Small Claims - How to File
The party you sue through our Court must reside, be employed, or do business in the Reno Township, which includes the following areas: The city of Reno, Stead, Bordertown, Cold Springs, Steamboat Springs, Lemmon Valley, Verdi and Washoe Valley. The maximum amount that you may file for is $10,000.00. Your court date will be approximately two (2) months after you file.
Small Claims Filing Fees
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Under $1,000.00 | $66.00* |
| From $1,000.01 to $2,500.00 | $86.00* |
| From $2,500.01 to $5,000.00 | $106.00* |
| From $5,000.01 to $7,500.00 | $146.00* |
| From $7,500.01 to $10,000.00 | $196.00* |
Counterclaim Filing Fees
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Under $1,000.00 | $66.00* |
| From $1,000.01 to $2,500.00 | $86.00* |
| From $2,500.01 to $5,000.00 | $106.00* |
| From $5,000.01 to $7,500.00 | $146.00* |
| From $7,500.01 to $10,000.00 | $196.00* |
To sue a business or a corporation in Small Claims Court, the proper party to represent it must be named on the claim. If it is a business, the Reno City License Bureau (775) 334-2090 or the Washoe County License Division (775) 328-3733 can provide the business name on the license and the person listed as the licensee. If you are suing a corporation, the Secretary of State (775) 684-5708, (NV SOS Business Entity Search), can provide the exact name of the corporation and who is listed as the Resident Agent along with the Resident Agent’s address. In either case, it is important to list the business or corporation exactly as it reads with the appropriate agency. If the party you wish to sue is an agency governed under the United States Federal Government, you will need to contact the U.S. Federal Court for the procedure on filing.
Each defendant must be listed in the caption of the Declaration of Small Claims Complaint. The Plaintiff must serve the Defendant(s) with a file-stamped copy of the Declaration of Small Claims Complaint and a file-stamped copy of the Order to Attend Mediation at least 20 days prior to the date of the mediation. Service must be made in the manner set forth in Rule 4.2 or 4.3 of the Justice Court Rules of Civil Procedure. Proof of service must be filed immediately with the court. The burden to make sure this is done is on the Plaintiff.
When a small claims case is filed, the clerk of the court will assign a date and a time to appear at the Reno Justice Court for a Mediation Hearing. Mediation is mandatory for small claims cases filed in the Reno Justice Court. In mediation, parties meet with a neutral third person, the mediator, who helps parties possibly reach their own agreement before the case is heard by a Judge. If parties form an agreement, that agreement is filed with the court and signed by the Judge, making it a binding order. Once the mediated agreement is honored, the Plaintiff must file a dismissal with the court. If the mediated agreement is not honored, the Plaintiff has the right to file for a judgment. If no agreement is reached in mediation, the clerk will set a trial date.