Small Claims Court in Atlantic County

In Atlantic County, NJ small claims cases are filed in Superior Court. Atlantic County has one Superior Courthouse that handles small claims, serving different jurisdictions.

Squabble is here to assist you in navigating the small claims court system and filing a claim with ease. We recognize that not everyone is a legal expert, and our goal is to simplify the process for you. This guide will answer your questions about filing claims in the Atlantic Court System.

Small Claims Court

If someone owes you money—or you’re dealing with a small financial dispute — New Jersey’s Small Claims Court might be your easiest path to getting it resolved.

It’s designed for everyday people, with a simple process that doesn’t require a lawyer. As long as your claim is $5,000 or less, this is probably the place to go.

What Is a Small Claims Court?

Small Claims Court is part of New Jersey’s Special Civil Part of the Superior Court. It handles financial disputes of $5,000 or less—without all the complexity of full-blown lawsuits.

The Special Civil Part has three sections:

• Small Claims Court– for disputes up to $5,000
• Regular Special Civil Part – covers claims between $5,000 and $20,000
• Landlord-Tenant Court – for rent issues, evictions, etc.

Important: If your claim is more than $5,000 and you still file in Small Claims Court, you’re giving up the right to collect anything above that. You can’t sue for the rest later.

What Kinds of Cases Can You File?

You can file a claim for things like:

• Someone broke a contract (even a verbal one)
• You did work and didn’t get paid
• A bounced check
• Damage from a minor car accident
• Damaged or lost personal property
• Faulty products or poor service
• Unpaid rent or security deposits (if under $5,000)

You can’t file for:

• Medical or legal malpractice
• Child support, alimony, or other family court matters

Where Do You File Your Case?

File in the county where:

• The person or business you’re suing lives or does business
• The issue happened (if the person doesn’t live in NJ)
• The landlord lives, or where the property is located (for rent/security disputes)

How to File a Small Claim

Step 1: Get the Forms

• Download from www.njcourts.gov, or
• Pick them up at any Special Civil Part Office

Step 2: Submit the Forms

You can file:

• Online using the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system
• By mail
• In person at your local courthouse

What You’ll Need:

• Be at least 18 years old (or have a parent/guardian file for you)
• Full names and contact info for both parties
• A short, clear summary of what happened and the amount you’re claiming
• Info on any related court cases (if applicable)
• Your signature and the date

Tip: Don’t list full Social Security or bank account numbers—just the last 4 digits if needed.

How Much Does It Cost to File?

• $35 for the first person you’re suing
• $5 for each additional person
• $7 per person for mailing court papers
• $3–$7 more if a court officer hand-delivers the paperwork
• $100 extra if you request a jury (not common in small claims case)

Preparing for Court

If You’re the Plaintiff (the one filing the claim):

• Bring all evidence: contracts, photos, emails, receipts, etc.
• Witnesses must appear in person—letters won’t count
• If you settle before court, let the court know right away

If You’re the Defendant (the one being sued):

• Bring your own proof and any witnesses
• You can file a counterclaim if you believe the plaintiff owes you money
• If the case is settled before the hearing, notify the court

No-shows matter:

• If you don’t show up as the plaintiff, the case could be dismissed
• If the defendant doesn’t show up, the judge might rule in your favor by default

What to Expect on Trial Day

• Arrive on time—your notice will say when and where
• Check www.njcourts.gov for weather-related closings
• A mediator may help settle the dispute before trial
• If you don’t settle, the judge usually hears your case that day

What Happens If You Win?

If the judge rules in your favor, you’ll get a money judgment—a court order saying the other person owes you a specific amount.

But you’re responsible for collecting the money. The court won’t do it for you.

How to Collect Your Money

Here are your options:

1. Bank Levy

• Freeze and collect money directly from their New Jersey bank account.
  • You’ll need their bank name, address, and ideally the last four digits of their account.
  • File a Motion to Turn Over Funds.

2. Wage Garnishment

• Take money directly from their paycheck (if they make more than $217.50/week).
  • Send notice via certified and regular mail.
  • If they don’t respond, the court can order their employer to withhold a portion of wages.
  • A court officer keeps 10%; you get the rest.

3. Seize Property

• You can try to collect by claiming personal property like electronics or tools.
  • The person is allowed to keep up to $1,000 in personal items.
  • For cars, you’ll need proof of ownership and value.

4. Information Subpoena

• Used to find out where the person works, banks, or owns assets.
  • They must respond within 14 days.

5. Court Order for Discovery

• If they ignore the subpoena, you can ask the court to make them respond or appear in court

Won Your Case in Another State?

• You can still collect in New Jersey by filing your out-of-state judgment:
  • With the Superior Court Clerk in Trenton, or
  • At your local Special Civil Part Office (if under $20,000)

Once it’s filed, you can use the same collection tools.

Want to Appeal the Judge’s Decision?

If you think the judge made a legal error, you can file an appeal—but you only have 45 days to do it.

You’ll need:

• A Notice of Appeal
• A Case Information Statement
• A trial transcript (requested from the original court)

Costs:

• $250 filing fee
• $300 deposit for court costs

Settling the Case

• If you settle before the trial, file a Stipulation of Dismissal
• If the debt is paid after judgment, the plaintiff must file a Warrant of Satisfaction to close the case officially

Need Help?

• Need an interpreter? Or have a disability and need accommodations?
• Support is available—just visit www.njcourts.gov or call your local courthouse.

Courthouses Location:

Atlantic County Office Building

1333 Atlantic Ave
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
(609) 345-6700
https://www.atlanticcountynj.gov/

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

• Egg Harbor
• Atlantic City
• Galloway
• Hamilton
• Pleasantville
• Hammonton
• McKee City
• Somers Point
• Smithville
• Pomona
• Ventnor City
• Absecon
• Northfield
• Brigantine
• Mays Landing
• Buena Vista
• Linwood
• Bargaintown
• Mullica
• Margate City
• Buena
• Egg Harbor City
• Stockton University
• English Creek
• Weymouth
• Collings Lakes
• Folsom
• Estell Manor
• East Vineland
• • Absecon Highlands
• Cologne
• Dorothy
• Milmay
• Germania
• Victory Lakes
• Port Republic
• Oceanville
• Longport
• Sweetwater
• Elwood
• Newtonville
• Richland
• Nesco
• Corbin City
• Corbin City
• Belleplain
• Mizpah
• Marshallville
• Leeds Point

Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Atlantic County

Don't allow the intricacies of the legal system to discourage you from pursuing justice and compensation for your claim. With Squabble, you have a dedicated partner to streamline the process and guide you toward resolution. Whether you're contemplating filing a claim at Atlantic County small claims court, Squabble is here to support you at every stage. Reach out to us today to commence your journey toward justice and compensation. Get started today and become one of the 95% of our customers who won or settled their case.