Small Claims Petition - New York

SMALL CLAIMS PETITION

STATE OF NEW YORK — SMALL CLAIMS PART

FILING INSTRUCTIONS AND OVERVIEW

Courts Handling Small Claims in New York:

Governing Law: CCA §§ 1801-1814 (NYC); UCCA, UDCA, UJCA § 1801 et seq. (rest of state)
Attorney Representation: Permitted but not required (note: Commercial Small Claims Part requires business entities to appear; individuals may have attorneys)
Appeals: Either party may appeal a judge's decision only on the ground that substantial justice was not done under CCA § 1807; the claimant waives other appeal grounds.

KEY NEW YORK DISTINCTIONS:
- Claimant and defendant appeal rights — either may appeal a judge's decision if substantial justice was not done (CCA § 1807)
- Arbitrator vs. Judge — many cases are heard by an arbitrator (attorney volunteer); arbitrator decisions are not appealable; either party seeking appellate review should choose a judge
- Commercial Small Claims Part — qualifying corporations, partnerships, and associations use this separate procedure; NYC consumer-transaction claimants must certify that they mailed the required demand letter 10–180 days before filing (CCA §§ 1801-A, 1803-A(b))
- NYC procedures differ from rest of state — different courts, limits, and forms

PART I — COURT IDENTIFICATION AND CAPTION

Select the appropriate court (check one):

☐ NYC Civil Court — Small Claims Part
County: ☐ New York (Manhattan) ☐ Bronx ☐ Kings (Brooklyn) ☐ Queens ☐ Richmond (Staten Island)

☐ City Court — Small Claims Part
City of: [________________________________]

☐ District Court — Small Claims Part
District: [________________________________]

☐ Town/Village Justice Court — Small Claims Part
Town/Village of: [________________________________], County of [________________________________]

SMALL CLAIMS PART

Note: In New York small claims court, the Plaintiff is called the "Claimant" and the Plaintiff files a "Statement of Claim" (not a "complaint").

CLAIMANT INFORMATION

If Claimant is a business (Commercial Small Claims):

DEFENDANT INFORMATION

Defendant #1:

Defendant #2 (if applicable):

Suing a Business: Use the exact legal name of the business. Check with the NY Department of State Division of Corporations: https://www.dos.ny.gov/corps/

AMOUNT CLAIMED: $[________________________________]

PART II — JURISDICTIONAL STATEMENT

1. This Court has jurisdiction over this claim because the amount sought does not exceed the applicable jurisdictional limit:
   ☐ $10,000 (NYC Civil Court Small Claims Part)
   ☐ $5,000 (City Court or District Court Small Claims Part)
   ☐ $3,000 (Town or Village Justice Court Small Claims Part)

2. The Claimant seeks only monetary damages — small claims court can only award money judgments (no injunctive relief, specific performance, or equitable relief).

3. The Claimant is an individual or entity with the capacity to bring this claim.

4. The Defendant is subject to the jurisdiction of this Court.

5. The total amount claimed is $[________________________________], which is within the jurisdictional limit.

6. This claim has not been split into multiple claims to meet the jurisdictional limit (claim-splitting is prohibited).

PART III — VENUE

Venue is proper in this court because (check all that apply):

For NYC Civil Court:
☐ The Defendant resides in New York City
☐ The Defendant has regular employment in New York City
☐ The Defendant has an office for business in New York City

For City Courts (outside NYC):
☐ The Defendant resides within the county
☐ The Defendant has regular employment within the county
☐ The Defendant has an office for business within the county

For District Courts:
☐ The Defendant resides, has regular employment, or has an office for business in a district of this court in the county

For Town/Village Justice Courts:
☐ The Defendant resides within the town or village
☐ The Defendant has regular employment or an office for business within the town or village

Tenant claim alternative (CCA/UCCA/UDCA/UJCA § 1801):
☐ The claim concerns a tenancy or lease of the Defendant's property located within the area specified by the court's § 1801, and the Claimant is or was that Defendant's tenant or lessee

Specific venue basis: [________________________________]

PART IV — NATURE OF CLAIM

Select the type(s) of claim (check all that apply):

☐ Breach of Contract — Defendant failed to perform obligations under a written or oral agreement
☐ Defective Goods — Goods purchased were defective, not as described, or unmerchantable
☐ Defective Services — Services provided were substandard, incomplete, or not as agreed
☐ Security Deposit Dispute — Landlord failed to return a deposit or wrongfully withheld deductions (N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-107 or § 7-108, if applicable)
☐ Property Damage — Defendant caused damage to Claimant's personal property
☐ Auto Repair Dispute — Vehicle repair was defective, unauthorized, or overcharged (regulated under N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law Art. 12-A; identify the basis for any private damages claim)
☐ Home Improvement Dispute — Contractor failed to perform or performed defectively (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law Art. 36-A)
☐ Consumer Fraud / Deceptive Practices — Defendant engaged in deceptive acts or practices (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 349)
☐ False Advertising — Defendant made false or misleading advertising claims (N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 350)
☐ Debt Collection Violation — Defendant violated FDCPA (15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq.) or N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 601 et seq.
☐ Unpaid Wages — Employer failed to pay wages owed (N.Y. Lab. Law § 191 et seq.)
☐ Return of Personal Property — Defendant wrongfully retains Claimant's personal property
☐ Bad Check — Defendant issued a check that was dishonored
☐ Damage from Construction / Renovation — Property damage caused by neighboring construction
☐ Refund Owed — Defendant owes a refund for goods/services not provided
☐ Other: [________________________________]

PART V — STATEMENT OF FACTS

Instructions: Describe what happened in clear, simple terms. New York small claims courts are informal — the judge or arbitrator wants to understand the facts quickly. Be specific about dates, amounts, and parties.

A. Background and Relationship Between the Parties

On or about [__/__/____], the Claimant and Defendant entered into the following relationship or transaction:

[________________________________]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

B. Detailed Description of Events

Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

Date: [__/__/____]
[________________________________]
[________________________________]

C. Defendant's Breach or Wrongful Conduct

The Defendant failed to fulfill obligations and/or engaged in wrongful conduct by:

1. [________________________________]
2. [________________________________]
3. [________________________________]
4. [________________________________]

D. Harm Suffered by Claimant

As a direct result of Defendant's conduct, Claimant suffered the following harm:

1. [________________________________]
2. [________________________________]
3. [________________________________]

PART VI — DAMAGES CALCULATION

A. Itemized Damages

LIMIT CHECK: Verify that your total claim does not exceed the applicable jurisdictional limit ($10,000 / $5,000 / $3,000). If your damages exceed the limit, you may (a) waive the excess and claim the maximum, or (b) file in a higher court. You cannot split a claim into multiple actions.

B. Statutory Damages Available (New York-Specific)

C. Interest

Under CPLR § 5004, the general interest rate is 9% per annum, unless another statute provides otherwise. In an action arising out of a consumer debt where a natural person is the defendant, the rate is 2% per annum. A consumer debt is an obligation arising primarily from a personal, family, or household transaction. Select the rate that applies to this claim.

Applicable rate: ☐ 9% ☐ 2% (consumer debt action with a natural-person defendant) ☐ Other statutory rate: [____]% under [STATUTE]

Interest accrues from:
☐ The date of breach: [__/__/____]
☐ The earliest ascertainable date damages were incurred
☐ Other: [________________________________]

PART VII — RELIEF REQUESTED

WHEREFORE, Claimant respectfully requests that this Court enter judgment in Claimant's favor and against Defendant as follows:

1. Actual damages in the amount of $[________________________________]
2. Statutory damages in the amount of $[________________________________] (if applicable)
3. Pre-judgment interest at the applicable rate under CPLR § 5004 from [__/__/____], if recoverable
4. Court costs, including filing fees ($[____])
5. Post-judgment interest under CPLR §§ 5003-5004 at the applicable rate
6. Such other and further relief as this Court deems just

Note: New York small claims court generally does not award attorney's fees unless a specific statute provides for them (e.g., Gen. Bus. Law § 349). Attorney's fees are not part of the jurisdictional limit calculation.

PART VIII — PRIOR DEMAND AND RESOLUTION ATTEMPTS

A. Demand History

☐ Written demand letter sent to Defendant on [__/__/____] via:
☐ Certified mail, return receipt requested
☐ Regular first-class mail
☐ Email to: [________________________________]
☐ Hand delivery

☐ Demand amount: $[________________________________]
☐ Response deadline given: [__/__/____]

☐ Defendant's response:
☐ No response received
☐ Defendant refused to pay
☐ Defendant disputed the claim — reason: [________________________________]
☐ Defendant offered partial payment of $[____] which was ☐ accepted ☐ rejected
☐ Other: [________________________________]

B. Other Resolution Attempts

☐ Telephone conversation(s) with Defendant on [__/__/____]
☐ In-person meeting on [__/__/____]
☐ Mediation attempted on [__/__/____] — result: [________________________________]
☐ Complaint filed with NY Attorney General Consumer Frauds Bureau on [__/__/____]
☐ Complaint filed with NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection on [__/__/____]
☐ Complaint filed with BBB on [__/__/____]
☐ Other: [________________________________]

PART IX — EVIDENCE CHECKLIST

Contracts and Agreements

☐ Written contract(s) or agreement(s)
☐ Purchase orders, invoices, or receipts
☐ Warranty or guarantee documents
☐ Lease or rental agreement
☐ Work orders or service agreements
☐ Estimates, bids, or proposals

Communications

☐ Demand letter(s) and proof of mailing/delivery
☐ Email correspondence (printed with headers)
☐ Text messages (printed with dates and phone numbers)
☐ Letters or written communications
☐ Notes of telephone conversations

Financial Records

☐ Bank statements showing payments
☐ Canceled checks (front and back)
☐ Credit/debit card statements
☐ Venmo/PayPal/Zelle records
☐ Repair estimates from multiple sources
☐ Receipts for replacement goods/services

Photographs and Physical Evidence

☐ Photographs of damaged property (dated)
☐ Photographs of defective goods
☐ Before/after photographs
☐ Video recordings (bring device to show at hearing)
☐ Physical evidence (damaged items)

Third-Party Documentation

☐ Expert opinions or appraisals
☐ Inspection reports
☐ Police reports
☐ Government agency complaints (Attorney General, NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP))
☐ Department of State business entity search results
☐ Home improvement contractor license verification (NYC: DCWP; rest of state: varies by locality)

Witness Information

☐ Witness #1: [________________________________] — Testimony: [________________________________]
☐ Witness #2: [________________________________] — Testimony: [________________________________]
☐ Witness #3: [________________________________] — Testimony: [________________________________]

Timeline

☐ Prepared chronological summary of all key events

PART X — FILING INSTRUCTIONS — NEW YORK SMALL CLAIMS COURT

Step 1: Determine the Correct Court

Use the court jurisdictional table in the Overview section above. The key question is where the Defendant resides, is employed, or has a business office.

Finding Your Court:

• NYC Civil Court: https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/smallclaims/
• City Courts: https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/
• Town/Village Justice Courts: Contact the Town or Village Clerk

Step 2: Filing the Claim

NYC Civil Court — Small Claims Part:

• File in person at the Small Claims Clerk's office OR online
• The Clerk helps you fill out the Statement of Claim form
• Provide the Defendant's name and address for service
• The court handles service by mail (see Part XI)
• Hearing date assigned at filing (typically 30-60 days out)

City Courts / District Courts:

• File in person at the Clerk's office
• Procedures vary by city — call ahead
• Some City Courts offer online filing

Town/Village Justice Courts:

• File with the Town or Village Clerk
• Must file in person in most cases
• Hearings scheduled monthly in many courts (may be evening sessions)

Step 3: Filing Fees

• Commercial Small Claims: Filing fee is $25 for any amount (NYC)
• Pay by cash, money order, or check payable to the Clerk of Court
• If you cannot afford the fee, request a fee waiver using form CIV-GP-32 (Poor Person Relief)

Step 4: Important Filing Notes

• Bring a valid photo ID when filing
• Know the Defendant's correct name and address — the court needs this for service
• For businesses, have the exact legal name and address of the business

PART XI — SERVICE OF PROCESS

How Service Works in New York Small Claims Court

IMPORTANT: In New York small claims court, the court handles service — the Claimant does NOT need to arrange service personally. This is different from many other states.

NYC Civil Court — Small Claims Part:

• The Clerk sends the notice of claim to the Defendant by ordinary first-class mail AND certified mail, return receipt requested
• The hearing notice is sent at least 30 days before the hearing date
• Under CCA § 1803(a), if the ordinary first-class mailing is not returned as undeliverable after 21 days, the defendant is presumed to have received notice of the claim. This presumption does not depend on the certified mailing being claimed.

City Courts / District Courts:

• Similar to NYC — the Clerk handles service by mail
• Some courts may also offer service by constable or sheriff

Town/Village Justice Courts:

• Service may be by certified mail or by a constable or town officer
• Procedures vary — check with the specific court

If Service Fails

• If the Defendant cannot be served by mail, the Claimant may need to arrange personal service through a process server (at least 18 years old, not a party)
• In NYC, request assistance from the Clerk's office
• File proof of service with the court before the hearing

Service on Business Entities

PART XII — HEARING PREPARATION GUIDE

The Arbitrator vs. Judge Decision

BEFORE THE HEARING: Ask whether this court offers voluntary arbitration. If offered, confirm whether both parties must consent and whether choosing it waives an appeal; otherwise the judge hears the case.

Key Differences:

Advice: Either party who wants to preserve the limited appeal right should request a judge rather than an arbitrator.

Before the Hearing

1. Organize Your Evidence: Arrange all documents chronologically. Make three sets: one for the judge/arbitrator, one for the Defendant, and one for yourself.

2. Prepare a Brief Written Summary: Write a 1-2 page summary of your case. Include key dates, amounts, and the legal basis for your claim.

3. Small Claims Advisory Service: NYC Civil Court and some other courts offer a help center where staff can help you prepare. NYC Small Claims Help: (646) 386-5700.

4. Confirm Witnesses: Ensure all witnesses are available. To compel a witness, request a subpoena from the Clerk before the hearing date.

At the Hearing

1. Arrive 30 Minutes Early. Sign in with the Clerk. You will be called when your case is ready.

2. Evening Sessions: Many New York small claims courts hold hearings in the evening (typically 6:30 PM). Check your hearing notice for the scheduled time.

3. Settlement Opportunities: The court may offer mediation or settlement discussions before the hearing. Many cases settle at this stage.

4. Presentation:

   • The Claimant presents first — state your case clearly and concisely
   • Show your evidence — hand copies to the judge/arbitrator and Defendant
   • The Defendant responds and presents evidence
   • Both sides may ask questions
   • The judge/arbitrator may ask questions

5. Key Tips:

   • Be respectful — address the judge as "Your Honor" (or the arbitrator as "Arbitrator" or by name)
   • Be concise — 5-10 minutes per side is typical
   • Focus on the facts, not emotions
   • Bring originals of all documents
   • Do not interrupt the Defendant
   • Be truthful — credibility matters

6. Interpreters: If you need an interpreter, contact the court at least 1 week before the hearing. Many courts provide free interpreter services.

PART XIII — POST-JUDGMENT PROCEDURES

The Decision

• The judge or arbitrator may announce the decision at the hearing OR mail it later
• Decisions are typically mailed within 5 business days
• The decision includes the amount awarded (if any) and the reasons for the decision

Appeal Rights — Key New York Rule

IMPORTANT: A claimant who loses before a judge may appeal on the limited CCA § 1807 ground. An arbitrator's decision is final.

If Either Party Appeals

• File a Notice of Appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision
• NYC: Appeal to the Appellate Term of the Supreme Court
• Outside NYC: Appeal to the County Court or Appellate Term, depending on the court
• Standard of review: Whether "substantial justice" was done according to the rules and principles of substantive law (CCA § 1807)
• No new trial — the appellate court reviews the record
• Filing fee: approximately $30-$65

If You Win (Judgment in Claimant's Favor)

Collecting the Judgment:

1. Voluntary Payment — Request payment from the Defendant. The Defendant should pay within 30 days of receiving notice of the judgment.

2. Enforcement Letter: Send a letter to the Defendant demanding payment and stating that failure to pay will result in enforcement proceedings.

3. If Defendant Does Not Pay:
   ☐ Execution Against Personal Property — Request a Marshal (NYC) or Sheriff (outside NYC) to levy on the Defendant's personal property, bank accounts, or other assets (CPLR Art. 52)
   ☐ Income Execution (Wage Garnishment) — Seek an income execution under CPLR § 5231. Weekly withholding is limited to the least of 10% of gross income, 25% of disposable earnings, and disposable earnings above 30 times the higher federal or New York minimum hourly wage, subject to further restrictions in § 5231(b).
   ☐ Bank Account Restraining Notice — Serve a restraining notice on the Defendant's bank to freeze funds (CPLR § 5222)
   ☐ Property Execution — Direct the Sheriff/Marshal to seize and sell the Defendant's non-exempt property
   ☐ Judgment Lien on Real Property — File a transcript of judgment with the County Clerk to create a lien on the Defendant's real property (CPLR § 5203)
   ☐ Information Subpoena — Serve the Defendant with an information subpoena requiring disclosure of assets (CPLR § 5224)

4. NYC-Specific Enforcement:

   • NYC Marshals are the primary enforcement officers in the five boroughs
   • List of NYC Marshals: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doi/offices/marshals-bureau.page
   • Marshal's poundage fee: 5% of the amount collected

5. Judgment Duration:

   • New York judgments are enforceable for 20 years (CPLR § 211(b))
   • Post-judgment interest begins when the money judgment is entered (CPLR § 5003). CPLR § 5004 sets the general rate at 9% per annum, with a 2% rate for an action arising out of consumer debt where a natural person is the defendant, unless another statute governs.

PART XIV — PRACTICE TIPS FOR NEW YORK SMALL CLAIMS COURT

New York-Specific Considerations

1. Limited Appeal (CCA § 1807): Either party may appeal a judge's decision only on the ground that substantial justice was not done under the rules and principles of substantive law.

2. Arbitrator vs. Judge: Many small claims cases in NYC are heard by volunteer attorney-arbitrators. Their decisions are final and not appealable by either party. If either party wants to preserve the limited appeal right, request a judge at the start of the hearing.

3. Commercial Small Claims Part: A qualifying corporation, partnership, or association files in the Commercial Small Claims Part rather than the regular Small Claims Part. CCA § 1801-A sets claim, office, and defendant-location requirements; it has no employee-count limit. CCA § 1809-A(c) limits these claimants to five actions or proceedings per calendar month. For an NYC commercial claim arising from a consumer transaction, CCA § 1803-A(b) also requires a verified certificate stating that the claimant mailed a demand letter by ordinary first-class mail 10–180 days before filing and has filed no more than five actions or proceedings that month.

4. Evening Sessions: Many NYC Small Claims courts hold hearings at 6:30 PM on weekday evenings. This is designed to accommodate working people. Town/Village Justice Courts may also hold evening sessions.

5. Security Deposit Claims (N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-107 or § 7-108, if applicable):

   • Section 7-107's current protections apply to covered rent-stabilized leases or renewals entered on or after November 15, 2025; § 7-108 covers other qualifying residential units.
   • Landlord must return deposit within 14 days after tenant vacates
   • Landlord must provide itemized statement of deductions
   • Must deposit in a bank account (for buildings with 6+ units)
   • Actual damages are available for a violation; a willful violation may support punitive damages up to twice the deposit. These sections do not themselves award attorney's fees.
   • The Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 amended deposit protections statewide; § 7-108 applies to residential units throughout New York unless § 7-107 specifically governs the unit.

6. Consumer Protection (Gen. Bus. Law § 349):

   • Covers deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any business, trade, or commerce
   • Minimum damages of $50, plus treble damages up to $1,000
   • Attorney's fees recoverable
   • No need to prove reliance (only that the practice was misleading)
   • Very powerful statute — broadly interpreted by New York courts

7. Home Improvement Claims (Gen. Bus. Law Art. 36-A):

   • Home improvement contractors must be licensed in NYC and some other localities
   • Statewide, a home improvement contract with an aggregate price over $500 must be in writing and signed by the parties (Gen. Bus. Law §§ 770(6), 771(1)).
   • For a covered home improvement contract, the owner may cancel by written notice until midnight of the third business day after signing (Gen. Bus. Law § 771(1)(h)); check the signed emergency waiver exception in that paragraph.
   • Verify NYC contractor license through DCWP: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/check-license.page

8. Auto Repair Claims (Veh. & Traf. Law Art. 12-A):

   • Written estimate required before work begins
   • Shop cannot exceed estimate without authorization
   • Customer entitled to return of replaced parts (upon request)
   • A willful failure to comply may support DMV registration or license discipline under § 398-e(1)(i); Article 12-A does not itself award private treble damages.

9. Statute of Limitations:

10. Counterclaims: A counterclaim is permitted in the small claims action only if the court would have monetary jurisdiction over it as a small claim. A larger claim against the claimant may be filed separately in a court of competent jurisdiction; transfer of the small claim is a separate power of the court, not an automatic consequence of a larger counterclaim. CCA, UCCA, UDCA, and UJCA § 1805(b)-(c).

11. Default Judgment: If the Defendant fails to appear after proper service, the court will enter a default judgment if the Claimant proves a valid claim and damages. The Defendant may later move to vacate the default under CPLR § 5015(a).

12. Inquest: If the Defendant defaults, the Claimant must still testify briefly in an "inquest" to prove the claim and damages. Bring all evidence to the hearing even if you expect a default.

13. NYC-Specific Resources:

    • NYC Small Claims Help Center: (646) 386-5700
    • NYPIRG Small Claims Court Action Center (free assistance): https://www.nypirg.org/sccac/
    • NYC Bar Association — Pro Bono Small Claims Advisory Project

VERIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I, the undersigned Claimant, state that the foregoing claim is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

Note: In most New York small claims courts, the court handles service by mail. This certificate is for cases where the Claimant arranges personal service.

I certify that a copy of this Statement of Claim was served on the Defendant by:

☐ Court Clerk by ordinary and certified mail on [__/__/____]
☐ Personal service by [________________________________] on [__/__/____]
☐ Other authorized method: [________________________________]

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

1. N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act (CCA) §§ 1801-1814 — NYC Small Claims Part
2. N.Y. Uniform City Court Act (UCCA) § 1801 et seq. — City Courts Small Claims
3. N.Y. Uniform Justice Court Act (UJCA) § 1801 et seq. — Town/Village Courts Small Claims
4. 22 NYCRR Parts 208, 210, 212, and 214 — Uniform civil rules for NYC Civil Court, City Courts, District Courts, and Justice Courts, respectively; small claims procedures are in §§ 208.41, 210.41, 212.41, and 214.10. See the court rules at https://www.nycourts.gov/rules/
5. NYC Civil Court — Small Claims — https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/smallclaims/
6. NYC Civil Court — Filing Fees — https://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/smallclaims/fees.shtml
7. NYC Civil Court — Appeals — https://ww2.nycourts.gov/courts/nyc/smallclaims/appeals.shtml
8. NYPIRG Small Claims Court Action Center — https://www.nypirg.org/sccac/
9. NYS Unified Court System — Guide to Small Claims — https://www.bedfordny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/313/
10. N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law §§ 7-107 and 7-108 — Security deposits by unit and lease date
11. N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law § 349 — Deceptive acts and practices
12. N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law Art. 36-A — Home improvement contracts
13. N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law § 398-e — Auto repair regulations
14. CPLR §§ 5003-5004 — Interest on money judgments and applicable rates
15. CPLR Art. 52 — Enforcement of money judgments
16. NY Department of State — Division of Corporations — https://www.dos.ny.gov/corps/

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. New York small claims courts use their own forms for filing — you will complete the Statement of Claim form at the Clerk's office or online. This template serves as a comprehensive preparation guide. Consult a qualified attorney licensed in New York for advice specific to your situation. Either party may appeal a judge's decision on the limited ground in CCA § 1807. Laws and court rules may change; verify all citations and procedures before filing.