Who can use Small Claims Court

- Individuals

Anyone 18 years of age or over can sue in Small Claims Court. If you are younger than 18, your parent or guardian may sue on your behalf. Only an individual can sue in Small Claims Court. Corporations, partnerships, associations, or assignees cannot sue in Small Claims Court. However, they can be sued in Small Claims Court. If you are a corporation, partnership, association or assignee, you can bring a Commercial Claim or Consumer Transaction. For more information, click on Commercial Claims and Consumer Transactions.

- Businesses

Small Claims Court is also an informal court where different business entities like corporations, partnerships and associations can sue at the Commercial Part for up to $5,000.00.

Related Definitions:

Plaintiff or Claimant – the person suing

Defendant – the person being sued

You may have more than one plaintiff or defendant at the same time. You must have proper legal name to sue or being sued. If you choose, you may be represented by an attorney at your own expense, but it is not necessary. If there are attorneys on both sides, the case may be transferred to a regular part of the court.