Updated May 2026 Nassau County, NY District Court
Nassau County, NY Small Claims Court (2026)
Sue for up to $10,000 at Nassau County District Court — no attorney required. Court address in Hempstead, one of the lowest filing fees in New York, and step-by-step guide.
$10,000
Claim limit
$10-$17
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 Nassau County District Court and New York State statutes (UDCA § 1801 et seq.; CPLR). Verify current hearing schedules and fees at nycourts.gov before filing. See our data methodology →
Nassau County District Court — Small Claims Part (First District)
Address (Main)
99 Main St.
Hempstead, NY 11550
Contact & Hours
Phone: (516) 493-3300
Mon—Fri: 9:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Closed court holidays
Filing Fee
Claims ≤$1,000: $10
Claims >$1,000: $17
Service included — no extra fee
Service of Process
Court clerk mails summons to defendant
(certified mail + first-class mail)
Included in filing fee — no separate cost
Nassau County small claims: daytime hearings, court serves the defendant for you
Like NYC Small Claims Court, Nassau County District Court mails the summons to the defendant after you file — there's no process server cost. Unlike NYC, hearings are held during daytime business hours (not evenings). The court is in Hempstead, Long Island, not Manhattan. If the defendant lives in Nassau County but you live in a different borough or county, you still file in Nassau.
How to File Small Claims in Nassau County, NY
1
Confirm your claim qualifies and the correct district
Nassau County District Court handles money disputes up to $10,000. Claims must be filed in the district where the defendant lives, works, or where the transaction occurred. Nassau County has multiple district courthouses — call (516) 493-3300 to confirm which district covers the defendant's address before going.
2
Go to 99 Main St., Hempstead during filing hours
Visit the clerk's office at the Nassau County District Court, 99 Main St., Hempstead, NY 11550, Mon—Fri 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. The clerk will help you complete the claim form on-site. Bring the defendant's full legal name and address. For businesses, bring the exact registered entity name from the NY Department of State (dos.ny.gov).
3
Pay the filing fee ($10 or $17)
Pay $10 if your claim is $1,000 or less; $17 if it's over $1,000. The court clerk mails the summons to the defendant by certified mail and first-class mail at no extra charge. No process server required.
4
Wait for your hearing notice
The court will mail you a notice with your hearing date, typically 30-60 days from filing. Unlike NYC, Nassau hearings are held during daytime court sessions — not evenings. Mark the date and plan to arrive early for security.
5
Prepare your evidence
Three copies of all supporting documents: contracts, texts, invoices, photos, bank records. Organize your presentation to be clear in 5-10 minutes: what was agreed, what happened, and the specific dollar amount you're claiming.
6
Attend your daytime hearing in Hempstead
Arrive at 99 Main St. 15 minutes before your scheduled time. Bring your case documents, claim notice, and a photo ID. When called, state your name and case number. If you reach a settlement before the session, the clerk can enter it as a consent judgment.
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) |
| Security deposits | 6 years | GOL § 7-108 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Nassau County, NY?
The small claims limit in Nassau County, NY is $10,000 — the statewide cap under the Uniform District Court Act (UDCA) § 1801. Claims above $10,000 must go to Nassau County District Court (Civil Part) or Supreme Court, where attorney representation is strongly recommended.
Where do I file small claims in Nassau County?
File at the Nassau County District Court — Small Claims Part, located at 99 Main St., Hempstead, NY 11550. The clerk's office handles small claims filing Mon—Fri, 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. Phone: (516) 493-3300. Nassau County also has branch courthouses in First District (Hempstead), Third District (Mineola), and Fourth District (Long Beach) — file in the district where the defendant lives or the dispute occurred.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Nassau County?
Nassau County District Court small claims filing fees: $10 for claims up to $1,000; $17 for claims over $1,000. These fees include the court mailing a summons to the defendant by certified mail — no separate process server fee is required for initial service. Total out-of-pocket to file: $10-$17.
Is Nassau County small claims court different from NYC small claims?
Yes — Nassau County uses the Nassau County District Court under the Uniform District Court Act (UDCA), which is a separate court system from NYC's Civil Court. Key differences: Nassau hearings are during daytime hours (not evenings like NYC), the court is in Hempstead on Long Island (not Manhattan), and procedures fall under the UDCA rather than the NYC Civil Court Act. The claim limit ($10,000) and filing fee structure are similar.
How long does a small claims case take in Nassau County?
Nassau County small claims cases are typically scheduled 30-60 days after filing. You'll receive your hearing date at the time of filing. Cases are heard during daytime court sessions Mon—Fri — budget 4-6 weeks for a hearing.
Can a business sue in Nassau County small claims court?
Yes. Sole proprietors, LLCs, and corporations can all file small claims in Nassau County. However, corporate entities must be represented by a company officer or employee authorized to bind the company — not outside legal counsel. For large or contested business disputes, consider whether District Court Civil Part (with an attorney) offers better outcomes.
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