Courts
Suing someone in small claims court in Las Vegas
Small claims is for getting money back, up to $10,000, without a lawyer. Here's where to file, what it costs, the deadlines that matter, and what to do once you win.
What to do first
1. Make sure it's a small claims case. You're asking for money only, and $10,000 or
less (NRS 73.010). If you want something other than money, like getting property back, it isn't
small claims.
2. Check you're still inside the time limit. You generally have 6 years on a written
contract, 4 years on an oral contract or open account, 3 years for damage to your property or for
fraud, and 2 years for a personal injury (NRS 11.190).
3. File in the right justice court. File in the township where the person you're
suing lives, works or does business, or where the damage happened or the deal was supposed to be
carried out (NRS 73.010).
4. File the complaint. In Las Vegas, bring the original complaint and the filing fee,
or a fee waiver application, to the Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave, 1st floor. Monday to
Thursday, 7am to 5pm. You can also e-file online for an extra $2.50, or for free at the courthouse.
What it costs at Las Vegas Justice Court
| Amount you're asking for | Filing fee |
|---|
| Up to $1,000 | $66 |
| $1,000 to $2,500 | $86 |
| $2,500 to $5,000 | $106 |
| $5,000 to $7,500 | $146 |
| $7,500 to $10,000 | $196 |
Las Vegas Justice Court fee schedule, checked October 2026. The person you sue pays
nothing to show up and defend. If you can't afford the fee, ask the court to waive it with the fee
waiver application. Each side generally pays its own lawyer if it hires one (NRS 73.040).
Serving the papers and the trial
The court sets your trial date when you file, usually within 90 days (JCRCP 90).
Serve the other side at least 14 days before trial and file proof of service right
away (JCRCP 91). A constable, a licensed process server, or any adult 18 or older who isn't part of
the case can serve. The court doesn't do it for you. The constable's base fee is $26 plus travel
(NRS 258.125).
Mediation is free. In Las Vegas it's optional, through the Neighborhood Justice
Center at
702-455-3898. In Henderson it's required on your hearing date.
Deadlines after the judge decides
| What | Deadline | Source |
|---|
| Appeal the decision | 7 calendar days from service of the judgment, plus 3 if it was mailed | JCRCP 98(b), 6(d) |
| Your judgment, if you won | Lasts 6 years unless you renew it | Civil Law Self-Help Center |
An appeal also needs a bond (JCRCP 100), and bonds can't be waived.
Once you win
The judge's decision doesn't pay you by itself. If they don't pay, you can ask the court for a writ
of execution or garnishment ($25 per writ at Las Vegas Justice Court) to take money from their bank
account or paycheck. See I won in court, now collect for every step.
Free help
Civil Law Self-Help Center — Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave, 1st floor,
downtown Las Vegas. Free help with small claims forms.
Small claims guide and forms.
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada — 725 E. Charleston Blvd.
702-386-1070. Offers a free small claims class.
Las Vegas Justice Court, Civil Division — 2nd floor, 200 Lewis Ave.
702-671-3478. Monday to Thursday, 7am to 5pm. Closed Fridays.