Small Claims Court
NYC Small Claims Cases
Schedule an appointment (347)461-0760
PAUL W. MATTHEWS ESQ.
305 BROADWAY, SUITE 801
NEW YORK, NY 10007
347-461-0760
attorneyinnyc@msn.com
EXPERIENCE
HONESTY
INTEGRITY
Affordable, experienced legal representation for Small Claims Court cases in NYC
The small claims court can now decide cases for up to $5000.00. This means that oftentimes you can afford a lawyer to represent you in the small claims court. Mr. Matthews represents people in Small Claims Court in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens in addition to his Family Law and Matrimonial practice. He charges reasonable fees for this service, starting at $300 for a case which is heard by an arbitrator, and $350 (per court appearance) for a case heard by a judge. Fees are of necessity higher for cases which are especially complicated or involve multiple witnesses . Call for a free telephone consultation.
WHY YOU NEED AN EXPERIENCED TRIAL LAWYER
As Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of New York, Mr. Matthews has tried over a hundred Small Claims cases in addition to the many hundreds of cases he has tried in other Courts. If you are the plaintiff, he knows how to help you present your case in the best light for the judge. If you are the defendant he is a vigorous court room fighter and a skilled cross examiner. Mr. Matthews believes that in trial work there is no substitute for experience and that this principle applies in all courts, including the small claims court. Even lawyers usually do not start to get good at trial work until they have been trying cases for several years, so experience counts
Cases can be brought for up to $5000. A defendant can also counterclaim for up to $5000. Claims can be made for money damages only. The Small Claims Court cannot award moneys for pain and suffering. The Court is supposed to follow the law but is also supposed to do “substantial justice”. These two provisions may contradict each other and result in unpredictable or even illogical rulings. Certain legal but “unfair” defenses such as the Statute of Limitations defense and the “Pothole Law” (statute that requires plaintiff to show that the City of NY was given written notice of a sidewalk or roadway defect) are more likely to be honored by the Court . Parties usually consent to have their case decided by an Arbitrator. Arbitrators are experienced attorneys who volunteer their services. Arbitrators may follow all, some, or none of the rules of evidence. If either party insists on having their case decided by a judge you may both have to come back to court several times until a judge is available. In New York City, Small Claims Court sessions generally are held during the evening, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
If the defendant resides or works or has a place of business in New York City,
you must file your small claim in the Small Claims Court located in the county where the defendant resides or works or has a place of business. If the defendant does not live, work or have a place of business within NY State, you can still file a case in the Civil Court (day court) but not in the Small Claims Court.
EXAMPLES OF NY SMALL CLAIMS COURT CASES:
Landlord tenant disputes
Roommate disputes
Disputes with merchants
Disputes with neighbors
Disputes involving ownership of personal property
Failure to repay personal loan
Failure to properly fulfill a service contract
Personal Injury
Breech of contract or warranty
Disputes regarding medical bills
Disputes with ex-girlfriends and ex-boyfriends over money and property
Conveniently located at:
305 Broadway
Suite 801
New York, NY 10007
347- 461- 0760
Small Claims Court representation in New York - Extensive experience in trying small claims cases.
Law Office of Paul Matthews
Affordable attorney for small claims court
Small claims procedures
Where to file your NYC small claims lawsuit
Disclaimer: The information on this website is intended to show general principles, and should not be relied upon for decision making without consultation with an experienced Divorce Lawyer or Family Law attorney as to your particular situation. Contact via email does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
© 2009 Paul W. Matthews | New York Family Law | 305 Broadway, Suite 801 | New York, NY 10007 | 347-461-0760
