Ontario County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Ontario County, NY. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the area.
Small claims in New York — the numbers for Ontario County courts
$10,000
maximum claim
from $15
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
3–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
No
e-filing — file in person or by mail
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full New York small claims guide · The form that starts a case (CIV-SC-50): every field explained.
Ontario County has 2 independent courts
All Courts in Ontario County
Canandaigua City Court
2 North Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Serves: Defendants residing, employed, or doing business within the City of Canandaigua or where the claim relates to real property owned by the defendant within the city.
Geneva City Court
255 Exchange Street
Geneva, NY 14456
Serves: Defendants residing, employed, or doing business within the City of Geneva or where the claim relates to real property owned by the defendant within the city.
How to File in Ontario County
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Important for Ontario County: Data needs verification — added 2026-04-30 to fill source gap.
Ready to take action in Ontario County?
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 New York
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000 · businesses up to $10,000.
NYC: $10,000 limit. City courts outside NYC: $5,000. Town and village courts: $3,000. Businesses file in Commercial Small Claims ($10,000 limit in NYC).
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 6 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Ontario County?
Filing fees in New York are set by the state and run from $15 to $20, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, New York 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 Ontario County?
Small claims cases in Ontario 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 in Ontario County?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Ontario County. You'll file in person or by mail. Check with the clerk before you make the trip, in case that's changed.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Ontario County?
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.