How do I start my small claims case? You or someone else may start your case by filling out a court form. You may file by mail if you have a small claims case in Western Suffolk County or if you live outside New York City and you want to sue a party within New York City. The form describes your claim to the Court.
Once the Judgment is entered, the winner should serve a copy of the Judgment with "notice of entry" on the loser. This service starts the loser's time to appeal running.
You can contact your bank, employer, or credit reporting company to find out which Court made the judgment. You can use the Court Locator on this page to find a Court. Then contact the Court and get a copy of the court file, including the Affidavit of Service for the Summons and Complaint.
Enter a judgment means to make a final recording of the decision and the opinion, if the court made one. When the entry is complete depends on the jurisdiction, but entering a judgment usually either occurs after the decision is inserted into the docket or sent to a specified official.
Notice of Entry of Judgment or Order (CIV-130) Tells the parties that a judgment has been entered in a case. Service of this notice sets the start date of important deadlines regarding the ability to set-aside or challenge the judgment.
Once the Judgment is entered, the winner should serve a copy of the Judgment with "notice of entry" on the loser. This service starts the loser's time to appeal running.
Can I sue for more than $5,000 in Small Claims Court? If your claim is for more than $5,000 in either Nassau or Suffolk county you must start a civil case. In NYC you may sue for up to $10,000 in Small Claims Court. You cannot split your claim into smaller claims to get around the limit.