Which court do I file in for a business dispute in Rockland County?

It depends on the amount and the relief you want. Claims above about $3,000, or that need an injunction, go to Supreme Court; smaller money claims go to the lower court.

Does filing in the wrong court end my case?

Usually not on the merits, but it can mean dismissal, transfer, extra fees and lost months.

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The Courts of Rockland County: Which One Hears Your Case

Before you file or answer anything in Rockland County, you need to know which court the case belongs in. New York splits civil cases between Supreme Court, the state's general trial court, and lower courts that handle smaller money claims. Most significant civil disputes in Rockland are heard in Supreme Court in New City; smaller claims go to local town and village courts.

Supreme Court, Rockland County

Supreme Court hears larger money claims and anything that needs equitable relief: injunctions, specific performance, business dissolution, real property disputes and complex commercial cases. Most merchant cash advance and guaranty lawsuits are filed here. Each case is assigned to a justice who manages it through discovery, motions and trial.

District, city, town and village courts

Smaller money disputes go to Town and village justice courts throughout Rockland County. These courts handle unpaid invoices, consumer debt collection, security deposits and contract claims below their monetary limit. Procedure is lighter and cases move faster than in Supreme Court.

Specialty parts

Small claims parts let individuals bring modest claims without a lawyer, and commercial claims parts let small businesses do the same. Housing matters, estates and family matters each have their own courts or parts.

Common questions

Which court do I file in for a business dispute in Rockland County?: It depends on the amount and the relief you want. Claims above about $3,000, or that need an injunction, go to Supreme Court; smaller money claims go to the lower court.
Does filing in the wrong court end my case?: Usually not on the merits, but it can mean dismissal, transfer, extra fees and lost months.

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Related guides

This guide is general information about court procedure in Rockland County, New York. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Court rules, fees and deadlines change — confirm current requirements with the court or an attorney before acting. Dispute Counsel PLLC serves New York residents, businesses and New York local representation.