Updated May 2026 Queens County, NYC Civil Court
Queens Small Claims Court (2026)
Sue for up to $10,000 in Queens Civil Court for just $15–$20. Wednesday evening hearings, and the court handles service — no process server needed.
$10,000
Claim limit
$15–$20
Filing fee (all-in)
30–60 days
Hearing wait
6 yrs
Written contract SOL
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
Not legal advice. Court fees and procedures are sourced from the NYC Civil Court and New York State law (NYC Civil Court Act § 1801 et seq.; CPLR). Verify current hearing schedules at nycourts.gov before filing. See our data methodology →
Queens County Civil Court — Small Claims Part
Address
89-17 Sutphin Blvd.
Jamaica, NY 11435
Contact & Filing Hours
Phone: (718) 298-7080
Filing: Mon–Fri 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Hearings: Wednesday evenings (~6:30 p.m.)
Filing Fee
Claims ≤$1,000: $15
Claims >$1,000: $20
Service included — no extra fee
Service of Process
Court mails summons to defendant
(certified + first-class mail)
Included in filing fee
Queens is NYC's most diverse borough — interpreter services available
Queens is one of the most linguistically diverse places in the world, and the court reflects that. Interpreter services are available in many languages at no charge — request one when you file or call (718) 298-7080 in advance. The court cannot provide legal advice, but court attorneys (volunteers) are often available before the session to answer procedural questions.
How to File Small Claims in Queens, NY
1
Verify Queens is the right borough
File where the defendant lives, works, or where the dispute occurred. Queens County covers the borough of Queens. If the defendant is in Brooklyn, file at 141 Livingston St. (Kings County); Manhattan defendants go to 111 Centre St. (New York County).
2
Go to 89-17 Sutphin Blvd. during filing hours
Visit the clerk's office Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. in Jamaica. The clerk will walk you through the claim form. Bring the defendant's full name and address, and the amount and reason for your claim. For businesses, confirm the registered entity name at dos.ny.gov.
3
Pay $15 or $20 — that's everything
There are no hidden fees. Pay $15 for claims up to $1,000, or $20 for claims above $1,000. The court clerk mails the summons. You'll receive a hearing notice with your date — typically a Wednesday evening 30–60 days from filing.
4
Prepare your evidence
Three copies of all documents: contracts, invoices, photos, texts, bank records. Queens judges handle full evening dockets. Keep your presentation tight: what was owed, what happened, and the exact dollar amount. A written timeline with amounts is helpful.
5
Attend your Wednesday evening hearing in Jamaica
Arrive at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd. by 6:00 p.m. to clear security. Bring your hearing notice, evidence, and photo ID. The session typically starts at 6:30 p.m. When your case is called, state your name, case number, and what you're requesting. Judges usually rule the same evening.
New York Statute of Limitations
| Claim Type | Time Limit | NY Law |
|---|---|---|
| Written contracts | 6 years | CPLR § 213(2) |
| Oral contracts | 6 years | CPLR § 213(1) |
| Property damage | 3 years | CPLR § 214(4) |
| Personal injury | 3 years | CPLR § 214(5) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Queens, NY?
The small claims limit in Queens County is $10,000 — the New York City cap under the NYC Civil Court Act § 1801. Claims above $10,000 go to the Supreme Court of New York, Queens County (88-11 Sutphin Blvd.), which has stricter requirements and typically requires an attorney.
Where do I file small claims in Queens?
File at the Queens County Civil Court — Small Claims Part, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435. The clerk's office is on the main floor. Phone: (718) 298-7080. Filing hours are Mon–Fri, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Hearings are held in the evening — typically Wednesday evenings.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Queens?
Queens small claims filing fees are $15 for claims up to $1,000, and $20 for claims over $1,000. Service is included — the court clerk mails the summons to the defendant by certified mail and first-class mail at no extra charge. Total out-of-pocket cost: $15 or $20.
When are Queens small claims court hearings held?
Queens Small Claims Court hearings are typically held on Wednesday evenings, starting around 6:30 p.m. at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd. in Jamaica. Your hearing notice will confirm the exact date and time. Arrive by 6:00 p.m. to clear building security and check in with the clerk before sessions begin.
What is a "Commercial Claims" case in NYC?
New York City has a "Commercial Claims" track for businesses suing other businesses. If both parties are businesses, the case is filed as a Commercial Claim rather than a Small Claims case. The limit is $25,000 for commercial claims, but the court charges higher fees and the process is slightly more formal. Individuals suing businesses — or businesses suing individuals — use the regular Small Claims track with the $10,000 limit.
How long does a Queens small claims case take?
Queens small claims cases are typically scheduled 30–60 days after filing. Queens has one of the largest populations of any NYC borough — allow the full 60 days. If the defendant requests an adjournment, one postponement is usually granted. The judge typically rules the same evening in uncontested cases.