Tompkins County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Tompkins County, NY. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the area.
Small claims in New York — the numbers for Tompkins 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.
Tompkins County has 11 independent courts
All Courts in Tompkins County
Caroline Town Court
2668 Slaterville Road
Slaterville Springs, NY 14881
Serves: Town of Caroline
Cayuga Heights Village Court
836 Hanshaw Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
Serves: Village of Cayuga Heights
Danby Town Court
1830 Danby Road, Town Hall
Ithaca, NY 14850
Serves: Town of Danby
Dryden Town Court
93 East Main Street
Dryden, NY 13053
Serves: Town of Dryden, Village of Freeville
Enfield Town Court
182 Enfield Main Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
Serves: Town of Enfield
Groton Town Court
101 Conger Boulevard
Groton, NY 13073
Serves: Town of Groton
Ithaca City Court
118 East Clinton Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Serves: Tompkins County
Ithaca Town Court
215 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
Serves: Town of Ithaca
Lansing Town Court
29 Auburn Road
Lansing, NY 14882
Serves: Town of Lansing
Newfield Town Court
166 Main Street
Newfield, NY 14867
Serves: Town of Newfield
Ulysses Town Court
10 Elm Street
Trumansburg, NY 14886
Serves: Town of Ulysses
How to File in Tompkins 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 Tompkins County: Data needs verification — added 2026-04-30 to fill source gap.
Ready to take action in Tompkins 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 Tompkins 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 Tompkins County?
Small claims cases in Tompkins 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 Tompkins County?
No — the record shows no electronic filing for small claims in Tompkins 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 Tompkins 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.