Court help
Handling a New Jersey court matter without a lawyer
Overview
Plenty of people do. The trouble is rarely the law itself. It's the wrong form, the wrong fee or the wrong window. Here's where to start, from the court's own guides.
Small claims
Disputes up to $5,000, including security deposits. $35 to file against one person. The court mails the papers for you.
Landlord-tenant
Filed in the Special Civil Part where the property is. $50 for one tenant. The court serves the tenant, and the required complaint form changed in September 2025.
Filing a motion
$50 in the Law Division or Chancery, $25 in the Special Civil Part, none in small claims. Restoring a case dismissed over discovery adds $100 within 30 days, $300 after.
Five things that get people bounced
- Wrong county. File where the rules say, usually where the other side lives or does business, or where the property is.
- Wrong fee or payment. Clerk windows usually take a check or money order to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey". Ask before you count on a card.
- Too few copies. Bring the original, at least two sets for the court, one for each other party and one for you.
- No proof of service. Keep a certification of how and when every other party got a copy.
- No stamped copy. Leave with a copy showing the filing date. It's your proof you met the deadline.
Can't afford the fee?
You can ask the court to waive filing fees if you can't afford them, by filing a fee waiver request with a sworn statement of your income and expenses. Ask the clerk for the form. Clearing an old record costs nothing to file: see the expungement guide.
When to get a lawyer
Get one if you could lose your home, your job, custody, your license or a large amount of money, or if the other side has a lawyer and you feel outmatched. Legal Services of New Jersey's guide to representing yourself explains your options, including free legal help if you qualify, and every county bar runs a lawyer referral service.
If you just can't make the trip
We take your completed papers and fee to the clerk's window and send back a scan of the stamped copy. We don't fill out forms or give legal advice. See court filing.
Printable kit
Handle It Yourself: NJ Court Paperwork Kit
Checklists for small claims, landlord-tenant filings and motions, a court-day checklist and a case log, with the court's fees.
General information, checked November 2026. Not legal advice. MCC Solutions is not a law firm.
Questions
Can I represent myself in New Jersey court?
Yes. People without a lawyer are called self-represented. Businesses usually need a lawyer except in small claims, so check the court's rules for your case.
Can I file online?
Yes. Self-represented people can file many case types through the Judiciary's JEDS system. Attorneys use eCourts.
Can your service fill out my court forms?
No. That would be legal help, and we're not lawyers. We file and deliver the papers you prepare.
Where can I get free legal help?
Legal Services of New Jersey offers free help to people who qualify, and each county bar association runs a lawyer referral service.