New Jersey Small Claims Companion — Checklists for Money Claims of $5,000 or Less
Attorney-reviewed by Bonnie B. Henderson, Esq. Shop is not a law firm; purchase is not representation.
A plain-English companion to the free New Jersey Courts Small Claims forms, for people suing for money of $5,000 or less in the Small Claims Section of Superior Court, Special Civil Part. You get a “should I file here?” guide, a plaintiff-side map of the official complaint blanks (not a reprint of the form), tenant-vs-landlord money illustrations (unreturned security deposit — possession is a different court), a filing checklist with current official fees and URLs, and hearing-and-after notes — including what identifiers you must keep off public papers. NJ Courts already publishes the complaint and instruction packet at no charge. This kit does not reprint those forms. You download the current packet from njcourts.gov and file it yourself. Plum Packet is not a law firm and not a filing service. This is not legal advice, it does not create an attorney-client relationship, and nobody appears in court for you.
What’s included
Seven PDF files:
| File | What you get |
|---|---|
| Readme | How to use the kit. |
| Disclaimer | Standalone disclaimer. Read it first. |
| Should I use Small Claims? | When Small Claims vs. regular Special Civil (up to $20,000) vs. Law Division is the right money court; typical claim types the Judiciary lists; what Small Claims cannot do (eviction, name change, family support, malpractice, probate). Official URLs. |
| Plaintiff complaint walkthrough | Plain-English map of the kinds of blanks on official Small Claims complaint CN 10532 (who you are, who you are suing, amount, why they owe you, other cases, signature). Not a reprint of the form. You still download the current PDF from njcourts.gov. |
| Landlord examples (tenant vs. landlord, money only) | Illustrations — not advice to sue — of tenant money claims official sources actually connect to Small Claims (unreturned security deposit of $5,000 or less; official double-recovery note). Explicitly not eviction or possession. |
| Filing checklist | County/venue, which official packet to download (CN 10151 / CN 10148 / CN 10532), current filing and mail-service fees, JEDS vs. mail vs. in person, clerk service, what you must not put on papers. |
| Hearing and after | What to bring, what official sources say if the defendant does not appear, judgment, a broad pointer to the Judiciary’s own collection brochures. Not a collection practice. |
Format: PDF.
Not included: the NJ Courts complaint or summons (those are free on njcourts.gov); filing or serving your case; a lawyer at the hearing; wage garnishment, bank levy, or other collection work; Special Civil cases over $5,000; eviction; name change.
Who it’s for
- Someone suing for money of $5,000 or less in New Jersey Small Claims.
- Unpaid bills, a contract that was not honored, a security deposit up to the Small Claims cap, a bad check, damaged property, or similar money claims the Judiciary lists for this court.
- People who will download the current official forms, pay the court (or apply for a fee waiver), and appear on their own return date.
Who it’s not for
- Claims over $5,000, eviction / possession, name change, family cases, wills, or professional malpractice.
- Anyone who needs a lawyer to evaluate the claim or appear in court.
- Anyone who wants Plum Packet to file, serve, collect, or show up.
If any of those describe you, do not buy this kit. Use njcourts.gov or hire counsel.
Price
$5.00 (USD). One-time download. No subscription. No court fees are bundled — you pay the Judiciary separately (as of the kit’s research date, typically $45 to file and have the court mail one defendant: $35 filing + $10 certified-and-regular-mail service). Confirm the current amount on njcourts.gov the day you file.
FAQ
Is this legal advice? Am I hiring Bonnie Henderson?
No. The kit is general information and checklists. Buying it does not create an attorney-client relationship with Bonnie B. Henderson, Esq., with any law firm, or with Plum Packet. Plum Packet is an online shop, not a law firm. Purchase does not include representation, a consultation, review of your papers, or anyone appearing in court. If you need advice, hire counsel separately.
Do you file my Small Claims case for me?
No. Plum Packet is not a filing service. You download the current complaint and summons from NJ Courts and file them through JEDS, by mail, or in person. The kit tells you which official URLs to use.
Is this the official court form?
No. NJ Courts already publishes the forms for free. This is a companion and checklist. Do not file this kit. File the Judiciary’s current packet (as of the research date, CN 10151 for most non-motor-vehicle money claims).
Why would I pay $5 if the forms are free?
You shouldn’t if you only want the PDF. The $5 is for plain-English sorting (Small Claims vs. Special Civil vs. Law Division), a filing checklist with verified fees and “do not put this on the form” identifier rules, and hearing notes that point back to official pages. If that is not worth $5, use njcourts.gov and skip the kit.
What is the Small Claims limit?
NJ Courts: $5,000 or less. Regular Special Civil Part is $20,000 or less. Over $20,000 is Law Division Civil Part. Confirm on njcourts.gov before you file.
What is the filing fee?
As of August 27, 2026, NJ Courts posted $35 for one defendant and $5 for each additional defendant, plus $10 per defendant for certified-and-regular-mail service. Typical combined total for one defendant: $45. Source: Court fee schedule CN 11112 (revised 08/2026) and Small Claims self-help. Confirm the day you file.
Can I use this for eviction or a security deposit?
Eviction / possession: no. That is Landlord/Tenant, a different section. Security deposit of $5,000 or less: NJ Courts lists that as a Small Claims money claim. Over $5,000, they say file Special Civil.
Will you collect the judgment?
No. If you win, you are responsible for collection. The kit points to the Judiciary’s free collection brochure (CN 10282) and related packets. It does not include a collection practice.
Is this kit attorney-reviewed?
Attorney-reviewed by Bonnie B. Henderson, Esq. Shop is not a law firm; purchase is not representation.
Disclaimer
This product is general information. It is not legal advice. Buying it does not create an attorney-client relationship with Bonnie B. Henderson, Esq., with any law firm, or with Plum Packet. Plum Packet is not a law firm and does not appear in court. New Jersey fees, forms, and rules change — confirm on njcourts.gov before you file. You download the official court forms and file your own papers. Full text is in the Disclaimer PDF in the download.
Official forms and instructions: https://www.njcourts.gov/self-help/small-claims-court