Small Claims Court in Mercer County

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

Small Claims Court

If someone owes you money—or if you've been shortchanged or treated unfairly over a small financial matter—Small Claims Court might be the fastest and most affordable way to get it resolved.

In New Jersey, Small Claims Court handles disputes involving $5,000 or less. It's designed to be simple enough that most people don’t need a lawyer to file a case or represent themselves in court.

What Is a Small Claims Court?

Small Claims Court is part of New Jersey’s Special Civil Part, which is a section of the Superior Court. This part of the court also includes:

• Landlord-Tenant Court (for eviction or rent disputes)
• Regular Special Civil Part (for claims between $5,000 and $20,000)
• If your claim is over $20,000, it has to go through the Law Division of the Superior Court instead.

One important thing to remember: If you file your claim in Small Claims Court for more than $5,000, you’re giving up the right to collect the extra amount later—even in a separate lawsuit. You only get one shot.

What Kind of Cases Can You File?

You can file a case for up to $5,000 involving things like:

• A broken agreement or contract (even if it was verbal) Work you did that wasn’t paid for-
• A bounced check
• Property damage—like from a minor car accident
• Lost or damaged personal belongings
• Poor-quality goods or services
• Unreturned security deposits or unpaid rent (as long as it’s under $5,000)

You cannot file a small claim for:

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

Where Should You File Your Case?

You need to file your claim in the county where:

• The person or business you're suing (the defendant) lives or operates
• The problem happened (if the defendant isn’t a New Jersey resident)
• The landlord lives or the rental property is located (for security deposit cases)

How Do You File a Small Claim?

Step 1: Get the Forms

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

Step 2: Submit Your Forms

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

Step 3: What You’ll Need:

• You must be 18 or older (or have a parent/guardian file for you)
• Full names and contact information for both parties
• A clear explanation of your claim and how much money you’re asking for
• Info about any related court cases
• Your signature and date

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

Filing Fees

Here’s what it’ll cost to file your case:

• $35 for one defendant
• $5 for each additional defendant
• $7 per defendant for mail service
• $3–$7 extra per defendant if a court officer serves papers
• $100 extra if you request a jury trial (not common in small claims)

Getting Ready for Trial

If You’re the Person Filing the Case (the Plaintiff):

• Bring proof: receipts, emails, contracts, photos—anything that supports your story
• Only live witnesses can testify (letters or written statements aren’t allowed)
• If you settle the dispute before court, let the court know immediately

If You’re Being Sued (the Defendant):

• Collect your own evidence and bring any witnesses
• You can file a counterclaim if you believe the plaintiff owes you money
• If the issue gets resolved before the trial, tell the court

If Someone Doesn’t Show Up:

• If the plaintiff is a no-show, the case may be dismissed
• If the defendant doesn’t appear, the judge may decide the case by default

What Happens on Trial Day?

• Show up on time (your court date and location will be in the notice you receive)
• Check www.njcourts.gov in case there are weather closures
• A mediator may try to help you settle before you see the judge
• If there’s no settlement, your case will likely be heard that same day

After the Trial

If You Win:

You’ll get a money judgment saying how much the other side owes you. But the court doesn’t collect the money—you have to take steps to get it.

How to Collect the Money You’re Owed

Start by asking the other party to pay. If they don’t, you have several options:

1. Bank Levy

• This lets you freeze and collect money directly from the other person’s New Jersey bank account
• You’ll need the bank’s name and address, and ideally the last four digits of the account number
• You must file a Motion to Turn Over Funds

2. Wage Garnishment

• The debtor must earn more than $217.50 per week
• Send notice by certified and regular mail
• If they don’t object, the court can order their employer to take money out of their paycheck
• A court officer keeps 10% as a fee and sends you the rest

3. Seizing Property

• You can ask the court to seize personal belongings (like tools, electronics, or jewelry)
• The debtor is allowed to keep up to $1,000 worth of personal property
• To seize a car, you’ll need to prove the person owns it

4. Information Subpoena

• Use this to find out where the person works, banks, or owns property
• They must respond within 14 days

5. Court Order for Discovery

• If they ignore the subpoena, you can ask the court to force them to provide the info or appear for questioning

If Your Judgment Is From Another State

If you won a case in another U.S. state, you can still collect the money in New Jersey.

• File the judgment with the Superior Court Clerk in Trenton, or
• If the claim is under $20,000, at your local Special Civil Part Office
• Then you can use the same tools (bank levy, wage garnishment, etc.) to collect.

If You Want to Appeal the Decision

Didn’t agree with the judge’s ruling? You have 45 days to file an appeal with the Appellate Division.

You’ll Need to File:

• Notice of Appeal
• Case Information Statement
• Transcript Request

Costs:

• $250 filing fee
• $300 deposit for court costs
• Request the transcript from the court where your case was heard

Settling and Closing a Case

• If you settle before trial, submit a Stipulation of Dismissal to the court
• If the debt is paid after judgment, the plaintiff must file a Warrant of Satisfaction to officially 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 with any questions.

Courthouses Location:

Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex

25 Market St.
Trenton, NJ 08611
(609) 421-6100
https://www.njcourts.gov/

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

• Hamilton
• Trenton
• Ewing
• Lawrence
• West Windsor
• Princeton
• East Windsor
• Hopewell
• Princeton Meadows
• Robbinsville
• Mercerville
• Hamilton Square
• Twin Rivers
• Heathcote
• Hightstown
• The College New Jersey
• Hopewell
• Robbinsville Center
• Lawrenceville
• Pennington
• Ten Mile Run
• Princeton Junction
• Hopewell
• Griggstown
• Titusville
• Windsor
• East Rocky Hill

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