Small Claims Court in Burlington County

In Burlington County, NJ small claims cases are filed in Superior Court. Burlington 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 Burlington Court System.

Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court helps individuals and businesses resolve disputes involving $5,000 or less—quickly, affordably, and often without needing a lawyer. The process is simpler than other court proceedings and is designed to be accessible to everyone.

Small Claims is one of three parts of the Superior Court’s Special Civil Part, which also includes:

• Landlord-Tenant Court
• Regular Special Civil Part (for claims between $5,000 and $20,000)
• Claims over $20,000 must be filed in the Law Division of the Superior Court.

Important: If you file a small claims case for more than $5,000, you give up your right to collect any additional amount later—even in a separate lawsuit.

Types of Cases You Can File

• Breach of a written or verbal contract
• Unpaid services or bounced checks
• Property damage (e.g., car accidents)
• Lost or damaged personal belongings
• Faulty products or poor-quality services
• Unpaid rent or return of security deposits

Not Allowed:

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

Where to File

• You must file your complaint in the county where:
  • The defendant lives or does business
  • The dispute occurred (if no party resides in New Jersey)
  • The landlord resides or the rental property is located (for security deposit claims)

How to File a Complaint

Get the Forms:

• Online at www.njcourts.gov
• In person at any Special Civil Part Office

Ways to File:

• Online via JEDS (Judiciary Electronic Document Submission)
• By mail
• In person

Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old (or have a guardian file for you)
• Include full names and contact information for all parties
• Clearly explain your claim and the amount owed
• List any related court cases
• Sign and date the form
• Avoid including full Social Security or bank account numbers (only use the last four digits, if necessary)

Filing Fees

• $35 for one defendant
• $5 for each additional defendant
• $7 for mail service per defendant
• $3 to $7 extra for personal service by a court officer
• $100 extra if requesting a jury trial (optional)
• Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on income or hardship.

Preparing for Trial

If You Are the Plaintiff:

• Bring documents such as receipts, contracts, invoices, photos, or emails
• Only live witnesses can testify—written statements are not allowed
• If the case settles before trial, notify the court immediately

If You Are the Defendant:

• Gather relevant documents and bring witnesses
• You may file a counterclaim before trial
• Notify the court if the case is resolved beforehand

If Someone Misses Trial:

• If the plaintiff is absent, the case may be dismissed
• If the defendant is absent, the court may issue a default judgment

On Trial Day

• Arrive on time (your notice will include the date and location)
• Check www.njcourts.gov for any weather-related closures
• A court mediator may offer to help resolve the case before trial
• If no agreement is reached, your case will typically be heard the same day

After the Trial

If You Win:

• You will receive a money judgment stating how much the other party owes you. The court does not collect the money for you. You must take action to recover it.

How to Collect a Judgment

1. Bank Levy

• Freeze and collect funds from the debtor’s NJ bank account
• You’ll need the bank’s name and address, and ideally the last four digits of the account number
• File a Motion to Turn Over Funds

2. Wage Garnishment

• Debtor must earn more than $217.50/week
• Send notice by both certified and regular mail
• If the debtor doesn’t object, the court can order the employer to withhold wages
• The court officer keeps 10% and sends the rest to you

3. Seizing Property

• You may request to seize personal property (e.g., jewelry, tools, - electronics)
• Debtors may keep up to $1,000 of personal property
• To seize a vehicle, you must prove ownership and value

4. Information Subpoena

• Use this to learn where the debtor works, banks, or owns property
• The debtor must respond within 14 days

5. Court Order for Discovery

• If the debtor won’t respond, ask the court to order them to disclose their assets or attend a hearing

Out-of-State Judgments

• If your judgment is from another U.S. state, you can enforce it in New Jersey.
  • File with the Superior Court Clerk in Trenton, or
  • For claims under $20,000, at your local Special Civil Part Office
  • Once filed, you may use the same collection tools described above.

Appealing a Decision

• If you believe the court made a mistake, you may appeal to the Appellate Division within 45 days.

Required Documents:

• Notice of Appeal
• Case Information Statement
• Transcript Request

Fees:

• $250 filing fee
• $300 court cost deposit
• Request trial transcripts from the court where the case was originally heard.

Settlements and Judgments

• If the case settles before trial, file a Stipulation of Dismissal
• Once payment is made, the plaintiff must file a Warrant of Satisfaction to close the case

Need Help?

• Interpreters and ADA accommodations are available
• For assistance or more information, visit www.njcourts.gov or contact your local courthouse.

Courthouses Location:

Burlington County Superior Court

49 Rancocas Rd.
Mt Holly, NJ 08060
(609) 288-9500
https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/

BUILDING HOURS

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

CITIES SERVED

• Evesham
• Mount Laurel
• Willingboro
• Pemberton
• Medford
• Burlington
• Moorestown
• Maple Shade
• Delran
• Cinnaminson
• Moorestown-Lenola
• Florence
• Lumberton
• Bordentown
• Marlton
• Mount Holly
• Southampton
• Burlington
• Chesterfield
• Browns Mills
• White Horse
• Westampton
• Mansfield
• Edgewater Park
• Crestwood Village
• Riverside
• North Hanover
• Fort Dix
• Palmyra
• Palmyra
• Mystic Island
• Tabernacle
• Eastampton
• New Hanover
• Shamong
• Ramblewood
• Yardville
• Hainesport
• Florence
• McGuire AFB
• Delanco
• Leisure Village West
• Medford Lakes
• Roebling
• Country Lake Estates
• Bordentown
• Tuckerton
• Groveville
• Leisuretowne
• Pemberton Heights
• Riverton
• Pine Ridge Crestwood
• Leisure Knoll
• Beverly
• Presidential Lakes Estates
• Cedar Glen West
• Woodland
• Cedar Glen Lakes
• Pemberton
• Bass River
• Crosswicks
• Cookstown
• Wrightstown
• Fieldsboro
• Vincentown
• Jobstown
• New Gretna

Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Burlington 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 Burlington 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.