Instructions for Mailing the Small Claims Complaint Form (DC-283)

These instructions are for use with the Suffolk District Court COMPLAINT FORM (DC-283).

A one-page version of this information is available at the courthouses.

USE BLACK INK ONLY

The maximum you can sue for Is $5000.

You must be a individual at least 18 years old, or an association, or municpal corporation, to file a Small Claim in Suffolk District Court.

  • On the form, request Day Court or Night Court. Night Court is in Ronkonkoma on certain Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. If you wish day court, choose from the Civil Division Courts and contact them as to which days Small Claims are calendared.
  • You are the Plaintiff. TYPE or PRINT your last name, first name, and street address - a PO BOX alone
    is not acceptable.
  • TYPE or PRINT the Defendant’s full name and street address - a PO BOX alone is not acceptable. The
    Defendant must reside, work or have a business address within the five western towns of Suffolk
    County.
  • Check only one cause of action. If you cannot decide, pick #85.
  • TYPE or PRINT the reason you are suing in the area “Briefly state details of your claim.” Do not attach
    evidence or additional pages.
  • TYPE or PRINT the amount you are suing for in the area “Total amount of damages.” The maximum is $5000.
  • Sign and date the form in the presence of a Notary or Court Clerk.

 

FILING FEES
see the FEES page for the fee to "SMALL CLAIMS - File an action". The Filing Fee is determined by the amount you are suing for in the area “Total amount of damages.”

 

FILING YOUR COURT CASE

Mail or deliver the COMPLAINT FORM (DC-283) and FILING FEE to the Civil Division Courthouse where you want the claim to be heard.

  • If you file by mail, include a SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE, and a money order
    or check payable to the CLERK OF THE DISTRICT COURT for the correct FILING FEE. Do not mail
    cash. The Clerk will return a copy of your COMPLAINT FORM to you with your trial date and index number written on it with your receipt.
  • If you file in person, call the courthouse and ask when the cashier will be open. You will file the case, choose your trial date from what is available, and you will leave the courthouse with your trial date and index number written on your copy of the COMPLAINT FORM with your receipt.

(If you are a New York State based Corporation see Commercial Small Claim complaint form instructionsto complete the COMPLAINT FORM)