Small Claims
The Las Vegas Township Justice Court accepts all Small Claims Court filings within the Las Vegas Township. The Clerk's Office is located on the second floor of the Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Avenue. Business hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays.
The information number for the Civil Division is (702) 671-3478.
- Small Claims Filing Guidelines
- Small Claims Filing Fees
- After Hours Filing
- Service of Small Claims Complaint
- Small Claims Answer
- Mandatory Small Claims Mediation
- Small Claims Hearings
- Important Plaintiff Information
- Small Claims Forms
Small Claims Filing Guidelines
A Small Claims may be filed in the Las Vegas Justice Court only if:
- The party(s) being sued (Defendant(s)) MUST CURRENTLY reside, work, or do business in the Las Vegas Township, and you MUST be able to provide a current address, not a post office box, for the Defendant. If the party (Defendant) resides, works, or does business in the Cities of Henderson or North Las Vegas, please contact either the Henderson Justice Court, or the North Las Vegas Justice Court.
- On or after July 1, 2011, the claim is for money only and does not exceed $7,500. If the claim is more than $7,500, you may wish to contact an attorney. If your claim is for more than $7,500, you cannot divide the claim by filing two or more separate actions. You may, however, decide not to pursue any amount over $7,500, and limit your possible recovery to a maximum of $7,500.
- Before filing a Small Claims Complaint, the plaintiff must do the following:
- Send a demand letter, with return receipt requested, to the Defendant. The demand letter must instruct the Defendant to pay the amount due within 10 days of the date that the letter is sent, or the PLAINTIFF will file a Small Claims case against the Defendant.
- Wait at least 10 days from the date the demand letter is sent before filing a Small Claims case against the Defendant.
- Include a copy of the demand letter along with the signed return receipt (as proof of mailing) with the Small Claims Complaint when the Small Claims case is filed against the Defendant.
- You are 18 years old or older.
Small Claims Filing Fees
The Filing Fee depends on the amount of money being sued for in the Small Claims Complaint
| For lawsuits seeking recovery of $.00 to $1,000.00, the fee is: | $46.00 |
For lawsuits seeking recovery of $1,000.01 to $2,500.00, the fee is: |
$66.00 |
For lawsuits seeking recovery of $2,500.01 to $5,000.00, the fee is: |
$86.00 |
For lawsuits seeking recovery of $5,000.01 to $7,500.00, the fee is: |
$146.00* |
Filing fees are due at time of filing. Payment may be made by cash, VISA, MASTERCARD, ATM and Debit cards (will be processed as VISA or MASTERCARD credit cards), personal check, money order, or cashier's check. Personal and/or business checks must be pre-printed with the customer information of name and address. No filing will be accepted without the payment of the appropriate fee.
If the filing party cannot afford the filing fee, the filing party must also prepare a Fee Waiver Application (the formal title of the document is: Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis prior to arriving at the Clerk's Office. The Clerk's Office will receive the documents that the filing party wants to file and if the Fee Waiver is granted by a Judge, the documents will be filed. If the Fee Waiver is denied, the Clerk's Office will call the filing party to advise that they have 2 business days to pay the fee or the documents will not be filed.
Mandatory E-Filing of All Civil Cases Starting August 1, 2011
Starting August 1st, all documents to be filed with the Justice Court's Civil Division (except Judge's Orders for signature) are required to be electronically filed (E-Filing). Users may file through Odyssey E-File & Serve at http://wiznet.wiznet.com/clarknv/ for a charge of $3.00 for each document. This fee is in addition to any applicable Court filing fees. You must have a credit or debit card. The credit card company charges 9 cents (3% as a service charge) to E-File each document outside of the Regional Justice Center.
Users may E-File documents for free (but will still have to pay any applicable Court filing fees) at the scanning stations located in the Self-Help Center on the 1st floor of the Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Avenue in Downtown Las Vegas or in the Justice Court Clerk's Civil Customer Service Office located on the second floor. Cash, Checks or Money Orders will be accepted for court filing fees at the Justice Court Clerk's Office on the 2nd floor of the Regional Justice Center.
An e-mail address is required to receive a file stamped copy of your document. A free e-mail account may be set up at the Clark County Law Library located a 309 S. Third Street. Further information regarding the Law Library is available at 455-4696. You may also establish a free e-mail account through Microsoft at hotmail.com, Yahoo at mail.yahoo.com or Google at mail.google.com.
Additional information about E-Filing including instructions on how to register for and use E-Filing may be found at: E-Filing & Serve
Small Claims Filing
Small Claims Complaint documents can be filed in person at the Justice Court Clerk's Office located on the 2nd floor of the Clark County Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada. Business hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday thru Friday, excluding holidays.
Effective August 1, 2011, electronic filing (E-Filing) is mandatory for all civil case filings, except Orders needing a Judge's signature. Court users may E-File from any location with an internet connection for a fee, or may E-File at the Las Vegas Justice Court without an E-Filing fee. See E-Filing & Service for further information.
All documents should be typed or written clearly. All customers must prepare their own Small Claims Documents. Court staff are not permitted to assist you in preparing your complaint. There is a walk-in Self-Help Center located on the first floor of the Regional Justice Center that provides information and forms for people who are representing themselves in Court. Self-Help services are also available at their website, http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/self-help.html. The staff at the Self-Help Center cannot provide legal advice.
Small Claims Forms are available from this web site.
After-Hours Filing (Effective July 16, 2011, After Hours Filing Will No Longer Be Allowed)
Service of Small Claims Complaint
The Plaintiff is responsible for proper service of the Small Claims Complaint The Small Claims Complaint should be served on the Defendant IMMEDIATELY after the complaint is filed. Plaintiffs should be aware that if the Defendant is not served, the Court will not hear the case. The Proof of Service MUST be fully completed and filed with the Court immediately after service.
Service must be performed by a licensed private process server, a disinterested third party, or the Las Vegas Township Constable. The Plaintiff himself or herself may not serve the Small Claims Complaint on the Defendant.
For information regarding the SERVICE of a Small Claims Complaint contact the Las Vegas Township Constable's Office at (702) 455-4099.
Service by Mail:
The Justice Court Judges have determined that the Defendant must be personally served; however, if the Defendant resides in a gated community, a Judge may allow service by certified/registered mail. You must get approval from the Court in advance to serve the Complaint by certified/registered mail. See Small Claims Motion For Service By Certified Mail.
Small Claims Answer (August 31, 2011 and PRIOR)
In cases filed prior to and including August 31, 2011, Defendants do not have to file an Answer in Small Claims cases.
Small Claims Answer (as of September 1, 2011)
In all Small Claims cases filed on or after September 1, 2011, all Defendants are required to electronically file (E-File) their Answer with the Justice Court Clerk's Office and a mail a copy by United States Mail, with first-class postage, to the Plaintiff(s) within 20 calendar days of service of the Complaint. Your failure to answer (respond to) the Complaint within 20 calendar days may result in the Plaintiff filing a Motion for Default Judgment against you. This means the Judge may grant a Judgment for the Plaintiff based on the claims/allegations in the Complaint without considering your possible defense(s) or explanation(s). You may electronically file your original Answer, for free, at the Justice Court Clerk's Office with this Court, or you may electronically file ($3.50 charge using credit or debit card) at: http://wiznet.wiznet.com/clarknv.
Small Claims Mediation (as of September 1, 2011)
Parties in all Small Claims cases filed on or after September 1, 2011, are required to attend mediation. Mediation is an informal dispute settlement process in which a neutral third person called a mediator helps the parties communicate about the issues and options for resolving differences in order to reach an agreement on all or part of the issues in dispute. The parties keep the right to make decisions about their case; the mediator guides the process but does not decide the case. The mediator assists the parties in identifying issues, encouraging joint problem-solving, and exploring settlement alternatives. Please plan on spending 2-3 hours in mediation, although some matters can be mediated in less time. Only decision-makers may participate in mediation. You may bring evidence to share with the other party, but witnesses are not typically invited into the mediation room.
This free mediation service is offered by well-trained volunteers and staff of the Clark County Courts Neighborhood Justice Center. The Neighborhood Justice Center (NJC)was created through legislation approved by the Nevada State Legislature in 1991 to provide citizens, businesses, and organizations an alternative to the Court process for conflict resolution. If you would like more information about the Neighborhood Justice Center, you may wish to review their website:
http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/lvjc/NJC/NJC_CMP.htm
If a settlement has been agreed on by all parties, the mediator will complete the Court Mediation Agreement form and have all parties sign the form. The original Agreement will become part of the case file. The Neighborhood Justice Center will give each party a copy and keep a copy.
Cases that were not successfully resolved by mediation will have a Small Claims hearing date set by the Court 10 to 21 days later. Parties will be notified of their Small Claims hearing date by letter.
When a Small Claims Complaint is filed, the Court will assign a case number and a mediation hearing date. This date will be approximately 38 to 90 days from the date on which the Small Claims was filed. This will allow sufficient time for the Plaintiff to serve the Complaint on the Defendant and to return the Proof of Service to the Court.
Proof of Service must be returned to the Court IMMEDIATELYafter service. Plaintiffs should be aware that if the Defendant is not served, the Court will not hear the case.
On your Small Claims hearing date, you will go to a courtroom with many people who have also been scheduled for that day. First, the clerk will call the roll from the docket to see who is in attendance. Once this is done, a default judgment will be entered in cases where the Plaintiff appeared and the Defendant did not appear. If only the Defendant appears, but the Plaintiff did not appear, the case will be dismissed. It is very important to not be late, because if you arrive after the roll call, your case may already have been handled by either a default judgment or a dismissal.
IMPORTANT NOTE: At the beginning of each Court session, in the mornings and afternoons, there may be a lengthy line of people waiting to enter the courthouse through security. Be certain to arrive early so that you do not miss your case being called.
Next, the courtroom clerk will call your case and both parties will be assigned to a mediator. Your matter will be mediated at that time, or if there are a number of people waiting, it will be heard as soon as possible. The mediation will take place in a conference room within the Regional Justice Center. Cases that did not fully settle during mediation will be scheduled for a Small Claims hearing before a referee, 10 to 21 days later. Parties will be notified of their Small Claims hearing date by letter.
If your case goes to hearing before a referee, you and the other party in your case will move to the front of the courtroom. When your case number and names are called, you can present your arguments and tell your stories to the referee. Small Claims cases usually take no more than 10 or 15 minutes. It is very important, therefore, that you plan ahead regarding what you will say. Your story should be well organized and to the point. Do not go off on tangents, include too many details, or be repetitious. Stay calm and polite.
If you are the Plaintiff, you will speak first. As the Plaintiff, it is your burden to prove your case. You should not assume that the Defendant will admit fault or liability, so you must inform the referee of enough facts to convince him or her that you should win. Your opening statement should summarize the nature of your claim and the damages you have suffered as a result of injury, breach of contract, violation of a right, etc.; why the other person is at fault through intentional or negligent behavior; and why you did not contribute substantially to the loss.
If you are the Defendant, you will speak after the Plaintiff. As the Defendant, you may make an opening statement after the Plaintiff is done, or you may make your opening statement after the Plaintiff has presented their entire case and before you offer any evidence, including your own testimony. The Plaintiff has the burden of proving their case. You may decide whether or not to testify or present any witnesses. You may wish to tell the referee why you are not responsible for the claims made by the Plaintiff or present other evidence. Court staff cannot advise you on whether to testify or present evidence.
You may also bring witnesses, either someone who has firsthand knowledge of the facts (example, he saw the accident) or is an expert on the subject (example, the mechanic who examined your car after it was towed). You can also present documents or other evidence for the referee to consider. After both sides have presented their arguments, the referee may ask questions or allow cross-examination. The referee may decide the case immediately; if the matter is complicated, the referee may take the case "under advisement." This means that the referee will consider the facts, or research questions of law, and will issue a decision in writing at a later time.
If the case is heard by a referee, the referee will prepare written "Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Recommendations." Either party may object to the referee's written decision by filing a Formal Objection within 5 days after receipt of that decision. Because of this rule, two outcomes are possible:
- A timely objection can be filed, and a Justice of the Peace will review the matter by "trial de novo" (a new trial in which evidence is heard as if the case had never been heard by the referee) before issuing a final judgment, or
2. If a timely objection is not filed, the Court will automatically accept the referee's findings, and the referee's decision will become a judgment. At that time, copies of the final judgment can be obtained at the Justice Court Clerk's Office.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE REFEREE’S DECISION IS NOT ENFORCEABLE IN ANY MANNER UNTIL THE FORMAL OBJECTION PERIOD HAS EXPIRED.
Parties may search for Small Claims Cases. Look for the case by Case Number, or either Plaintiff or Defendant name. Complete instructions on how to search for calendar dates can be found on the Calendar Inquiry Page.
Important Plaintiff Information
This is your claim. You are the Plaintiff. The Court will make a decision in the case from the information you provide. The Court does not investigate Defendant addresses, employment, bank accounts, or other information. The Court does not collect money for you. If the Court awards you a Judgment on the claim, you are responsible for locating all information needed to collect on that Judgment and taking any other legal action necessary to collect. Court employees cannot offer you advice on how to collect your judgment.
Important Information for Parties in Small Claims Cases
Court employees may only explain Court procedures. They are prohibited by Nevada law from offering legal advice. Assistance is provided by the Self-Help Center located on the 1st floor of the Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave., in Downtown Las Vegas and is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday except holidays. They provide instructions and help in filling out common Court forms. Their web site is: http://www.clarkcountycourts.us/CivilSHC/index.html. If you have specific questions on Small Claims matters, consult an attorney or contact the Clark County Law Library. The Law Library's address is: 309 S. Third St. #400, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89155-7340. The phone number is: (702) 455-4696. Library staff cannot provide legal advice, but they may refer you to sources you may research.
To help individuals understand the Small Claims process, a FREE SMALL CLAIMS COURT INFORMATIONAL CLASS is offered by the UNLV Boyd School of Law, Clark County Legal Services, and Nevada Legal Services. The classes are provided in both English and Spanish. For class information or to register, call 702-386-1070, Ext. 155, or toll free 1-800-522-1070, Ext. 155.
Finally, It is the parties' responsibility to understand the purpose and role of the Small Claims process. The Court does not accept liability for the actions or decisions made by the parties in Small Claims proceedings.
- Required Documents for Filing Small Claims Default Judgment (Efile in order listed)
- Proof of Service Plaintiff Small Claims
- Default (To be signed by Deputy Clerk)
- Motion and Declaration for Judgment by Default
- Memorandum of Costs and Disbursements
- Default Judgment for the signature of the Judge or Clerk
- Sample Small Claims Demand Letter
- Small Claims Complaint/Answer
- Small Claims Complaint - Sample
- Small Claims Complaint for Cases Automatically Exempt from Mandatory NJC Mediation
- Affidavit of Amended Complaint Small Claims (for Small Claims cases originally filed prior to September 1, 2011)
- Small Claims Answer (see page two of 4-page document)
- Small Claims Continuance Request
- Small Claims Counterclaim
- Small Claims Counterclaim Reply (see page two of 4-page document)
- Small Claims Proof of Service – for use by Plaintiffs
- Small Claims Proof of Service – for use by Defendants (Counterclaim)
- Small Claims Request To Reset Expired Court Date
- Small Claims Subpoena
- Confession of Judgment
- Small Claims Certificate Of Mailing
- Small Claims Motion For Service By Certified Mail
- Change Of Address
- Declaration Of Due Diligence In Support Of Motion For Service By Certified Mail
- Fee Waiver
- Motion and Declaration for Judgment by Default
- Motion to Dismiss Small Claims – for use by Plaintiffs
- Motion to Dismiss Small Claims – for use by Defendants
- Motion To Place On Calendar
- Motion For Small Claims Continuance
- Motion to Set Aside Dismissal
- Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment
- Notice of Voluntary Dismissal
- Reset Expired Court Date
Small Claims Mediation Forms
- Motion For Exemption From Mandatory Mediation
- Motion to Enter Mediated Agreement as Judgment
- Opposition To Motion For Exemption From Mandatory Mediation
- Opposition To Motion To Enter Mediated Agreement as Judgment
- Report Of Small Claims Mediator
Appeal Pleadings
- Notice of Appeal
- Statement of Evidence or Proceedings
- Statement Of Points on Appeal
- Certificate of No Transcript
- Appellant Brief
Formal Objections
