New York

Recently updated on December 22nd, 2025 at 11:34 amOverview In New York, Small Claims Court is designed to provide a simple, quick, and low-cost way to resolve disputes involving limited sums of money. The decisions of small claims judges or arbitrators are final on questions of fact—but not necessarily on matters of law or procedure.…

Recently updated on December 22nd, 2025 at 10:46 amOverview New York’s Small Claims Court was designed to provide an accessible, affordable way for everyday people to recover money owed without needing an attorney. However, its convenience has jurisdictional limits. A frequent question arises: can you sue someone who lives outside New York State in a…

Recently updated on December 22nd, 2025 at 10:58 amOverview Winning a judgment in New York’s Small Claims Court is an important milestone, but it is not the final step. The court does not automatically collect money on your behalf. Instead, you—the winning party, called the “judgment creditor”—must take specific actions to locate the debtor’s assets,…

Recently updated on December 22nd, 2025 at 11:04 amOverview When the defendant fails to appear in New York Small Claims Court, the court may enter what is known as a default judgment. This judgment awards the plaintiff the amount claimed (or a portion of it) based solely on the evidence presented, without the defendant’s input.…

Recently updated on December 22nd, 2025 at 11:37 amOverview Small Claims Court in New York is a specialized division of the civil courts designed to resolve everyday money disputes quickly, inexpensively, and without attorneys. It provides ordinary people—tenants, consumers, contractors, or small-business owners—a venue to recover modest sums without navigating complex civil procedure. The idea…

Recently updated on December 22nd, 2025 at 11:02 amOverview A New York small claim is a simplified court process that allows individuals and small businesses to recover modest sums of money without hiring an attorney. The goal is quick, low-cost justice for ordinary disputes—unpaid rent, minor property damage, defective goods, or unreturned deposits. The process…

Recently updated on December 22nd, 2025 at 11:11 amOverview New York’s Small Claims Courts provide an accessible, affordable path for resolving disputes involving modest sums of money—without requiring lawyers or complex pleadings. They are governed by the New York City Civil Court Act Article 18 within New York City and by the Uniform City, Town,…

Recently updated on December 22nd, 2025 at 11:24 amOverview In New York, Small Claims Court provides an accessible way for individuals and small businesses to recover limited monetary losses without hiring an attorney or navigating complex litigation. The key defining feature is its financial ceiling: the maximum amount you can sue for in Small Claims…

Recently updated on December 22nd, 2025 at 11:10 amOverview The New York City Small Claims Court—officially known as the Small Claims Part of the Civil Court of the City of New York—is the most accessible division of the city’s judicial system for individuals seeking to recover modest sums of money without the complexity of formal…

Recently updated on December 22nd, 2025 at 10:58 amIn New York, the laws governing Orders of Protection (commonly referred to as Protective Orders) are designed to prevent abuse, harassment, stalking, or threats from a specific person. These laws fall under New York Family Court Act § 812, and related sections. You may be eligible to…