NYC Civil Court launched an online dispute resolution (ODR) pilot program in Manhattan Civil Court for eligible small claims matters. The pilot is designed to help parties file, negotiate, and settle cases online without physically appearing in court.

ODR also:

• Helps parties resolve disputes quickly
• Provides guided assistance throughout the small claims process
• Offers greater flexibility and convenience
• Protects health and safety of by minimizing courthouse traffic during the pandemic

Eligibility

You may be eligible for ODR if:

• The dispute is related to the purchase or sale of goods or services
• The amount of the claim is $10,000 or less
• The case is filed in the Small Claims Part of the Manhattan Civil Court
• Both parties are not represented by an attorney

How it Works

You can file a case online with the online dispute resolution platform. Court staff will screen for eligibility, and if the case is accepted, you will have the opportunity to negotiate a settlement, get free mediation services, and resolve the case online before a virtual court hearing.

If you file in person, your case will also be screened for eligibility. If eligible, parties will be referred to register their case on the ODR website. If you're not comfortable with technology or have accessibility or language concerns, you can opt out.

Learn more and file a case with the online dispute resolution platform.

If you were awarded a judgment by NYC Small Claims Court, but have not been paid after 30 days, you can ask the Department of Finance (DOF) Sheriff’s Office to help collect the funds that are owed to you. The Sheriff can also carry out Orders of Seizure to collect funds or property.

When judgments are "executed" by the Sheriff, the defendant will be charged additional fees and must pay them along with the original debt.

The Sheriff will not collect judgments from a Small Claims Court outside New York City unless it was docketed in the New York State Supreme Court.

Learn more about judgment collections.