Updated May 2026 Brooklyn, NYC Civil Court
Brooklyn Small Claims Court (2026)
Sue for up to $10,000 in Brooklyn's Civil Court for just $15-$20. Evening hearings, no process server needed — the court mails the defendant for you.
$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 →
Kings County Civil Court — Brooklyn Small Claims Part
Address
141 Livingston St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Contact & Filing Hours
Phone: (347) 404-9133
Filing: Mon—Fri 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Hearings: Tuesday 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
Brooklyn's evening court schedule is designed for working New Yorkers
Tuesday evening hearings at 141 Livingston St. mean you don't have to take time off work. The $15-$20 all-in filing fee — including court-handled service — makes Brooklyn one of the most accessible small claims courts in the country. Arrive by 6:00 p.m. to clear building security before the 6:30 p.m. start.
How to File Small Claims in Brooklyn, NY
1
Confirm you're filing in the right borough
File in the borough where the defendant lives, works, or where the incident or transaction occurred. If the defendant is in Brooklyn (Kings County), file here at 141 Livingston St. Manhattan defendants file at 111 Centre St.; Queens defendants at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd.
2
Visit the clerk's office at 141 Livingston St.
Go to the ground floor clerk's office Mon—Fri, 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. The clerk will help you fill out the claim form. Bring the defendant's full name, address, and the amount and reason for your claim. For businesses, bring the exact registered name from the NY Dept. of State (dos.ny.gov).
3
Pay $15 or $20
That's the entire cost — $15 for claims up to $1,000, $20 for claims above $1,000. The court clerk then mails the summons to the defendant. You'll receive a hearing notice in the mail with your hearing date, typically 30-60 days away.
4
Prepare your evidence
Three copies of everything: contracts, receipts, photos, texts, invoices. Brooklyn judges hear multiple cases per evening. Be ready to explain your case in 5-10 minutes. A short written summary with key dates and the amount owed is very effective.
5
Attend your Tuesday evening hearing
Arrive at 141 Livingston St. by 6:00 p.m. to clear security. Bring your claim notice, all evidence, and a photo ID. Hearings start around 6:30 p.m. When your case is called, state your name, case number, and the relief you're requesting. The judge typically rules 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 Brooklyn, NY?
The small claims limit in Brooklyn (Kings 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, Kings County (360 Adams St.), which requires more formal procedures and typically an attorney.
Where do I file small claims in Brooklyn?
File at the Kings County Civil Court — Small Claims Part, located at 141 Livingston St., Brooklyn, NY 11201. The clerk's office is on the ground floor. Phone: (347) 404-9133. Filing hours are Mon—Fri, 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. Hearings are held in the evening — typically Tuesday evenings.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Brooklyn?
Brooklyn small claims filing fees are $15 for claims up to $1,000, and $20 for claims over $1,000. This all-in fee includes the cost of the court serving the defendant by certified and first-class mail — no separate process server needed. Brooklyn's $15-$20 all-in cost is among the lowest small claims filing fees in the country.
When are Brooklyn small claims court hearings held?
Brooklyn Small Claims Court hearings are typically held on Tuesday evenings, starting around 6:30 p.m. at 141 Livingston St. The evening schedule was designed so working New Yorkers don't have to take a day off. Your hearing notice will specify the exact date and room. Arrive by 6:00 p.m. to clear building security.
How do I serve the defendant in Brooklyn small claims court?
You do not need to arrange service in Brooklyn Small Claims Court. After you file, the court clerk mails a summons to the defendant by certified mail and regular first-class mail — this is included in your $15-$20 filing fee. If the certified mail is returned unclaimed or refused, you may need to arrange personal service by a non-party adult over 18.
Can I sue a business in Brooklyn small claims court?
Yes. You can sue any business operating in Brooklyn — sole proprietors, LLCs, corporations, franchises. For corporations and LLCs, you must use the defendant's exact registered entity name. Look up NY business names at the NY Department of State business entity database (dos.ny.gov). Filing under the wrong name can cause your case to be dismissed.
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