile phone. You must either submit them to the court in advance of the trial date, through Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system or by mail, or bring them to the trial.
You will be questioning your witnesses and the witnesses brought by the other person. Write down your questions and have them available on the trial date.
Be prepared to present records of any transactions that may help you prove your case. That could be
- Cancelled checks, money orders, sales receipts.
- Bills, contracts, estimates, leases.
- Letters.
- Photographs.
- Other documents proving your claim.
Your day in court
- Your court notice will tell you when you must come to court. Bring all witnesses and evidence needed to present your case.
- The court will help you try to settle your case through a settlement conference. A staff member will try to help the plaintiff and the defendant reach an agreement.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, your case likely will be heard by the judge This might happen on your court date, or on a later date.
Settling your case before trial
If you are able to settle the case with the defendant before the trial date, call the Special Civil Part Office right away to tell them that the case has been settled.
Filing Auto Small Claims
How to Sue for Motor Vehicle damage in Small Claims Court Up to $5,000
This kit has all of the forms and instructions for self-represented litigants to file a small claims case for a damage caused by a motor vehicle accident.
Note: You must be 18 to file a court case. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must file the case for you.
8 steps to file a small claims case
- File the Small Claims Complaint with the court.
- Complete the Small Claims Summons.
- Include the address of the person(s) or business you are suing.
- Attach the filing fee or request a fee waiver:
- One defendant: $35
- Each additional defendant: $5
- Check forms to make sure they are completed. Sign the forms.
- Make copies of all documents you will submit to the court and put them in a safe place.
You must remove all personal identifiers from the copies that you submit to the court. Keep those identifiers on the copies that you keep.
- Upload the documents into the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system. You can pay the fee with a credit card. You can upload the fee waiver request form if needed. You also can mail the complaint , the summons and the fee to the county Superior Court where the person or business is. Certified mail is recommended.
- You will receive a postcard in the mail with your court date. If you cannot appear for trial on your assigned date, call the court right away. Your case might be dismissed if you do not appear for trial.
Serving the papers on the defendant
Your case cannot move forward unless the defendant receives the complaint and summons from the court.
The court will mail the complaint and summons to the defendant(s).
NOTE: You must give the court the correct address for the defendant or your case cannot move forward.
Preparing for trial
Both the plaintiff and defendant will be asked to give testimony at the trial.
You can present witnesses. The court cannot accept written statements. You must have your witnesses available to testify on the trial date.
Submit all of the documents you need to prove your side of the case at the trial using Electronic Evidence Submission. The court cannot use text messages or emails on your mobile phone. You must either submit them to the court in advance of the trial date, through Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system or by mail, or bring them to the trial.
You will be questioning your witnesses and the witnesses brought by the other person. Write down your questions and have them available on the trial date.
Be prepared to present records of any transactions that may help you prove your case. That could be
- Cancelled checks, money orders, sales receipts.
- Bills, contracts, estimates, leases.
- Letters.
- Photographs.
- Other documents proving your claim.
Your day in court
- Your court notice will tell you when you must attend the trial. Be prepared to present all witnesses and evidence needed to present your case.
- The court will help you try to settle your case through a settlement conference. A staff member will try to help the plaintiff and the defendant reach an agreement.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, your case likely will be heard by the judge This might happen on your court date, or on a later date.
Settling your case before trial
If you are able to settle the case with the defendant before the trial date, call the Special Civil Part Office right away to tell them that the case has been settled.
User Feedback
Filing for Return of Rental Deposit
How to Sue for the Return of a Security Deposit up to $5,000
This kit has all of the forms and instructions for self-represented litigants to file for the return of their rental security deposit.
To see the return of more than $5,000, you must file a Special Civil case.
Note: You must be 18 to file a court case. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must file the case for you.
8 steps to file a small claims case
- File the Small Claims Complaint with the court.
- Complete the Small Claims Summons.
- Include the current address of the person(s) or business you are suing.
- Attach the filing fee or request a fee waiver:
- One defendant: $35
- Each additional defendant: $5
- Check forms to make sure they are completed. Sign the forms.
- Make copies of all documents you will submit to the court and put them in a safe place.
You must remove all personal identifiers on the copies that you submit to the court. Keep those identifiers on the copies that you keep.
- Upload the documents into the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system. You can pay the fee with a credit card. You can upload the fee waiver request form if needed. You also can mail the complaint , the summons and the fee to the county Superior Court where the person or business is. Certified mail is recommended.
- You will receive a postcard in the mail with your court date. If you cannot come to court on your assigned date, call the court right away. Your case might be dismissed if you do not appear for trial.
Serving the papers on the defendant
Your case cannot move forward unless the defendant receives the complaint and summons from the court.
The court will mail the complaint and summons to the defendant(s).
NOTE: You must give the court the correct address for the defendant or your case cannot move forward.
Preparing for trial
Both the plaintiff and defendant will be asked to give testimony at the trial.
You can present witnesses. The court cannot accept written statements. You must have your witnesses available to testify on the trial date.
Submit all of the documents you need to prove your side of the case at the trial using Electronic Evidence Submission . The court cannot use text messages or emails on your mobile phone. You must either submit them to the court in advance of the trial date, through Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system or by mail, or bring them to the trial.
You will be questioning your witnesses and the witnesses brought by the other person. Write down your questions and have them available on the trial date.
Be prepared to present records of any transactions that may help you prove your case. That could be
- Cancelled checks, money orders, sales receipts.
- Bills, contracts, estimates, leases.
- Letters.
- Photographs.
- Other documents proving your claim.
Your day in court
- Your court notice will tell you when you must attend the trial. Be prepared to present all witnesses and evidence needed to present your case.
- The court will help you try to settle your case through a settlement conference. A staff member will try to help the plaintiff and the defendant reach an agreement.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, your case likely will be heard by the judge This might happen on your court date, or on a later date..
Settling your case before trial
If you are able to settle the case with the defendant before the trial date, call the Special Civil Part Office right away to tell them that the case has been settled.
Defending Yourself in Small Claims
Key things to know if you were served in a small claims lawsuit.
- You are the defendant in a lawsuit.
- You will receive a summons from the court with the date and time to appear for trial.
- You must attend your trial on the date stated on the notice..
- If you do not attend your trial, a money judgment may be entered against you.
- If you cannot attend your trial on the date you were given, you must call the number on the notice. You can ask for a new date.
Do I need a lawyer to defend myself in a small claims case?
Small claims are simpler than other case types. Most people are able to file and present their cases without an attorney.
Things to think about before representing yourself in court
While you have the right to represent yourself in court, you should not expect any special treatment, help, or attention from the court. You must still comply with the Rules of the Court, even if you are not familiar with them. The following is a list of some things the court staff can and cannot do for you. Please read it carefully before asking the court staff for help.
- We can explain and answer questions about how the court works.
- We can tell you what the requirements are to have your case considered by the court.
- We can give you some information from your case file.
- We can provide you with samples of court forms that are available.
- We can provide you with guidance on how to fill out forms.
- We can usually answer questions about court deadlines.
- We cannot give you legal advice. Only your lawyer can give you legal advice.
- We cannot tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court.
- We cannot give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court.
- We cannot recommend a lawyer, but we can provide you with the telephone number of a local lawyer referral service.
- We cannot talk to the judge for you about what will happen in your case.
- We cannot let you talk to the judge outside of court.
- We cannot change an order issued by a judge.
Preparing for trial
Both the plaintiff and defendant will be asked to give testimony at the trial.
You can present witnesses. The court cannot accept written statements. You must have your witnesses available to testify on the trial date.
Submit all of the documents you need to prove your side of the case at the trial using Electronic Evidence Submission . The court cannot use text messages or emails on your mobile phone. You must either submit them to the court in advance of the trial date, through Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system or by mail, or bring them to the trial.
You will be questioning your witnesses and the witnesses brought by the other person. Write down your questions and have them available on the trial date.
Be prepared to present records of any transactions that may help you prove your case. That could be
- Cancelled checks, money orders, sales receipts.
- Bills, contracts, estimates, leases.
- Letters.
- Photographs.
- Other documents proving your claim.
Your day in court
- Your court notice will tell you when you must come to court. Bring all witnesses and evidence needed to present your case.
- The court will help you try to settle your case through a settlement conference. A staff member will try to help the plaintiff and the defendant reach an agreement.
- If a settlement cannot be reached, your case likely will be heard by the judge This might happen on your court date, or on a later date..
If the plaintiff does not appear, the judge could dismiss the case.
If the defendant does not appear, the judge could enter a default judgment and the defending might have to pay all or part of the money claimed in the lawsuit.
Filing Fees and Waivers
To sue one defendant | $35 |
Each additional defendant | $5 |
All checks must be made payable to Treasurer, State of NJ.
Do you qualify for a fee waiver ?
You might not have to pay to file your case if your income and assets are low enough. Fill out the Fee Waiver form and give it to the court along with the required documents.
You can apply for a fee waiver in any NJ state court: Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Superior Court and Tax Court.
Appealing Small Claims Case
Either party can appeal a decision in small claims court. You should consider whether the amount at stake in your case is worth the cost of filing an appeal.
When to file
The appeal must be filed in the Appellate Division of Superior Court within 45 days of the court’s decision.
Do I need a lawyer to file an appeal?
You do not have to have a lawyer to appeal your case. But the appeals process can be confusing. You will have to convince the appeals court that the judge made a mistake. It is a good idea to get a lawyer if you can.
Things to think about before representing yourself in court
While you have the right to represent yourself in court, you should not expect any special treatment, help, or attention from the court. You must still comply with the Rules of the Court, even if you are not familiar with them. The following is a list of some things the court staff can and cannot do for you. Please read it carefully before asking the court staff for help.
- We can explain and answer questions about how the court works.
- We can tell you what the requirements are to have your case considered by the court.
- We can give you some information from your case file.
- We can provide you with samples of court forms that are available.
- We can provide you with guidance on how to fill out forms.
- We can usually answer questions about court deadlines.
- We cannot give you legal advice. Only your lawyer can give you legal advice.
- We cannot tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court.
- We cannot give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court.
- We cannot recommend a lawyer, but we can provide you with the telephone number of a local lawyer referral service.
- We cannot talk to the judge for you about what will happen in your case.
- We cannot let you talk to the judge outside of court.
- We cannot change an order issued by a judge.
Steps to file an appeal
- File a Notice of Appeal.
- Request a transcript of your case from the Appellate Division. You must have the official transcript in order for your appeal to be considered.
- Complete a Case Information Statement.
Use the How to File an Appeal self-help kit.
Filing Fees
- $250 must be submitted with the Notice of Appeal. This is the cost of the appeal.
- $300 must be submitted with to the clerk of the Appellate Division within 30 days of filing the Notice of Appeal. This will be refunded if you win your appeal. If you lose your appeal, the money can be used to pay settlement or court costs.
Do you qualify for a fee waiver ?
Did the small claims court waive your fee? If so, you can attach a copy of the order and a signed letter that says your finances have not changed since the case was filed.
How to File for a Fee Waiver – All Courts
If you did not receive a fee waiver in your small claims case, you can submit a request for a fee waiver with your appeal.
Mail or bring your appeals documents to:
Submit documents to the court.
Send copies of your appeals document to:
- All parties in the case who appeared in court
- The local Superior Court office that handled your small claims case
- The judge who decided your small claims case
Keep a copy of each document for yourself.
Preparing your appeal
You will need to prepare a brief, which is a document that explains why your appeal should be granted.
Questions about your appeal?
Call the
.Collecting Your Money
If you were awarded a judgment in small claims court, you are a judgment creditor .
You should contact the person who owes you the money, the judgment debtor, to talk about payment.
The court cannot guarantee payment
Although the court will try to help you collect the money owed to you, it cannot guarantee the debt will be paid.
Fees and other costs for writs of execution
The filing fee is $35.
Other Costs:
- Ten percent fee: The special civil part officer will charge the debtor an extra ten percent on top of whatever money is recovered for you. Mileage: You will be charged for the distance the special civil part officer has to travel from the county courthouse to the judgment debtor’s home or place of business.
- Service fee: $7 fee for the Special Civil Part Officer to deliver service of process (e.g., complaints, writs and wage executions) to defendant(s).
- Sales and Advertising: If the special civil part officer sells personal property to get the money you are owed, you might be charged for things like advertising the sale.
Writ of Execution
Read our brochure on How to Collect a Money Judgment
A writ of execution is a court document that gives a special civil part officer the right to collect money from a judgment debtor’s bank account or personal property. Real estate cannot be used to collect money owed in the Special Civil Part.
Seizing a motor vehicle
You must be able to show that the vehicle is registered in the debtor’s name. You will need either:
- A certified copy of the title, or
- A certified lien search from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.
The debtor might have an outstanding loan or debt on the car. You must determine if there is value or equity in the debtor’s car before you ask a special civil part officer to take it.
Other items that could be used to satisfy a writ include:
- Office or sports equipment
- Household items
- Jewelry
- Clothing
The debtor can keep $1,000 worth of personal property and clothing. If the debtor does not have more than $1,000 worth in personal property, this method cannot be used by the special civil part officer to satisfy your judgment and to collect the money owed to you.
Bank levy (taking funds from a bank account)
Use packet How to File a Motion to Turn Over Funds.
You can ask a special civil part officer to collect the money from the debtor’s bank account if the account is in New Jersey.
Special civil part officers are not required to search for the debtor’s bank accounts. You must provide the name of the bank, the address and no more than the last 4 digits of the account number, if possible. Do not provide the Special Civil Part Office with the debtor’s entire active financial account number. Provide it to the officer directly if necessary.
After the money has been levied upon by the special civil part officer, it is considered frozen. You must then file a Motion to Turn over Funds with the court and serve a copy upon the debtor and the bank. If the court grants the motion, the judge will sign an order that the special civil part officer will deliver to the bank. The officer will take the money from the bank, deposit it into an official business trust account, and then mail a check to the creditor or creditor’s attorney by the 15th day of the following month.
Execution against wages (Garnishing a debtor’s salary)
Use packet How to File a Wage Execution.
The judgment creditor can request an execution against a person's wages if the debtor works in New Jersey and earns more than $217.50 per week. To request a wage execution, send a Notice of Application for Wage Execution to the debtor by regular and certified mail. File a copy of the application and a statement of how you mailed the application to the debtor with the Office of the Special Civil Part in the county where the case was heard.
If the debtor objects to the wage execution, a hearing will immediately be scheduled by the court. If the debtor does not object or the court does not allow the objection, the court will order a wage execution to be delivered to the debtor's employer by the special civil part officer. The employer will hold back a portion of the debtor's wages and will send this money directly to the officer. The officer will deduct a 10% commission and send the rest to you.
If the money is not collected
If the debt is not collected within two years, the debtor can choose to:
- Request a new writ of execution from the court by following the same procedures you followed the first time in order to have the special civil officer keep trying to get the money; OR
- Request to have the judgment recorded as a lien against any real estate owned by the debtor. Once your judgment is recorded in the Superior Court, the debtor cannot sell with clear title any real estate owned in New Jersey until your debt is paid.
To get a lien, a Statement for Docketing from the Special Civil Part Office where the case was heard. You can send the Statement for Docketing, plus a $35 filing fee payable to Treasurer, State of New Jersey, to
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who May File a Complaint in Small Claims Court?
To sue in Small Claims, a person must be 18 years of age or older. If the person suing is under the age of 18, the complaint must be filed by the parent or guardian.
Q. Court filing and copy fees might be waived for litigants who
Have income at or below 150% of the current poverty level (based on the number of people in the household); AND Have no more than $2,500 in liquid assets such as cash or bank accounts.
- Give your full name, address and telephone number.
- To ensure proper service of the complaint, give the correct name(s) and address(es) of the person(s) or business(es) named as the defendant(s) in the complaint. It is important that the defendant be properly identified as an individual, a sole proprietorship, a partnership or a corporation.
- State the amount of money for which you are suing.
- State the reason why the defendant(s) owes you money.
- State whether, at the present time, if there is any other case involving both you and the other party(ies) and, if so, the name of the court.
- Do not provide any party’s *“confidential and personal identifiers” in the complaint or in any other submission to the court unless specifically required under law, court order, rule or administrative directive.
- Sign and date the completed form.
- Pay the correct filing and service fees when filing the complaint with the Office of the Special Civil Part.
Q. How Do I File a Complaint in Small Claims Court?
A Small Claims complaint form and accompanying instructions, is available in any New Jersey Special Civil Part Office and is available on the Internet at njcourts.gov. The summons and complaint can be filed through the mail or in person at the appropriate Special Civil Part Office (See “Where Do I File a Complaint”). When filing a complaint, you, as the plaintiff, must:
A “confidential personal identifier” is defined as a social security number, driver’s license number, vehicle plate number, insurance policy number, active financial account number or active credit card number. You can provide the last 4 digits of a party’s active financial account if it is the subject of the lawsuit and cannot otherwise be identified.
Q. When to file an application for a fee waiver
File your fee waiver request when you file your court case. Under Court Rule 1:5-6, the court clerk cannot file your case unless the required fee is included.
- $35 for one defendant.
- $5 for each additional defendant.
- Currently the fee is $7 for each defendant served by certified and regular mail.
Q. What Are the Filing Fees in Small Claims Court?
The cost for filing a complaint in Small Claims is:
This is subject to change, however. [A $3 mileage fee, plus applicable court officer mileage fees, are charged for one defendant instead of the $7 mailing fee, if the complaint is served personally by a court officer. Each additional defendant that you want the court officer to personally serve is an additional $5 fee plus applicable court officer mileage. Staff of the Special Civil Part can inform you of the mileage fees, if any.] Make a check or money order payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey. If you cannot afford to pay the filing fees, you may apply to the court to qualify as an indigent and your filing fees may be waived by the judge.
Q. You can apply for a fee waiver even if you have a lawyer.
You can still request a fee waiver if your attorney either works for Legal Services of New Jersey or an associated regional program; OR works for a public interest or legal services organization, law school clinic or pro bono program that has been certified for fee waiver status by the Supreme Court under Court Rule 1:21-11.
Q. What Are the Filing Fees?
The cost for filing a complaint in the Landlord/Tenant Section is:
For one defendant/tenant. $50 For each additional defendant/tenant. $5 Service fee for the lawsuit to be served on the tenants/defendant(s) by the Special Civil Part Officer. $7 If you file by mail, include a check for the filing fees (remember to include the mileage fee). Your check should be made payable the Treasurer, State of New Jersey. If you file through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system, the filing fees can be paid by credit card or collateral account. There is a 3% credit card processing fee for this service. Be sure to follow the instructions provided on the payment screen.
- Breach of a written or oral contract.
- Return of money used as a down payment.
- Property damage caused by a motor vehicle accident.
- Damage to or loss of property Consumer complaints for defective merchandise or faulty workmanship.
- Payment for work performed.
- Claims based on bad checks.
- Claims for back rent.
- Return of a tenant's security deposit (Not to exceed $5,000 if suing for the defendant’s failure to return a tenant’s security deposit.
Q. What Claims Are Typically Filed in Small Claims Court?
Following is a general list of claims which can be filed in Small Claims:
Q. Where Do I File a Complaint with Small Claims Court?
A complaint must be filed in the Office of the Special Civil Part of the county where at least one defendant lives or where the defendant's business is located. A business defendant is considered located in a county wherever it is actually doing business or in the county where its registered office is located. If there is more than one defendant, the complaint can be filed in the county where any one of the defendants live or are located. If none of the defendants live or are located in New Jersey, the complaint must be filed in the county where the cause of the complaint occurred. A list of all of the Special Civil Part Offices, addresses and phone numbers in New Jersey is available on the Internet at njcourts.gov.
Glossary
A breach of contract is a failure to perform a promise that is a part of a written or oral contract.
A brief is document submitted to the court to explain your side of the case.
A certification is a written statement made to the court when you file papers, swearing that the information contained in the filed papers is true.
A complaint is a document in which you briefly tell the court the facts in your case and the relief you want the court to grant.
The amount of money the plaintiff sues for in a lawsuit is called damages.
When the defendant does not appear for trial to respond to the complaint or does not file an answer, a judge could rule in the plaintiff's favor. This is called a default. Also, if the plaintiff does not appear for trial, the court could dismiss the plaintiff's case.
The defendant is the person or business against whom a case is filed.
The court does not charge a filing fee for litigants who can prove that their income is no more than 150% of the current poverty level and that they have no more than $2,500 in cash and bank accounts.
To file means to give the correct forms and fee to the court to begin the court’s consideration of your request.
A judgment is the official decision of a court in a case.
A person who is owed money as a result of a court order.
A person who owes money as a result of a court order.
A lien is the legal right of a creditor to claim a debtor’s property until a debt is paid.
A litigant is person in a court case, either suing or being sued.
A motion is a written request in which you ask the court to issue an order, or to change an order it has already issued.
An order is a signed paper from the judge telling someone they must do something.
A party is a person, business or governmental agency involved in a court action.
A personal identifier is any personal information that is unique to an individual, including Social Security number, military status, driver’s license number, license plate number, insurance policy number, active bank account and credit card numbers. This information could be used to steal someone’s identity or their money. All documents filed with the court are available for public inspection. Therefore no personal identifiers should be included on documents filed with the court
The plaintiff is the party who starts the lawsuit.
To redact is to remove or to hide parts of a written document.
The return date is the date the plaintiff and defendant are told to appear in court.
Service of Process is the official delivery of the papers to the other party.
A summons is the paper that notifies the defendant that he or she is being sued and briefly explains the steps they need to take once they have received this notice.
A testimony is a formal statement given in a court of law.
A tort is an act or failure to act that causes an injury or harm to another that forms the basis of a lawsuit for damages.
A transcript is a written record of everything that was said during a court hearing.
A writ is an document issued by a court that orders a person, business or organization to do something.