Small Claims

Small Claims

Small Claims

Small claims court provides a prompt and inexpensive way to resolve minor disputes. Legal procedures are held to a minimum and lawyers may not participate. Small claims court is a division of county court and the hearings are conducted by a county judge. Small claims court is limited to civil (non-criminal) actions involving disputes over amounts of money owed, damage to property, or seeking the return of personal property. Small claims cases are limited to $7,500. 


Start Here

Getting Started

 

 About Small Claims Court

  • You cannot have a lawyer in the Small Claims Court. you must file all the needed forms/legal paperwork yourself.

     

You must make sure you can file a small claims.

To do this answer these questions:

  • I am an individual, partnership, corporation, union, association, or any other kind of organization or entity. _____ Yes _____ No
    • A partner or an employee can represent a partnership.
    • An officer or employee can represent a corporation.
    • A member or an employee can represent a union, association, or other organization.
  • I was directly involved in the event resulting in the claim. _____ Yes _____ No
    • I cannot file a claim assigned to me by someone else.
  • I am suing for payment or return of property worth $7,500.00 or less. _____ Yes _____ No
  • I am not suing a:
    • Service member while he or she is active military service or for a year after active duty; or
    • U.S. Citizen serving with military forces during a military conflict.

_____ Yes _____ No

  • I have not already filed 2 small claims cases this week or 10 small claims cases this calendar year. _____ Yes _____ No

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, you cannot file this Small Claims case.

  • In most situations, a small claims case is filed within two years of the event.

Glossary of Legal Terms.

Turning in/filing/submitting forms:

 

  • Whenever you are instructed to turn in, file, or submit forms to the clerk of the county court, you can do this either in person or by mail.

To contact the clerk of the county court, the contact information can be found at this link:  nejudicial.com/county-court-contacts .

never put cash in the mail picture

The information you need to know to complete the forms:

For me to complete the forms and participate in the court hearing, I will need:

  • Your full name
  • Your email address
  • Your phone numbers
  • Your complete address
  • The correct name and current address of the person(s) or businesses you are suing.
    • If you are suing an unincorporated business, the full legal name of the business and the name of the owner.
      • You can get that information from the agreement, if one was signed, or from the business’s website, signs, or advertising.
    • If you are suing an incorporated business, the corporate name and the person who needs to receive legal papers can be found at the Nebraska Secretary of State's website or by calling the Nebraska Secretary of State Business Services at 402-471-4079.
  • A receipt, estimate, or agreement that proves the amount of damages or expenses that shows you are not asking for more than $7,500.
    • You can attach it to the small claims form when you file it or give it to the judge as an exhibit at the hearing.

   Costs you will pay for

Court Costs

 

QR code

 
Costs: All court costs and service fees are subject to change. 
 
Service Fees:

For additional information about service options, see the Service and Service Return Guide.

 
Fee Waiver for Low-Income Litigants:
How to File

Packet: For a printed copy of the plaintiff’s packet use this link

Paquete: Para obtener una copia impresa del paquete del demandante, utilice este enlace

Small Claims Checklist

start here iconRequired Forms

FORMS

 

A Complete List of Forms for Small Claims can be found using the link or the QR code below.

The form numbers, such as CC 4:5, are included in this packet to help court staff better assist you in finding forms. You do not need to know the form numbers for your case.

The links to forms provided in this packet are fillable forms.

QR code for forms listing    

Nebraska Supreme Court List of Forms for Small Claims nejudicial.com/smallclaims-forms

  Expected Costs for filing a Small Claims case:

 

COURT COSTS

 

Costs: All court costs and service fees are subject to change.
Service Fees:

For additional information about service options, see the Service and Service Return Guide.

Fee Waiver for Low-Income Litigants:

 BEFORE YOU START

 

     Damages: Asking for $7,500 or less

      Venue: MUST be filed in the county where:

  • the events occurred, OR
  • where the defendant lives.

     Military status of defendant:

  • NOT a member of the Armed Services, AND
  • NOT a member of Armed Services within the last year
   Number of claims:
  • A plaintiff may only file two (2) Small Claims cases in a calendar week, and no more than ten (10) Small Claims cases in a calendar year.
** YOU MAY CONTINUE WITH YOUR CLAIM ONLY IF ALL FOUR (4) BOXES ARE CHECKED**

If you answered “No” to any of these questions, you cannot proceed.

   PHASE 1 - START YOUR CLAIM

 

  Complete the Plaintiff’s Claim form:

Plaintiff’s Claim and Notice to the Defendant (Small Claims Court) CC 4:1.

(Ch6art14App1)

  Register your e-mail to receive notices from the court:

Registration of Email Address for Self-Represented Litigants (DC 3:01)

  Turn in (file) your Plaintiff’s Claim and Notice to Defendant and the filing fee to the Clerk of the County Court.
  • If using mail, send a check or money order.

mailbox  PHASE 2 - SERVICE –  NOTICE TO THE DEFENDANT OF CLAIM AND DATE FOR HEARING

 

Choose a method of service:

   Personal Service – Service by Sheriff or Constable
  • Pre-pay Fee for Service
  • Return of Service by Sheriff or Constable

(You must check with the county court clerk's office for the status of a service return.)

OR

   Certified Mail – Mail service with proof of delivery
  • Request a Return Receipt/ Restricted Delivery at the Post Office
  • Did you receive the Return Receipt (green card) with a signature?

          Yes - File Small Claims Certified Mail Return ( CC 4:5) and the green card with the court.

          No – You cannot proceed to trial until the defendant has been served. Do

you have a different address to try certified mail?

  • If it is not delivered or a return receipt is not turned in to the court, a hearing will not be scheduled.

If return of service is not returned or a return receipt is not turned in to the court, a hearing will not be scheduled.

If service was unsuccessful, you may request Alternate or Substitute Service.

***In Douglas County, you must attempt service on defendant twice before requesting Alternate or Substitute Service.***

For more information on the types of service and service return go to the Nebraska Judicial Branch Self-Help website, or you may ask the clerk’s office for a printed copy of the guide:
newspaper  For more information on Alternate and Substitute Service go to the Nebraska Judicial Branch Self-Help website, or you may ask the clerk’s office for a printed copy of the guide:

 PHASE 3 – GETTINGREADY FOR PRE-TRIAL/MEDIATION/TRIAL

 

   Do any parties need an interpreter?
  • If yes, let the court know what language as soon as possible.
   Do any parties need ADA accommodations?
  • If yes, let the court know what is needed as soon as possible.
   Do you have any evidence for the court to review?
  • If yes, have you printed everything or put it on a USB?

USB Flash drives must be new, unused, and free of any other items.

   Do you need to subpoena anyone to testify?

Completing the Praecipe (Request) for a Subpoena (CC 4:6a.)

  • Has the Sheriff or Constable served the Subpoena?
    • If yes, call the county court office to confirm a return of personal service on the Subpoena has been filed.
  Complete the following:
  Are you willing to try to resolve your case by Mediation? (Note: In some counties, mediation is required.)
  • If yes, let the Court know if you want to attempt Mediation.

**If your case is not eligible for mediation OR if mediation is not successful, your case will be set for trial.

  Review “What You Need to Know Before Going to Court”

(nejudicial.com/need-to-know)

WARNING: Evidence stored on a cell phone MUST be printed by you BEFORE the hearing. Videos MUST be saved to a new and unused USB flash drive that is free of any other items BEFORE the hearing.

gavel   PHASE 4 – PRE-TRIAL/TRIAL DAY

 

Pre-Trial Date/time/location:                                                                                                                                         Trial Date/time/location:                                                                                                                                                        
 
  Appearances at pre-trial:
  • If Both Plaintiff and Defendant appear
    • Court may order mediation.
    • Court may set the matter for trial.
  • If Only Plaintiff appears
    • Plaintiff may seek a judgment against defendant.
    • HAVE EVIDENCE READY TO PRESENT .
  • If Only Defendant appears
    • Plaintiff’s claim will be dismissed.  
  Evidence reminders:
  • Bring Witnesses and all documentation in paper form to court including:
    • Witnesses
      • MUST be present to offer sworn testimony.
    • Physical Evidence
      • 3 Printed copies (court, defense, you) of each item.
      • 3 USB Flash drives (court, defense, you) with any video evidence.

Must be new, unused, and free of any other items.

  • Trial Script
    • Evidence Chart

   Arrive at least 30 minutes before your trial. This will give you time to be outside

of the courtroom at least 15 minutes before your trial starts.

WARNING: Evidence stored on a cell phone MUST be printed by you BEFORE the hearing. Videos MUST be saved to a new and unused USB flash drive that is free of any other items. BEFORE the hearing.

PHASE 5 – AFTER YOUR TRIAL

 

Satisfied with the court’s decision:

  • If a Judgment was ordered:
    • The party ordered to pay the judgment pays the court.
    • The party ordered to pay the judgment does NOT pay the court.
      • Garnish wages of the party who was ordered to pay.
        • A court order to take from wages or a bank account to pay the judgment.(See Garnishment Plaintiff Packet)
      • See information regarding garnishments on this page: nejudicial.com/small-claims-collecting
    • When collected in full - Complete the Satisfaction of Judgment form (CC 4:8).

 

Unsatisfied with the court’s decision:

  • A default judgment - A default judgment is a court decision in favor of the plaintiff when the defendant does not answer or go to the court hearing.
  • File an appeal – An appeal is when someone that loses a case asks a higher court to review the decision and say if it was right.
    • An appeal can be filed by either the plaintiff or the defendant in the case.
    • The appeal must be filed within 30 days after the judgment.

See this page for additional information: https://nejudicial.com/appeal-setaside-civil-smallclaim

Guides

Service and Service Return Guide: To print a copy of this guide, use this link.

SERVICE & SERVICE RETURN GUIDE

CHECKLIST:

Choose a method of service:

 

   Personal Service – Service by Sheriff, Constable, or Process Server

OR

    Certified Mail – USPS, Restricted Delivery

Important Information

 

If suing a business or corporation, you MUST serve the Registered Agent. You may find this information by contacting the Nebraska Secretary of State Corporate and Business Search or by calling 402-471-4079.

Always check with the Clerk’s office before the court date to make sure the defendant has been served.

If the defendant is not properly served within 180 days from the date the complaint is filed, the case will be dismissed without prejudice by operation of law.

Types of Service

 

  1. Personal Service by Sheriff or Constable
    • Sheriff or Constable will hand deliver the defendant(s) a copy of the Summons and Complaint.
    • You must request at least 2 attempts be made.
    • Be prepared to pay the Sheriff or Constable fees when you turn in your Complaint or Small Claims Claim to the County Court Clerk’s Office.
    • For information about service through the Douglas County Sheriff, call 402-599-2675 or visit https://www.omahasheriff.org/service-fees.
    • For information in Douglas County about service by the Constable, call 402-444-5436. (Constables are only available in Douglas and Lancaster Counties)
  2. Personal Service by Process Server
    • Independent Process Servers must comply with §25-507.
    • Process Servers will hand deliver to the defendant(s) a copy of the Summons and Complaint.
      • Process Servers are not employed by the court.
      • You are responsible for choosing a Process Server and paying their fee.
    • You must provide the Process Server’s contact information to the Clerk’s office.
    • You are required to provide the Summons and Complaint to the Process Server.
    • You must decide who will file the Service Return with the court – either you or the Process Server.
  3. Certified Mail, Restricted Delivery
    • You are required to send the Summons and Complaint to the defendant through the mail.

certified mail and receipt

Service Returns

 

  • A Service Return is proof that the defendant has been notified of the lawsuit and upcoming court date. A Service Return MUST be filed with the court.
    • Types of Service Returns
  • The type of Service Return required by the judge will depend on what method of service you chose. If you chose:
    • Personal service by Sherriff or Constable
      • The Sheriff’s Office/Constable will file the Service Return directly with the court.
    • Personal Service by Process Server
      • The Process Server will file the return or send it back to you.
    • Certified Mail

A Case Cannot Go Before a Judge Until the Defendant Has Been Properly Served.

Alternate or Substitute Service Guide: To print a copy of this guide, use this link.

ALTERNATE OR SUBSTITUTE SERVICE GUIDE

 

ALTERNATE OR SUBSTITUTE SERVICE CHECKLIST

 
Have you attempted Personal Service OR Certified Mail at least twice with no service?

 

   No – You MUST try either Personal Service or Certified Mail again.

  Yes – You may ask the court for Service by Publication (Alternate) or Substitute Service.

              If you are asking for Service by Publication you must file:

                      Motion for Service by Publication (CC 6:6.1)

                      Affidavit in Support of Motion for Service by Publication (CC 6:6.2)  

                      Order for Service by Publication CC (6:6.3)

                     Attach proof of all previous attempts at service.

OR

         If you are asking for Substitute Service:

                     Motion for Substitute Service (CC 6:6:5)

                     Affidavit in Support of Motion of Substitute Service (CC 6:6.6) 

                     Order for Substitute Service (CC 6:6.7)

                     Attach proof of all previous attempts at service.

Did the Court Approve Your Request for Service by Publication?

 

  No – Try Personal Service or Service by Certified Mail again.

  Yes – You MUST:

                  Provide the clerk’s office with a NEW Plaintiff’s Claim and Notice to the Defendant (Ch6art14app1).

                         Complete the Notice of Small Claims Proceeding (Service by Publication) (CC 6:6.4).

                         Contact the local newspaper to arrange and pay for publication.

                         Send what was published within five (5) days of the first time the notice ran in the newspaper. Send through the US Mail to the defendant's                                    last known address.

                        File the Affidavit of Mailing Published Notice (DC 6:6.8), with the court within ten (10) days of when you mailed the copy to the defendant.

 Did the Court Approve Your Request for Substitute Service?

 

  No – Try Personal Service or Service by Certified Mail again.  

  Yes – You MUST:

               Provide the clerk’s office with a NEW Plaintiff’s Claim and Notice to the Defendant (Ch6art14App1).

                       Contact the Sheriff or Constable to arrange and pay for Substitute Service.  

                        Confirm the Sheriff or Constable filed the return with the court.

                       Send the defendant a copy of the Claim and Notice by First Class Mail through the United States Postal Service. ONLY use First Class Mail.

                       File the Certificate of Mailing (DC 6:6.9) with the court within 10 days.

Requesting Permission for Alternate or Substitute Service

 

You may not proceed with any type of Alternate or Substitute Service unless it has been pre-approved by the judge.

To request permission, you must complete and file with the clerk’s office, the Motion, Affidavit, and Order specific to the type of service you are asking to use. The form numbers and links are located in the checklist above. Make sure to include copies of all return receipts for personal service or service through Certified Mail with your request.

If the court denies your request, you must continue to attempt Personal Service and/or Service by Certified Mail.

Requirements for Service by Publication and Substitute Service

 

If the court granted your request for Service by Publication or Substitute Service, you must complete each of the following.

  Complete and file a NEW Plaintiff’s Claim and Notice to Defendant CC 4:1 (Ch6Art14App1). This is the same form you completed when you started. This time:

  • Do not mark a method for service.
  • Leave the 2nd page blank. This will be completed by staff.
  • Copy exactly what you wrote in the first Claim. You cannot add or subtract information from to the original complaint.

How to Complete Service by Publication

You must complete Steps 1-4

 

Step 1:     Arrange for your completed Notice of Small Claims Proceeding, (CC 6:6.4) form to be published in the Daily Record. (Douglas County Only)

  • Contact the newspaper to arrange for payment and publication.
  • Daily Record (Douglas County only)
  • For all other counties, you can find the newspaper used in your county using this website: nepublicnotices.com
  • All notices must be in the newspaper once per week for three (3) weeks in a row 1                                             2                                  3                                       (write dates here)

 

Step 2:     Obtain a copy of the first published notice and mail it to the defendant’s last known address. This must be mailed within five (5) days of the first time the notice ran in the newspaper.

- A digital copy of the notice can be found at nepublicnotices.com

 

Step 3:    Complete and file the Affidavit of Mailing Published Notice, (DC 6:6.8), with the clerk's office within ten (10) days of when you mailed the copy to the defendant.

 

Step 4:  (Douglas County Only)

  • The Daily Record will send an Affidavit of Publication to the court
  • The Daily Record will send a copy of the affidavit to you

** Make sure the Daily Record has your correct contact information to send you a copy of the Affidavit of Publication**

How to Complete Substitute Service

You Must Complete Steps 1-6

 

Substitute Service is completed when The Sheriff/Constable posts your Small Claims Claim and Notice at the Defendant’s home AND you mail a copy of your Claim and Notice to the Defendant by first class mail.

 

Step 1: Request Substitute Service in your Motion/Affidavit for Substitute Service. 

 

Step 2: Pay for service.

 

Step 3:   Send a copy of the entire Claim and Notice by first class mail to the defendant’s last known address.

 

Step 4:   Complete the Certificate of Mailing (DC 6:6.9).

 

Step 5: File the completed Certificate of Mailing (DC 6:6.9) with the clerk’s office within 10 days of mailing the Claim and Notice to the defendant.

 

Step 6: Contact the clerk’s office to confirm the Sheriff or Constable completed and filed the affidavit confirming Constructive Service.

Getting Ready for Trial Guide: To print a copy of this guide, use this link.

GETTING READY FOR TRIAL GUIDE

CHECKLIST:

 

Answer the following questions:

  • Do any of the parties or witnesses need an interpreter?

  Yes       No

  • If yes:

          I have notified the Clerk’s Office.

  • Do any parties or witnesses need ADA Accommodations?

  Yes        No

  • If yes:

          I have notified the Clerk’s Office.

  • Do you have any photos, documents, screenshots, text messages or videos for the court to review?

  Yes        No

  • If yes:

           Print 3 copies of each and bring them to court.

          Download all audio and/or videos onto 3 separate new flash drives (Douglas County only).

  • Do you need to subpoena anyone to testify?

  Yes       No

  • If yes:

       File a Praecipe for Subpoena (CC 4:6). 

       Contact the Sheriff or Constable to serve the Subpoena. Confirm personal service of the Subpoena.

Review

 

 

Evidence

 

Evidence is what you show the Judge to prove your claim. Evidence can include documents (like contracts), photos, videos, screenshots, or objects. Evidence may also include witness testimony and/or your own testimony. The Trial Worksheet in this section may be used to help you organize your evidence for trial.

Exhibits

 

Bring all exhibits with you on your trial date. This includes all documents, objects, or other pieces of pysical evidence formally presented to the court to support your legal argument.

 

  • Print 3 copies of all documents, text messages, emails and/or photos.

    • Include the entire conversation.
    • Include dates and times.
      • Make sure each page is numbered.

  • Video or audio recordings

    • In Douglas County – Transfer to a new, unused USB Storage Device (Flash Drive)
      • All Other Counties, Contact the Clerk of the County Court.

  • Physical Objects

    • If the object is too large or you cannot bring it to court, bring printed photographs of the object.

Important Reminders

  • The Judge cannot look at evidence on your phone, computer or tablet.
  • All evidence is held by the clerk’s office for at least 30 days in the event of an appeal.

 Witnesses

 

Bring all witnesses with you on your trial date. The Judge may refuse to read statements from witnesses who are not present for trial. If the person you want to the a witness does not want to voluntarily come to court, you can ask the court to issue a subpoena.

 

How to Request a Witness Subpoena

These sample forms can be found in the Getting Ready for Trial Guide Link.

 

Trial Worksheet:
trial worksheet page 1
trial worksheet page 2
Sample Exhibit List:
sample exhibit list

 

Defendant Information
Laws and Rules

Laws and Rules

Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-2801 – 25-2807

District Specific Resources

Click on the District below for detailed resources.

District 4 Resources:

Douglas County

To All Persons Representing Themselves:

  • You are responsible for all steps.
  • You are responsible for all information provided.
  • Court staff cannot give legal advice. If legal advice is needed visit Nebraska Find-a-Lawyer.
  • Court staff cannot complete the forms for you or on your behalf.
  • Court staff cannot correct any of the information you include on the forms.
  • Write clearly. Check spelling. Forms that cannot be read or are incomplete may result in the court denying your claim or additional court hearings and possibly added expense.
  • Courts may have additional local rules. The court staff will guide you through those extra steps.  You will be required to complete them.