SMALL CLAIMS COURT ACTION CENTER
Click here for small claims hotline numbers.
New York’s Small Claims Courts are the original “People's Court,” since 1934 providing an inexpensive, informal forum where New Yorkers can go to resolve typical consumer problems — such as shoddy goods, poor repairs or services and unreturned deposits — without the assistance or expense of an attorney. More than 60,000 small claims cases are filed each year in New York State.
Unfortunately, the Small Claims Courts in New York are greatly underused. Many people are unaware of the courts' existence; others are hesitant to use the courts because they believe there is no one to explain the process and provide assistance. Court personnel are not required to do outreach or publicity to promote the small claims system. Sadly, underrepresentation may be greatest for members of New York’s low-income and minority communities. Further, the courts do not provide counseling assistance in the various steps of a small claims action. And the successful claimant may come to the realization that "winning isn't everything" when repeated attempts to collect a court ordered money judgment are unsuccessful.
What is the Action Center?
NYPIRG has established Small Claims Court Action Center Hotlines across New York State where trained student counselors provide Small Claims Court and consumer counseling to New Yorkers free-of-charge. The Action Centers have provided tens of thousands of New Yorkers with assistance and referrals.
The bulk of the counseling at NYPIRG’s Action Centers is performed by college students and interns supervised by staff attorneys and campus coordinators. Student counselors are trained by NYPIRG attorneys and have the opportunity to learn about the courts and how our legal system works. Students at the Centers also speak to community groups and write news releases and public service announcements to promote the use of the Small Claims Courts and our Action Center Hotlines.
Students who wish to get involved should visit their NYPIRG campus office to find out more.
All services provided free-of-charge. Counselors do not give legal advice or provide courtroom representation.
