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Created May 2026 · Reviewed and verified October 2026 Middlesex County, NJ Special Civil Part

Middlesex County, NJ Small Claims Court (2026)

Sue for up to $5,000 in New Jersey's Special Civil Part — Middlesex County. Court address in New Brunswick, fees, filing steps, and what to expect.

$5,000
Claim limit
$35
Filing fee
30-60 days
Hearing wait
6 yrs
Written contract SOL
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites  ·  Created  ·  Reviewed and verified

Not legal advice. Court fees and procedures are sourced from the NJ Courts website and state statutes (N.J.S.A. 2A:6-45 et seq.). Verify current information at njcourts.gov before filing. See our data methodology

Middlesex County Superior Court — Special Civil Part

Address

56 Paterson St.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Contact & Hours

Phone: (732) 981-3000
Mon—Fri: 8:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Closed state holidays

Filing Fee Schedule

Any claim up to $5,000: $35
Each additional defendant: +$5

Service of Process

By mail or court officer
Any service fee is extra; ask the clerk

Official court website (njcourts.gov)
NJ Special Civil Part is more formal than most small claims courts

New Jersey calls its court the "Special Civil Part" — not "small claims court." The process involves more paperwork and stricter procedural rules than states like Virginia or California. Read the court's instructions carefully before filing. E-filing at njcourts.gov is available and recommended to avoid errors.

How to File Small Claims in Middlesex County, NJ

1
Confirm your claim amount ($5,000 or under)
NJ Special Civil Part handles money disputes up to $5,000. You cannot split a larger claim to qualify. Claims over $5,000 up to $20,000 go to the regular Special Civil Part (more formal).
2
Complete the Complaint form
Download the Special Civil Part Complaint form from njcourts.gov, or file online through eCourts. Enter the defendant's full name and address, the amount owed, and the reason. For business defendants, you'll need the registered agent's name and address.
3
File in person or online
In person: bring your completed form to 56 Paterson St., New Brunswick. Online: file through njcourts.gov eCourts. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
4
Arrange service on the defendant
The court usually sends the complaint by mail. If mail service fails, ask the clerk about personal service (an extra fee applies). Service must be completed before the hearing date.
5
Prepare your evidence
Gather contracts, receipts, texts, emails, invoices, and photos. Make three copies of all documents. NJ courts appreciate organized presentations — consider a one-page summary with key dates and amounts.
6
Attend your hearing in New Brunswick
Arrive at 56 Paterson St. at least 15 minutes early. Check in with the clerk. Present your evidence calmly. NJ judges typically rule the same day for straightforward money disputes.

New Jersey Statute of Limitations

Claim Type Time Limit NJ Statute
Written contracts6 yearsN.J.S.A. 2A:14-1
Oral contracts6 yearsN.J.S.A. 2A:14-1
Property damage6 yearsN.J.S.A. 2A:14-1
Personal injury2 yearsN.J.S.A. 2A:14-2

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the small claims limit in Middlesex County, NJ?
The small claims limit in Middlesex County, NJ is $5,000. This is the statewide limit for the Special Civil Part. Claims over $5,000 up to $20,000 go to the regular Special Civil Part. Claims over $20,000 go to the Law Division, Civil Part.
Where do I file small claims in Middlesex County?
File at the Middlesex County Superior Court — Special Civil Part, located at 56 Paterson St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901. Phone: (732) 981-3000. Hours are Mon—Fri, 8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m. The Special Civil Part handles small claims, landlord-tenant, and other civil disputes.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Middlesex County, NJ?
New Jersey small claims filing fee (N.J.S.A. 22A:2-37.1): $35 for one defendant, plus $5 for each additional defendant. The fee is the same for any claim up to the $5,000 limit. Serving the defendant may cost extra; ask the Special Civil Part clerk. Verified September 2026.
What is New Jersey's Special Civil Part?
New Jersey's Small Claims section is part of the Special Civil Part of Superior Court. It handles money disputes up to $5,000, including security deposit returns. The process is more formal than small claims courts in most states — there is more paperwork and stricter procedural rules. Attorneys are allowed but not required.
How long does a small claims case take in Middlesex County?
Middlesex County Small Claims cases are typically scheduled 30-60 days after filing. New Brunswick courts handle a high volume — schedule 45-60 days. Both parties receive a hearing notice by mail. If the defendant is not served in time, the hearing may be adjourned.
Can I file small claims online in Middlesex County, NJ?
New Jersey offers e-filing for Special Civil Part cases in many counties including Middlesex. You can file online at njcourts.gov using the eCourts system. Online filing avoids a trip to the courthouse. Court fees are the same regardless of filing method.
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