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Small Claims and Conciliation Branch

Hours of Operation

Mondays-Fridays: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Evening Hours: Wednesday 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Location

510 4th Street N.W., Room 120
Washington, D.C. 20001

Main Contact

Phone: (202) 879-1120

Zabrina Dempson, Branch Chief
Phone: (202) 508-1611

Effective May 1, 2009 new Servicemembers affidavit and instructions.

The Small Claims and Conciliation Branch oversees the processing and adjudication of cases where the amount in controversy is $5,000 or less.

View civil dockets, including small claims cases, on-line.

The Small Claims and Conciliation Branch handbook can help you with answers to most of your questions about the small claims process.

Please click below for answers to your specific questions about the small claims process. You may need to scroll down the page for the answer to your specific question.

Do I need a lawyer to help me with my small claims case?
How do I file a lawsuit in the small claims clerk's office?
How can I serve the statement of claim on the defendant(s)?
How do I add a party to my case?
Do I need to file an answer?
How do I file a claim against the plaintiff?
Can my case be heard by a jury?
How do I file a motion?
How do I make a request to continue my initial hearing?
How do I prepare for court?
What should I do if the case settles before the court date?
What happens at the initial hearing?
Will my court costs and interest be included in my judgment?
What can I do if I lose?
How do I collect my money judgment?
Filing Fees - The clerk's office accepts only cash or certified funds (money order or cashier check). If you are paying by certified funds, it must be for the exact amount.
Staff Directory

If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact the Clerk’s office. A hard copy of the handbook is available in the Clerk’s Office.

NOTE: The clerks in the Small Claims Branch cannot give legal advice, but can assist you with procedural questions and case information.

Information for Those Who Need Legal Help

The Consumer Law Resource Center is open on Wednesday and the Small Claims Resource Center is open on Thursday.

Hours of Operation: 9:15 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Location: 510 4th Street, N.W., Room 102
Washington, D.C. 20001

Information on Small Claims Resource Center - for those without an attorney

Information on the Consumer Law Resource Center

Legal Service Organizations

Centro de Recursos para Reclamos de Menor Cuantía (español)

Centro de Recursos Sobre la Ley del Consumidor (español)

Related Information

Small Claims Branch - Brochure on Electronic Case Files

Superior Court Rules of Procedure for the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch

NOTICE - Beginning February 25, 2008, paper filings will no longer be maintained by the Small Claims Branch. Please see Administrative Order 8-01.

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