Small Claims Court in Somerset County

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

Small Claims Court

If someone owes you money—or if you’ve been treated unfairly over a small financial matter—Small Claims Court might be the quickest, easiest way to get things sorted out.

In New Jersey, Small Claims Court is designed to handle disputes of $5,000 or less. The process is straightforward and user-friendly, so you don’t need to be a lawyer (or hire one) to file a case or go to court.

What Is Small Claims Court, Exactly?

Small Claims Court is part of the Special Civil Part of New Jersey’s Superior Court. This section also covers:

• Landlord-Tenant Court (for things like evictions or rent issues)
• Regular Special Civil Part (for claims between $5,000 and $20,000)

If your case is over $20,000, it must be filed in the Law Division instead.

Heads up: If you file a claim in Small Claims Court for more than $5,000, you give up the right to collect anything over that limit—even in a separate case later. In other words, you only get one shot.

What Types of Cases Can You File?

You can bring a Small Claims case for up to $5,000 for things like:

• Someone breaking a contract or agreement (even verbal ones)
• Work you did that wasn’t paid for
• A bounced check
• Minor car accidents or property damage
• Personal belongings that were lost or damaged
• Faulty products or poor services
• Security deposits or unpaid rent (as long as it’s under $5,000)

You can’t use Small Claims Court for:

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

Where Do 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 issue happened (if the defendant doesn’t live in NJ)
• The landlord lives, or where the rental property is located (for deposit/rent disputes)

How Do You File a Small Claim?

Step 1: Get the Forms

• You can pick up the forms:
  • Online at www.njcourts.gov
  • At any Special Civil Part Office in person

Step 2: File the Forms

• You can submit your paperwork:
  • Online through the Judiciary Electronic Document Submission (JEDS) system
  • By mail
  • In person at the 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 clear explanation of what happened and how much you’re asking for
• Details of 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 you have to.

Filing Fees

Here’s what it typically costs to file:

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

Getting Ready for Trial

If You’re the Person Filing (Plaintiff):

• Bring everything that supports your case—receipts, contracts, emails, photos, etc.
• Only live witnesses can testify (no written letters or statements)
• If you settle before court, tell the court right away

If You’re Being Sued (Defendant):

• Prepare your own documents and bring any witnesses
• You can file a counterclaim if you believe the other party owes you money
• Notify the court if the issue is resolved before your trial date

If Someone Doesn’t Show Up:

• If the plaintiff doesn’t show, the case could be dismissed
• If the defendant doesn’t show, the judge might automatically rule in favor of the plaintiff (a default judgment)

On Trial Day

• Arrive on time—your court date and time will be on the notice you receive
• Check www.njcourts.gov for weather closings
• A mediator might offer to help both sides settle before going to the - judge
• If you don’t settle, your case will usually be heard the same day

After the Trial

If You Win:

You’ll get a money judgment saying how much the other person owes you. But keep in mind: the court doesn’t collect the money for you—you’ll need to take action to get it.

How to Collect the Money You’re Owed

Start by contacting the other person and asking them to pay. If they don’t, you have several options:

1. Bank Levy

• Lets you freeze and collect funds directly from their New Jersey bank account
• You’ll need the bank’s name, address, and ideally the last 4 digits of the account
• File a Motion to Turn Over Funds

2. Wage Garnishment

• The person must earn more than $217.50 per week
• You must send notice by both certified and regular mail
• If they don’t object, the court can order their employer to take money from their paycheck
• A court officer keeps 10%, and you get the rest

3. Seizing Property

• You can ask to collect from things like tools, electronics, or jewelry
• The person is allowed to keep up to $1,000 in personal items
• If you’re going after a car, you’ll need proof of ownership and value

4. Information Subpoena

• Helps you find out where the person works, banks, or owns assets
• They must respond within 14 days

5. Court Order for Discovery

• If they ignore the subpoena, you can ask the court to require them to answer questions or appear in court

What If Your Judgment Is From Another State?

You can still collect in New Jersey—even if you won the case elsewhere in the U.S.

• File your judgment with the Superior Court Clerk in Trenton, or
• If the amount is under $20,000, at your local Special Civil Part Office
• Then you can use all the same collection tools listed above.

Want to Appeal the Decision?

If you think the judge made a mistake, you have 45 days to file an appeal with the Appellate Division. You’ll need to submit:

• A Notice of Appeal
• A Case Information Statement
• A Transcript Request

Costs:

• $250 filing fee
• $300 deposit for court costs
• You’ll also need to request the trial transcript from the courthouse where your case was heard

If You Settle the Case

• Settled before trial; File a Stipulation of Dismissal
• Debt paid after judgment; The plaintiff must file a Warrant of Satisfaction to officially close the case

Need Help?

• If you need an interpreter or accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), help is available.
• Visit www.njcourts.gov or contact your local courthouse.

Courthouses Location:

Somerset County Courthouse

20 N Bridge St.\ Somerville, NJ 08876
(908) 332-7700
https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/vicinages/somerset-hunterdon-warren/offices

BUILDING HOURS

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

CITIES SERVED

• Bridgewater
• Hillsborough
• Bernards
• Hillsborough
• Raritan
• Somerset
• Montgomery
• North Plainfield
• Warren
• Branchburg
• Somerville
• Bradley Gardens
• Franklin Park
• Bound Brook
• Martinsville
• Blackwells Mills
• Manville
• Basking Ridge
• East Franklin
• Raitan
• Bedminster
• Bernardsville
• Bridgewater Center
• Belle Mead
• Green Brook
• Lyons
• Green Knoll
• Neshanic Station
• Watchung
• Finderne
• Franklin Center
• South Bound Brook
• Six Mile Run
• Peapack and Gladstone
• Weston
• Middlebush
• Liberty Corner
• Bedminster
• Flagtown
• Kingston
• Far Hills
• Rocky Hill
• Neshanic
• Pluckemin
• East Millstone
• Harlingen
• Millstone
• Pleasant Plains
• Skillman
• Lamington
• Zarephath
• Blawenburg
• Clyde

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