Small Claims Court in Camden County

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

Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court is a part of New Jersey’s court system designed to help individuals and businesses resolve disputes over $5,000 or less in a fast, affordable way—often without hiring a lawyer. The process is more streamlined than other court types, making it easier to file and present your case.

Small Claims is one of three sections of the Superior Court’s Special Civil Part, along with:

• 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 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

You can file for:

• Breach of a written or verbal contract
• Payment for services or bounced checks
• Car accident or property damage
• Lost or damaged personal items
• Faulty products or poor-quality work
• Unpaid rent or return of security deposits (up to $5,000)

You cannot file for:

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

Where to File

File in the county where:

• The defendant lives or does business
• The dispute occurred (if no one lives in NJ)
• The landlord lives or the rental property is located (for security deposits)

How to File a Complaint

Get the forms:

• Online: njcourts.gov
• In person: Any Special Civil Part Office

Ways to file:

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

Requirements:

• Be 18 or older (or have a guardian file for you)
• Include full names and contact info for both parties
• Clearly explain your claim and amount owed
• List any related court cases
• Sign and date the form
• Avoid full Social Security or bank account numbers—only last four digits if needed

Filing Fees

• $35 for one defendant
• $5 for each additional defendant
• $7 for mail service per defendant
• $3–$7 extra for personal service by a court officer
• $100 additional for a jury trial (optional)
• Fee waivers available if you qualify

Preparing for Trial

Plaintiff Tips:

• Bring receipts, contracts, photos—anything that proves your case
• Only live witnesses may testify (written statements aren’t allowed)
• Notify the court immediately if you settle before trial

Defendant Tips:

• Gather documents and witnesses
• You can file a counterclaim before the trial
• Inform the court if you settle

If you miss the trial:

• Plaintiff absent: case may be dismissed
• Defendant absent: court may enter a default judgment

On Trial Day

• Arrive on time (you’ll receive a notice with your court date)
• Check njcourts.gov for weather-related closings
• A mediator may help you settle before seeing the judge
• If no settlement, your case will be heard that day

After the Trial

If You Win:

You get a money judgment. The court does not collect the money—you must do that yourself.

How to Collect a Judgment

• Contact the debtor to arrange payment
• If they don’t pay, use the court’s collection tools:

1. Bank Levy

• Freeze and collect money from the debtor’s NJ bank account
• You'll need the bank name/address and last 4 digits of the account
• File a Motion to Turn Over Funds

2. Wage Garnishment

• Debtor must earn over $217.50/week
• Send notice by certified and regular mail
• If uncontested, wages are withheld and paid to you (minus 10% officer fee)

3. Seizing Property

• You can collect from personal items (e.g., jewelry, equipment)
• The debtor keeps up to $1,000 worth of personal property
• For vehicles, show proof of ownership

4. Information Subpoena

• Helps you learn where the debtor works, banks, or owns assets
• Debtor must respond within 14 days

5. Court Order for Discovery

• If the debtor won’t cooperate, ask the court to order them to provide info or appear for questioning

Out-of-State Judgments

Judgments from other states are enforceable in NJ:

• File with the Superior Court Clerk in Trenton
• Or for claims under $20,000, at your local Special Civil Part Office
• Use the same collection tools to recover your money

Appealing a Decision

If you disagree with the outcome:

• File an appeal within 45 days to the Appellate Division
• Submit:
  • Notice of Appeal
  • Case Information Statement
  • Transcript Request
• Fees:
  • $250 filing fee
  • $300 court cost deposit
• Request the trial transcript from the court where your case was heard

Settlements and Judgments

• Settling before trial? File a Stipulation of Dismissal with the court
• Debt paid? Plaintiff must file a Warrant of Satisfaction to close the case

Need Help?

• Interpreters and ADA accommodations are available
• Visit njcourts.gov or contact your local courthouse for assistance

Courthouses Location:

Camden County Small Claims Court

101 S 5th St # 110
Camden, NJ 08103
(856) 379-2200
https://www.njcourts.gov/

BUILDING HOURS

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

CITIES SERVED

• Cherry Hill
• Camden
• Gloucester
• Sicklerville
• Winslow
• Pennsauken
• Voorhees
• Lindenwold
• Westmont
• Haddon
• Springdale
• Collingswood
• Echelon
• Collingswood
• Cherry Hill Mall
• Haddonfield
• Bellmawr
• Gloucester City
• Greentree
• Pine Hill
• Waterford
• Atco
• Ashland
• Audubon
• Runnemede
• Berlin
• Haddon Heights
• Kingston Estates
• Barrington
• Stratford
• Glendora
• Berlin
• Ellisburg
• Clementon
• Somerdale
• Clementon
• Golden Triangle
• Mount Ephraim
• Blackwood
• Barclay
• Magnolia
• Oaklyn
• Merchantville
• Lawnside
• West Berlin
• Woodlynne
• Turnersville
• Gibbsboro
• Voorhees
• Laurel Springs
• Brooklawn
• Chesilhurst
• Audubon Park
• Hi-Nella
• Tavistock

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