This page is for informational purposes only to help our visitors successfully handle a small claim action on their own. There are other methods, known variously as alternative dispute resolution, mediation and arbitration, that are also available privately to assist in the resolution of disputes. However, these topics are beyond the scope of this page. The North Carolina Small Claims court is a part of the overall North Carolina court system, but is specifically designed to allow people with eligible disputes to have them heard in a more expedited and relaxed setting. North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 7A, Sections 210 thorugh 232 set out the rules and procedures for small claims court.
Lawyers are optional in small claims court.
The defendant in a small claims action must be sued in the county where the defendant lives. When the defendant is a North Carolina business or a corporation, it must be sued in the county where either it has its principal office or where its registered agent is situated. If you meet the eligibility requirements, then you need to do some homework before you actually file the small claim lawsuit. The first thing to do is determine who the defendant actually is and where you can find the defendant. If the defendant is a person or persons, then all you need is find a good address where the sheriff or the post office can deliver the small claims papers.