Nevada Small Claims

The small claims procedure in Nevada is a simplified path for resolving civil disputes without going through the complexity of traditional litigation. Each state sets its own rules, and understanding Nevada’s approach helps consumers, tenants, landlords, contractors, and small business owners recover money without the cost and complexity of civil litigation.

In Nevada, small claims cases are heard in the Justice Courts (one located in each township) under NRS Chapter 73 and the Justice Court Rules of Civil Procedure (JCRCP 88–100).

What Is a Small Claims Court in Nevada?

In Nevada, the small claims court has the authority to decide disputes involving monetary claims. Typical cases heard in this court include debt recovery or invoices, security deposit conflicts, contract disputes, and minor property damages. The court may issue a monetary judgment, but it does not have the authority to compel a party to return property or cease certain actions.

In the Small Claims Court, proceedings are informal and accessible to individuals representing themselves, and participants appear without legal counsel.

Small Claims Court Limits in Nevada

• There is a monetary limit that the small claims jurisdiction in Nevada allows. This is statutorily set at $10,000 (exclusive of interest and court costs).
• Court and venue: By statute, cases are filed in the Justice Court of the township (generally where the defendant lives, works, conducts business, or as otherwise provided in NRS 73.010(2)).
• Lawyers: Parties may hire legal counsel, but small claims cases typically do not require one. Many court cases are generally handled without the need for an attorney. Attorney’s fees are not refundable in small claims (with narrow statutory exceptions).

How to File a Small Claims Case in Nevada

In Nevada, individuals filing a small claims case may take the following steps to guide them through the process:

1) Decide where to file. Individuals may verify the appropriate Justice Court to visit by following the venue rules outlined in NRS 73.010 (defendant’s residence, place of employment, and business location). Residents in Clark and Washoe County may utilize the county’s self-help portal to find filing locations nearest to them.

2) Prepare your papers. In Clark County, you are required to file a Small Claims Affidavit of Complaint and a Civil Cover Sheet to initiate the process. Also, standardized packets and instructional videos are available to guide you through identifying parties, claim amounts, and venue. Forms are available via the Civil Law Self-Help Center and the local Justice Courts.

3) File and pay fees. To file a small claims case, you are required to file it at the Justice Court Clerk’s Office (in person or, where available, through e-filing). Local county websites, such as the Reno Justice Court, publish current filing fees and court dates, which are usually announced two months after filing.

4) Serve the defendant properly. After filing, you may arrange a service of process, which may be carried out by a constable, sheriff, or licensed process server. A non-party adult may also serve the defendant following the rules of the court. Clark County's small claims process allows certified mail as a backup method of service if personal service fails and the court grants permission.

In Las Vegas Justice Court, you are required to serve both the complaint and the summons. In addition, the plaintiff is mandated to file a proof of service before the hearing.

5) Mediation option. Many courts encourage or offer mediation services to resolve cases before a hearing. The public has access to Clark County’s small claims mediation services and self-help resources via the Las Vegas Justice Court and the Civil Law Self-Help Center in Clark County.

6) Are lawyers required? No. Most individuals are allowed to represent themselves in Small Claims Court, as the process is accessible without hiring an attorney. In Nevada, attorney fees are typically not awarded in small claims cases unless specific consumer protection laws apply.

Small Claims Court in Major Nevada Cities

Small Claims Courts are available in major Nevada cities and offer extensive legal resources to help navigate the process:

• Las Vegas (Clark County—Las Vegas Justice Court). The Las Vegas Justice Court offers a small claims page online where individuals may find downloadable forms and perform civil case searches through the court and the Civil Law Self-Help Center.
• Reno (Washoe County—Reno Justice Court). Reno County residents may visit the Small Claims and Civil Actions portal on the county’s website to verify the jurisdictional limit for a small claims case (typically $10,000). Interested parties may find current fees, filing information, and deadlines for appeals.
• Henderson (Clark County—Henderson Justice Court)The Henderson Justice Court pagespecifies the small claims jurisdictional limit ($10,000 or less). It also provides links to forms and civil case self-help resources.

Interested parties may verify court locations, work hours, and local rules on individual court websites before filing.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Nevada

In Nevada, small claims hearings are informal and presided over by a judge (bench trials). The plaintiff presents their case first, followed by the defendant. It is necessary to come prepared for trials and bring along organized evidence. This includes contracts, invoices, texts/emails, photos, and repair estimates. Although it is important to bring witnesses or request subpoenas if needed, many courts issue decisions at the hearing or shortly afterward. If you disagree with the court’s decision, either party may request an appeal.

Appeals. Nevada law provides a very limited window for appealing a small claims decision. Statutorily, you are required to file your appeal within five judicial days from the date of the ruling.

On the other hand, if the decision was mailed, you are allowed three additional days, and appeals are submitted to the district court. You may review your local court’s instructions and deadlines carefully, as procedures may vary.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Nevada

Small claims case records in Nevada are public unless they are sealed. Information that the public may view includes the case number, parties, docket events, hearing dates, and judgment, although access to document images varies by court.

1. Clark County; Las Vegas Justice Court Civil Case Search (official). Search by name or case number for civil or small claims filings in Las Vegas Township.
2. Washoe County; Reno and Sparks Justice Courts (official). The Reno Justice Court website provides links to online services and self-help resources. Sparks Justice Court maintains a public case search portal, although document availability varies by county.
3. Nevada Judiciary “Find a Court” and self-help centers (official). Individuals may visit the statewide directory to access a Justice Court’s website. The Civil Law Self-Help Center also provides useful links that assist in finding court locations across counties.

In Nevada, certain records may be redacted as a result of the sensitive information (personal identifiers) they contain. Third-party websites, such as “record finder,” aggregate records related to small claims. Nonetheless, the public may verify the authenticity of such records by relying on the records available on the Justice Court portal. Certified copies of records obtained from the clerk also serve as official records and may be obtained for a fee.