A landlord kept your deposit, a contractor walked off the job, a dry cleaner ruined your coat. In Nevada you can sue for up to $10,000 in the Justice Court (small claims), without hiring a lawyer. Check your case below, then follow six steps.
Answer a few questions. The result updates as you type.
You must ask for the money before you file. Las Vegas accepts any form of demand; North Las Vegas and Henderson want a letter by certified mail and a 15-day wait. A short, dated demand letter is the best proof. Use the generator below and keep a copy.
File in the justice court township where the defendant lives, works or does business, where the injury or damage happened, or where the contract was to be performed.
Small Claims Affidavit of Complaint. Hearings are usually 30 to 60 days after you file. Some courts send cases to mediation first.
The fee depends on how much you ask for. The state lists $55 up to $2,500, $95 up to $5,000 and $145 up to $10,000, but courts add local fees: in Las Vegas and North Las Vegas it's $66 to $196. Serving the papers costs extra. If you can't afford it, ask for a fee waiver: Application to Proceed in Forma Pauperis (fee waiver).
You can't serve the papers yourself. Use the constable, sheriff, a licensed process server, or an adult who isn't part of the case. Service by certified mail needs a judge's approval first. At least 14 days before the trial date under state rules; some courts want proof of service filed earlier, so check your court's deadline.
Bring receipts, photos, texts, the contract and your demand letter, with three copies of each. The court doesn't collect for you. After judgment you can use wage garnishment or a bank levy through the constable or sheriff.
Want every detail? The full filing guide walks you through all 7 stages, from finding the defendant's legal name to collecting your money, with a checklist.
Open the filing guideFill in the details, then download the letter as a PDF or Word file, or copy the text. Send it by certified mail or email so you can prove the date.
Miss this date and the court will dismiss your case, however strong it is. Fraud time starts when the fraud is discovered.
| Type of claim | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Broken written contract (lease, invoice, signed agreement) | 6 years |
| Broken verbal agreement | 4 years |
| Damaged property | 3 years |
| Personal injury | 2 years |
| Fraud | 3 years |
| Libel or slander | 2 years |
| Claims against a government agency | To sue the State of Nevada, you must first file a claim with the Attorney General within 2 years. Claims against cities and counties also have notice rules; ask the clerk. |
You don't need a lawyer, but you can hire one. A business can be represented by a director, officer or employee.
You can sue for up to $10,000, for money only. People and businesses have the same limit. Attorney fees generally can't be added. Otherwise, you can give up the amount above the limit, or file a regular civil case where the rules are stricter.
Either side can appeal to district court, but the window is very short: 7 calendar days after the judgment is served under state rules (Las Vegas says 5 judicial days). Appeal fees and bonds often total about $350 or more, and you usually need a transcript.
Ask the court ahead of time if you need an interpreter.