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Small claims forms · Nevada

Nevada small claims court forms

Vera can't fill Nevada's small claims forms yet. Here is what the court provides and what to know; Vera still helps you organize your case, deadlines and evidence.

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To sue (you're the plaintiff)

  • Small claims are heard by the justice court "for the recovery of money only, where the amount claimed does not exceed $10,000" (NRS 73.010(1); Justice Court Rules of Civil Procedure (JCRCP) 88(a)).
  • File in the justice court of the township where the defendant lives, does business or is employed; for an injury to a person or property, also where the injury happened; for an obligation to be performed at a particular place, also where it is or was to be performed (NRS 73.010(2)).
  • The forms come from the justice court where you file, not from a statewide form. The Reno Justice Court publishes its "Declaration of Small Claims Complaint". The complaint must state that the defendant owes you a specified amount, briefly why, and that the court has jurisdiction under NRS 73.010 (JCRCP 89(a); Reno Justice Court civil forms page; Las Vegas Justice Court Small Claims FAQ).
  • You must have the defendant served with the filed complaint and the court's order at least 14 days before the trial, and file proof of service right away; the sheriff, a constable, a licensed process server or any person 18 or older who is not a party may serve it. The Reno Justice Court requires personal service by a licensed process server at least 20 days before the mediation date (JCRCP 4(c)(3), 91(a), (c); Reno Justice Court, Overview of Small Claims Process).
  • A corporation, partnership or other business may be represented by its director, officer or employee, and attorney's fees are not allowed except under NRS 597.860 and 597.870 (NRS 73.012, 73.040).
  • If the claim is for a residential security deposit: the landlord must give you an itemized, written accounting and return the rest within 30 days after the tenancy ends; if not, the landlord is liable for the entire deposit plus a sum set by the court of not more than the entire deposit (NRS 118A.242(4), (6), (7)).

If you were sued (you're the defendant)

  • The complaint orders you to appear and be prepared to answer on the trial date, and says that not appearing may result in a judgment against you; no formal pleading other than the claim and notice is necessary (JCRCP 89(b), 96).
  • A court with a mandatory mediation program may first order both sides to mediation. In the Reno Justice Court, if the defendant does not attend mediation, "DEFAULT JUDGMENT is granted for the Plaintiff"; it publishes an "Answer to Declaration of Small Claims Complaint" and a "Small Claims Counterclaim" (JCRCP 89(c); Reno Justice Court, Overview of Small Claims Process; Reno Justice Court civil forms page).
  • A counterclaim must be filed within 21 days of service of the complaint and meet the same requirements as the complaint; a claim that cannot be heard in small claims may be separated or the case reclassified as a civil action (JCRCP 88(b), (c)).
  • A business defendant may be represented by its director, officer or employee (NRS 73.012). The Las Vegas Justice Court says only an attorney can appear on your behalf, and you may have legal counsel present with you (Las Vegas Justice Court Small Claims FAQ).
  • A motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction must be based on NRS 73.010 (JCRCP 92(c)). To appeal, you have 5 judicial days from the time the judgment is filed (Las Vegas Justice Court Small Claims FAQ; Reno Justice Court, Overview of Small Claims Process).

Checked against the court's own forms and rules. Courts change forms; check with the clerk before you file. This page is general information, not legal advice.