Rio Arriba County – CC Magistrate Courthouse (Chama)
Filing information for Rio Arriba County – CC Magistrate Courthouse (Chama) in Chama, NM. Part of the Rio Arriba County small claims court system.
Small claims in New Mexico — the numbers that apply at this court
$10,000
maximum claim
$46
filing fee (published)
3–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full New Mexico small claims guide · The form that starts a case (4-201): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Rio Arriba County – CC Magistrate Courthouse (Chama)
2332 Highway 17
Chama, NM 87520
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 538
Chama, NM 87520
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Area Served
Rio Arriba County
How to File at Rio Arriba County – CC Magistrate Courthouse (Chama)
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: E-filing is available and mandatory for attorneys in Magistrate Courts. Self-represented litigants cannot use the eFile & Serve system.
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 guideWrong court? Rio Arriba County has 2 courts.
See all 2 courts in Rio Arriba County →Small claims rules in New Mexico
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000.
Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque, Magistrate Court elsewhere
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 4 yrs oral contract · 4 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Rio Arriba County – CC Magistrate Courthouse (Chama)?
Filing fees in New Mexico are set by the state and are $46. If you can't afford the fee, New Mexico 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 Rio Arriba County?
Small claims cases in Rio Arriba 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 Rio Arriba County – CC Magistrate Courthouse (Chama)?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is Rio Arriba County – CC Magistrate Courthouse (Chama), and when is it open?
Rio Arriba County – CC Magistrate Courthouse (Chama) is at 2332 Highway 17, Chama, NM 87520. Posted hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Phone: (505) 984-3975. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Chama?
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.