Mecklenburg County Courthouse
Filing information for Mecklenburg County Courthouse in Charlotte, NC. Part of the Mecklenburg County small claims court system.
Small claims in North Carolina — the numbers that apply at this court
$10,000
maximum claim
$96
filing fee (published)
3 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full North Carolina small claims guide · The form that starts a case (AOC-CVM-200): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Mecklenburg County Courthouse
832 E. 4th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Civil Clerk's Office); courtroom hours vary by docket
Area Served
All of Mecklenburg County (no satellite court locations for small claims)
How to File at Mecklenburg County Courthouse
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: Mecklenburg County is fully live on NC eCourts/Odyssey File & Serve as of October 9, 2023 (Mecklenburg was an early adopter). Pro se filers CAN initiate new small claims cases online via the eCourts portal. E-filing is MANDATORY for attorneys but OPTIONAL for pro se litigants in NC small claims (highly encouraged but not required). Statewide eCourts rollout is complete — all 100 NC counties are now live as of 2026.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in North Carolina
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000.
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
3 yrs written contract · 3 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Mecklenburg County Courthouse?
Filing fees in North Carolina are set by the state and are $96. If you can't afford the fee, North Carolina offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Mecklenburg County?
Small claims cases in Mecklenburg County are limited to $10,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Mecklenburg County Courthouse?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Mecklenburg County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Where is Mecklenburg County Courthouse, and when is it open?
Mecklenburg County Courthouse is at 832 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. Posted hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Civil Clerk's Office); courtroom hours vary by docket. Phone: (704) 686-0400. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Charlotte?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.