Small Claims Court, also known as Magistrate’s Court, provides a less formal forum for pro se parties (individuals not represented by legal counsel). Individuals may bring forward their legal claims for money owed if the amount is $10,000.00 or less, complaints to recover personal property, disputes between landlords and tenants, and summary ejectment of tenants.

Our office has legal forms available for most of these actions. However, we are prohibited from instructing you on how to fill out the forms.

The current filing fee established by the North Carolina General Assembly for Small Claims actions is $96.00 payable to the Dare County Clerk of Court. Personal checks are NOT accepted by our office. There is an additional fee of $30.00 per defendant to have the summons and complaint served by the Sheriff’s office to obtain service of process. You may pay the service fee directly to our office along with your filing fee or to the Sheriff’s Department. Note: all small claim actions must be filed in the County in which the defendant resides or has its office or registered agent.

Small claims court is held by the Magistrate every Wednesday commencing at 9:30 a.m. in the Magistrate’s Courtroom.