How to File a Small Claims Lawsuit in Nevada (2026)
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Nevada · Last updated May 12, 2026
Nevada Justice Court handles small claims up to $10,000 under NRS 73.010. Filing fees range from $46 to $76 in Clark County, with lower fees for smaller claims. The statute of limitations is 6 years for written contracts and 4 years for oral contracts.
Under Nevada's small claims statute, what is the claim limit?
NRS 73.010 caps Nevada small claims at $10,000 per case. Claims are filed in the Justice Court for the township where the defendant lives or where the obligation was incurred. The statute permits attorney representation, unlike California. Las Vegas Justice Court is one of the highest-volume small claims venues in the country.
How do I collect a Nevada small claims judgment after I win?
Nevada allows wage garnishment under NRS 31.249 et seq., bank levy and execution under NRS Chapter 21, and recording the judgment as a real-property lien with the county recorder. Post-judgment interest accrues at prime rate plus 2% under NRS 17.130, reset every January 1 and July 1, currently around 10.5%.
Who can file a Nevada small claims case under NRS 73?
Any natural person, corporation, partnership, or LLC may file under NRS 73.030, subject to the $10,000 cap of NRS 73.010. Corporate plaintiffs may appear through a non-attorney officer or employee. Pro se plaintiffs file directly with the justice court clerk in the appropriate township, often with same-day docketing.
How does Nevada enforce a small claims judgment against an out-of-state defendant?
Nevada's long-arm statute under NRS 14.065 reaches defendants who transacted business in Nevada or caused tortious injury here. After judgment, Nevada will domesticate the order in the defendant's home state under the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act, which most states have adopted. This adds 30-90 days to the collection timeline.
Nevada small claims at a glance
NRS 73.010 caps Nevada small claims at $10,000, with cases heard by justice courts organized by township rather than by county. Las Vegas Justice Court, Reno Justice Court, and Henderson Justice Court handle the highest volumes. Nevada's prime-rate-plus-2% post-judgment interest under NRS 17.130 is one of the highest variable-rate calculations in the country, with the Nevada Supreme Court publishing the new rate every January 1 and July 1. Attorneys are permitted in Nevada small claims under NRS 73.030, which distinguishes Nevada from California's no-attorney-at-hearing rule. Appeals from justice court go to the district court for trial de novo within five days of judgment under NRS 73.040, one of the shortest appeal windows in the United States and a critical deadline to watch.
Filing cost example: $7,500 unpaid invoice in Clark County
Suppose a Las Vegas freelance designer is owed $7,500 on a written contract from a Henderson client. The written-contract SOL is 6 years under NRS 11.190(1)(b). Filing at Las Vegas Justice Court costs about $76 under NRS 4.060 for claims in the $2,500-$10,000 tier. Constable service adds roughly $40. Total startup is around $116. The hearing is typically 30-60 days out. If the designer wins, post-judgment interest under NRS 17.130 accrues at prime plus 2%, currently about 10.5%. After one year of nonpayment, the unpaid amount climbs to roughly $8,288 before adding the filing and service costs.
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Relevant Documents
Billing Dispute Letter
A formal letter to the company or service provider detailing the nature of the billing dispute, including specific charges being contested, reasons for the dispute, and requested resolution. This document establishes a paper trail of your dispute attempt.
Promissory Note
This document is your written promise to repay the loan according to specific terms. It's often simpler than the full loan agreement but creates a legally binding obligation to repay the borrowed funds.
Wage Withholding Order
This document directs an employer to withhold child support or spousal support payments from a spouse's paycheck.
Local Courthouses
Las Vegas Justice Court (Regional Justice Center)
200 Lewis Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Henderson Justice Court
243 S Water St, Henderson, NV 89015
Reno Justice Court (Washoe County)
1 S Sierra St, Reno, NV 89501
North Las Vegas Justice Court
2428 N Martin Luther King Blvd, North Las Vegas, NV 89032
Sparks Justice Court (Washoe County)
630 Greenbrae Dr, Sparks, NV 89431
Relevant Laws
Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 73 (Small Claims)
Governs Nevada small claims jurisdiction, the $10,000 limit, parties, filing, service, hearings, and appeals.
NRS 11.190 (Statute of Limitations)
Sets the 6-year SOL for written contracts, 4-year SOL for oral contracts, 3-year SOL for property damage, and 2-year SOL for personal injury.
Nevada Courts Self-Help. Small Claims
Official Nevada Judicial Branch portal for small claims forms, fee schedules, and filing instructions across all townships.
NRS 17.130 (Post-Judgment Interest)
Sets post-judgment interest at prime rate plus 2%, reset every January 1 and July 1 by the Nevada Supreme Court.
NRS Chapter 21 (Executions and Garnishment)
Governs writs of execution, bank levy, and asset seizure to enforce money judgments against Nevada debtors.
Regional Variances
Statute of Limitations for Common Claims in Nevada
Written contract
6 years (NRS 11.190(1)(b))
Oral contract
4 years (NRS 11.190(2)(c))
Property damage
3 years (NRS 11.190(3)(c))
Personal injury
2 years (NRS 11.190(4)(e))
Debt collection
6 years written / 4 years oral or credit card
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Send demand letter (recommended)
30 days before filing days after startingSend by certified mail with return receipt. Keep proof of delivery and any defendant response.
Verify claim is within $10,000 Nevada cap
Before filing days after startingNRS 73.010 caps small claims at $10,000. Reduce or waive the excess if needed, or file in the justice court general civil docket.
Gather evidence and witness contacts
Before filing days after startingPull contracts, invoices, photos, communications, and witnesses. Make three copies of every document.
File affidavit of complaint with justice court
Within applicable SOL days after startingFile in the township where the defendant lives or the obligation arose. Pay the $46-$76 filing fee under NRS 4.060.
Arrange constable or sheriff service
At least 10 days before hearing days after startingService must be by constable, sheriff, or any adult non-party under JCRCP 4. File the certificate of service before hearing day.
Attend hearing with three copies of evidence
30-60 days after filing days after startingBring evidence, witnesses, and three copies. Attorneys are permitted under NRS 73.030. The judge usually rules from the bench.
Watch the five-day appeal window
Within 5 days of judgment days after startingNRS 73.040 allows trial de novo on appeal to district court within five days. After that, judgment is final and collection begins.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Send demand letter (recommended) | Send by certified mail with return receipt. Keep proof of delivery and any defendant response. | demand-letter | 30 days before filing |
| Verify claim is within $10,000 Nevada cap | NRS 73.010 caps small claims at $10,000. Reduce or waive the excess if needed, or file in the justice court general civil docket. | - | Before filing |
| Gather evidence and witness contacts | Pull contracts, invoices, photos, communications, and witnesses. Make three copies of every document. | - | Before filing |
| File affidavit of complaint with justice court | File in the township where the defendant lives or the obligation arose. Pay the $46-$76 filing fee under NRS 4.060. | - | Within applicable SOL |
| Arrange constable or sheriff service | Service must be by constable, sheriff, or any adult non-party under JCRCP 4. File the certificate of service before hearing day. | - | At least 10 days before hearing |
| Attend hearing with three copies of evidence | Bring evidence, witnesses, and three copies. Attorneys are permitted under NRS 73.030. The judge usually rules from the bench. | - | 30-60 days after filing |
| Watch the five-day appeal window | NRS 73.040 allows trial de novo on appeal to district court within five days. After that, judgment is final and collection begins. | - | Within 5 days of judgment |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most populous townships. Las Vegas Justice Court provides electronic filing through Odyssey eFileNV, Henderson Justice Court accepts online filing for civil cases, and Reno Justice Court offers e-filing for represented parties. Smaller rural townships still rely on paper filings at the clerk's window. Check each court's website for current portals.
If the constable cannot serve the defendant after diligent effort, the plaintiff may move the court for service by publication under NRS 14.040 or by posting at the defendant's last known address. The motion must include an affidavit of diligent search. Service by publication adds 4-6 weeks to the timeline before the hearing.
Yes. Nevada justice courts accept an Affidavit in Support of Motion to Proceed in Forma Pauperis from filers below 200% of federal poverty guidelines. Filing the affidavit with the small claims complaint pauses the $46-$76 fee pending judicial review, with most decisions issued within seven days under JCRCP 73.
Yes, up to the $10,000 cap of NRS 73.010. Counterclaims are filed at least five days before hearing under JCRCP 73. If the counterclaim exceeds $10,000, the entire case transfers to the justice court general civil docket or to district court, depending on the amount, under NRS 73.040.
A defaulted defendant may file a motion to set aside the judgment under NRCP 60(b), typically within six months. Grounds include mistake, surprise, excusable neglect, or improper service. The defendant must show a meritorious defense and act promptly. Justice court judges retain discretion under JCRCP 60 to grant relief.
Nevada exempts 82% of disposable wages (or 50 times the federal minimum wage, whichever is greater) under NRS 21.090(1)(g). Social Security, retirement accounts, and homestead equity up to $605,000 (NRS 115.010) are also exempt. Judgment creditors must navigate these exemptions through the justice court garnishment procedure.
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