Small Claims Court in Union County

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

Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court is a part of New Jersey’s court system that helps individuals or businesses resolve disputes over small amounts of money—$5,000 or less—quickly, affordably, and often without needing a lawyer. It’s one of three parts of the Superior Court’s Special Civil Part, along with:

• Landlord-Tenant Court
• Regular Special Civil (for claims between $5,000 and $20,000)
• If you sue in small claims for more than $5,000, you give up the right to collect any extra in a separate case.

Cases Can Be Filed

• Allowed Claims (up to $5,000):
• Breach of contract (written or verbal)
• Unpaid services or bounced checks
• Property damage (e.g., car accidents)
• Loss or damage of personal belongings
• Refunds for defective goods or poor services
• Unpaid rent or unreturned security deposits (up to $5,000)

Not Allowed:

• Malpractice claims (e.g., doctors or lawyers)
• Child support, alimony, or family-related cases

Where to File

File your complaint in the county where:

• A defendant lives or operates a business
• The dispute happened (if no defendants are in NJ)
• The landlord lives or the 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)
• Provide full contact info for both you and the defendant(s)
• Clearly state your claim, amount, and why it’s owed
• List any related court cases
• Sign, date, and pay the filing fees
• Avoid including full Social Security numbers or bank account details—only use the last four digits if needed.

Filing Fees

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

Trial Preparation

Plaintiff Tips:

• You must prove your case—bring all records (receipts, contracts, photos)
• Only live witnesses can testify—written statements aren’t allowed
• If you settle before court, notify the Special Civil Part right away

Defendant Tips:

• Gather evidence and witnesses
• You can file a counterclaim before the trial
• If you settle, inform the court

If either party misses trial:

• Plaintiff absent: Case may be dismissed
• Defendant absent: Plaintiff may win by default

On the Day of Trial

• Arrive on time. You’ll get a separate notice confirming the date and location.
• Check for weather closures on njcourts.gov
• A mediator may help you settle before seeing the judge
• If no settlement is reached, your case will be heard the same day

After the Trial

If You Win

• You’ll receive a money judgment
• The court does not collect the money for you
• If not paid, you can use tools to collect (see below)

How to Collect a Judgment

Start by contacting the debtor to arrange payment. If they don’t pay, the court offers options:

1. Bank Levy

• Freeze and collect money from the debtor’s NJ bank account. You’ll need:
• Bank name and address
• Last 4 digits of account number (if known)
• 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, the court orders employer to withhold wages
• Court officer keeps 10% and sends you the rest

3. Seizing Property

• You may collect from personal property (e.g., jewelry, equipment), but:
• The debtor keeps up to $1,000 of personal items
• You’ll need proof of ownership for vehicles

4. Information Subpoena

• Use this to learn where the debtor works, banks, or owns assets. The debtor must reply within 14 days.

5. Court Order for Discovery

• If the debtor won’t cooperate, ask the court to force them to disclose their assets or attend a hearing.

Out-of-State Judgments

Judgments from other states can be enforced in NJ. File with:

• Superior Court Clerk in Trenton (creates a lien on real estate)
• Or, for judgments under $20,000, at a Special Civil Part Office
• Then use the same collection tools (bank levy, wage garnishment, etc.).

Appeals

If you disagree with the court’s decision:

• File an appeal within 45 days to the Appellate Division
• Include:
  • Notice of Appeal
  • Case Information Statement
  • Transcript Request
• Pay:
  • $250 filing fee
  • $300 deposit for court costs
• Request transcripts from the county court where your case was heard

Settling or Satisfying a Judgment

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

Need Help?

• Interpreters and ADA accommodations are available—contact your local courthouse or visit njcourts.gov

Courthouses Location:

Union County Courthouse

Third Floor, 2 Broad St.
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
(908) 787-1650
https://www.njcourts.gov/

BUILDING HOURS

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

CITIES SERVED

• Elizabeth
• Union
• Plainfield
• Linden
• Westfield
• Rahway
• Scotch Plains
• Cranford
• Roselle
• Summit
• Hillside
• Springfield
• Clark
• Roselle Park
• Berkeley Heights
• New Providence
• Kenilworth
• Fanwood
• Mountainside
• Vauxhall
• Union
• Garwood
• Union
• Springfield
• Cranford
• Kean University
• Winfield
• Connecticut Farms

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