What are the small claims limits in New York?

Generally: up to $10,000 in New York City small claims, up to $5,000 in city courts outside NYC, and up to $3,000 in town and village courts. Above the limit you can waive the excess or sue in a regular civil part.

Do I need a demand letter before filing in small claims?

It is usually not a formal prerequisite, but a delivered, ignored demand strengthens your case, shows the court you tried to resolve the matter, and very often makes the filing unnecessary.

What extra can a letter demand on an unpaid invoice?

New York allows statutory interest at 9% from the due date on the unpaid amount, and an attorney letter computes it, which meaningfully raises the cost of continued stalling.

If I win in small claims, do I automatically get paid?

No. A judgment is an order, not a payment; collecting on it is a separate process. This is one reason resolving by demand letter, where the debtor pays voluntarily, is often the better outcome.

When should I file first instead of sending a letter?

When a limitations deadline is close, when the debtor has already refused in writing, or when a prior attorney demand was ignored. Otherwise the letter-first sequence costs little and frequently ends the dispute.

NY Small Claims Court vs. a Demand Letter First: The Right Order

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