Small Claims Court in Passaic County

In Passaic County, NJ small claims cases are filed in Superior Court. Passaic 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 Passaic 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 sections 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 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 work
• Unpaid rent or return of security deposits

Not Allowed:

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

Where to File

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

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 years or older (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 (use only 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 additional for personal service by a court officer
• $100 additional for a jury trial (optional)
• Fee waivers are available for those who qualify

Preparing for Trial

For Plaintiffs:

• Bring all relevant documents (receipts, contracts, photos, etc.)
• Only live witnesses may testify—written statements are not allowed
• Notify the court immediately if you settle before the trial

For Defendants:

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

If either party misses the trial:

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

On Trial Day

• Arrive on time (you will receive a notice with the court date and location)
• Check njcourts.gov for weather-related closures
• A court mediator may assist in settling the case before trial
• If no settlement is reached, the case will usually be heard that same day

After the Trial

If You Win:

• You will receive a money judgment. The court does not collect the money for you. You are responsible for collecting payment from the other party.

How to Collect a Judgment

Start by contacting the debtor to arrange payment. If they do not pay voluntarily, you may use the following collection methods:

1. Bank Levy

• Freeze and collect money from the debtor’s New Jersey bank account
• You will need the bank name, address, and (if known) the last four digits of the account
• File a Motion to Turn Over Funds

2. Wage Garnishment

• Debtor must earn more than $217.50 per week
• Send notice by both certified and regular mail
• If the debtor does not contest, the court orders the employer to withhold wages
• The court officer deducts a 10% fee; the rest goes to you

3. Seizing Property

• You may collect using personal property (e.g., jewelry, equipment)
• Debtors may keep up to $1,000 in personal items
• For vehicles, you must provide proof of ownership

4. Information Subpoena

• Used to learn where the debtor works, banks, or owns assets
• The debtor must respond within 14 days

5. Court Order for Discovery

• If the debtor refuses to cooperate, request that the court require them to provide financial information or appear in court

Out-of-State Judgments

• If you have a judgment from another U.S. state, it can be enforced in New Jersey.
  • File it with the Superior Court Clerk in Trenton
  • Or, for claims under $20,000, file at your local Special Civil Part Office
  • You may then use the same collection tools listed above

Appealing a Decision

If you disagree with the court’s decision, you can file an appeal with the Appellate Division within 45 days.

3Required Documents:

• Notice of Appeal
• Case Information Statement
• Transcript Request

Fees:

• $250 filing fee
• $300 deposit for court costs
• Request trial transcripts from the county court where your case was heard.

Settlements and Judgments

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

Need Help?

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

Courthouses Location:

Passaic County Superior Court

77 Hamilton St,\ Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 653-2910
https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/vicinages/passaic

BUILDING HOURS

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

CITIES SERVED

• Paterson
• Clifton
• Passaic
• Wayne
• West Milford
• Preakness
• Hawthorne
• Little Falls
• Oak Ridge
• Woodland Park
• Ringwood
• Wanaque
• Pompton Lakes
• Totowa
• Haledon
• North Haledon
• Bloomingdale
• Packanack Lake
• Prospect Park
• Singac
• Upper Greenwood Lake
• Pines Lake
• Hewitt
• Macopin
• William Paterson University New Jersey
• Newfoundland

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