What is Civil Court?

Civil court is designed for disputes involving amounts of $25,000.00 or less. You have the right to a jury trial, the right to be represented by an attorney and the right to an appeal beyond this court.

Can I collect if I win?

The simple fact that the court decides in your favor does not automatically mean that the defendant will pay the judgment and costs. You may have to take additional legal steps (ie. garnishment, execution) to obtain your money, and in the end, success in collecting may depend upon whether the other party has the money to pay you.

How to begin your suit:

1. Be sure you have brought your claim against the proper party
2. Prepare a “Summons and Complaint” form which can be obtained at any District Court
3. Prepare a written complaint

What does it cost?

· $25.00 filing fee for claims up to $600.00
· $45.00 filing fee for claims $601.00 - $1,750.00
· $65.00 filing fee for claims $1,751.00 - $10,000.00
· $150.00 filing fee for claims $10,001.00 - $25,000.00
AND
· $10.00 to serve each defendant by certified mail
OR
Utilize the court’s process server (Click here for Service Fees).

The Process Server Will Send You A Bill For The Service Fee.

PROCESS SERVER’S FEE MUST BE A CHECK OR MONEY ORDER MADE PAYABLE TO THE SERVER. CASH CANNOT BE ACCEPTED FOR THE PROCESS SERVER.

NOTE:

WHEN PAYING IN PERSON, THE FILING FEE CAN BE PAID BY CHECK, MONEY ORDER, CASH, OR VISA/MASTERCARD. CASH CANNOT BE SENT THROUGH THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE.

To Demand a trial by jury there is a $50.00 fee.