Small Claims Court in Gloucester County

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

Small Claims Court

If someone owes you money—or you’ve been treated unfairly in a minor financial situation—New Jersey’s Small Claims Court might be your best bet to get it sorted quickly and without too much hassle.

This court is built to handle smaller cases—those involving $5,000 or less—and the good news is, you don’t need a lawyer to use it. The process is designed to be straightforward and accessible to everyday people.

What Is a Small Claims Court?

Small Claims Court is part of the Special Civil Part of New Jersey’s Superior Court system. It’s where everyday financial disputes get resolved without the need for lengthy legal battles.

There are three parts to this section:

• Small Claims Court: Handles disputes up to $5,000.
• Regular Special Civil Part: Covers cases between $5,000 and $20,000.
• Landlord-Tenant Court: Deals with things like evictions and rent issues.

If your claim is over $20,000, you’ll need to file in the Law Division instead.

Important: If you choose to file in Small Claims Court and your claim is worth more than $5,000, you’re agreeing to give up anything over that amount—you can’t come back later and sue for the rest. So, you only get one shot.

What Kinds of Cases Can You Bring?

You can file a Small Claims case for a variety of reasons, like:

• Someone broke an agreement (even if it was just verbal)
• You did work for someone and weren’t paid
• A bounced check
• Minor car accidents or property damage
• Personal items lost or damaged
• Poor service or faulty products
• Issues with rent or security deposits (under $5,000)

What You Can’t File For:

• Medical or legal malpractice
• Child support, alimony, or anything involving family court

Where Do You File?

You’ll need to file your case in the county where:

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

How to File a Small Claim

Step 1: Get the Forms

• Grab the forms:
  • Online at www.njcourts.gov
  • In person at any Special Civil Part Office

Step 2: Submit the Forms

• You can file:
  • Online through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system
  • By mail
  • In person at your local courthouse

What You’ll Need:

• You must be 18 or older (or have a parent/guardian file for you)
• Full names and contact info for both parties
• A short and clear explanation of what happened and how much you’re asking for
• Info on any related court cases
• Your signature and the date

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

How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s what you’ll typically pay:

• $35 for the first person you’re suing
• $5 for each additional person
• $7 per person if the court mails your papers
• $3–$7 more if a court officer delivers the papers
• $100 extra if you request a jury trial (rare in small claims)

Getting Ready for Court

If You’re the One Filing (Plaintiff):

• Bring all your proof: receipts, emails, contracts, photos, etc.
• Witnesses must come in person—letters or written statements won’t be accepted
• If you settle before your court date, tell the court ASAP
• If the plaintiff doesn’t show up, the case may be dismissed.

If You’re the One Being Sued (Defendant):

• Bring your own documents and any witnesses
• You can file a counterclaim if you think the other person actually owes you
• Let the court know if things get resolved before your trial date
• If the defendant doesn’t show, the judge may decide in favor of the plaintiff (called a default judgment).

What Happens on Trial Day?

• Show up on time—your court notice will have the date and time
• Check the court website for weather delays: www.njcourts.gov
• A mediator might offer to help you both settle before the case is heard
• If there’s no settlement, the judge will usually hear your case that same day

After the Trial: If You Win

The court will issue a judgment saying the other person owes you money. But: The court doesn’t collect it for you—you’ll need to take the next steps to actually get paid.

How to Collect What You're Owed

Here are your options:

1. Bank Levy

• Lets you freeze and withdraw funds from their New Jersey bank account
• You’ll need their bank’s name, address, and (ideally) the last four digits of their account
• File a Motion to Turn Over Funds

2. Wage Garnishment

• They must earn more than $217.50/week
• You send notice via certified and regular mail
• If they don’t respond, the court may order their employer to deduct money from their paycheck
• A court officer takes 10%, you get the rest

3. Seizing Property

• You can collect from things like electronics, tools, or jewelry
• They’re allowed to keep up to $1,000 in personal items
• Want to go after a car? You’ll need proof of ownership and value

4. Information Subpoena

• Helps you find out where they work, bank, or own property
• They have 14 days to respond

5. Court Order for Discovery

• If they ignore the subpoena, you can ask the court to force them to answer or show up in court

Won a Case in Another State?

You can still collect your judgment in New Jersey. Just:

• File it with the Superior Court Clerk in Trenton, or
• If under $20,000, at your local Special Civil Part office

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

Want to Appeal the Judge’s Decision?

You have 45 days to appeal to the Appellate Division if you think the judge made a legal mistake.

• You’ll need:
  • A Notice of Appeal
  • A Case Information Statement
  • A request for the trial transcript from the courthouse
• Costs:
  • $250 filing fee
  • $300 deposit for court costs

If You Settle the Case

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

Need Help?

• If you need an interpreter or ADA accommodations, help is available.
• Visit www.njcourts.gov or call your local courthouse.

Courthouses Location:

Gloucester County Courthouse

1 N Broad St./ Woodbury, NJ 08096/ (856) 853-3200/ https://gloucestercountynj.gov/

BUILDING HOURS

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

CITIES SERVED

• Monroe
• Deptford
• Glassboro
• West Deptford
• Mantua
• Woolwich
• Williamstown
• East Greenwich
• Woodbury
• Clayton
• Pitman
• Paulsboro
• Logan
• Beckett
• Mullica Hill
• Oak Valley
• Elk
• Westville
• Sewell
• Richwood
• South Harrison
• Gibbstown
• Woodbury Heights
• National Park
• Thorofare
• Swedesboro
• Mickleton
• Wenonah
• Franklinville
• Malaga
• Newfield
• Mount Royal
• Grenloch
• Harrisonville
• Bridgeport

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