Fillable Lvjcvl Form -15 - Small Claims Complaint (Page 2 of 2) in pdf

INSTRUCTIONS TO PLAINTIFF OR DEFENDANT

Read Carefully

Before

filing

a Small Claims Complaint, the

($2.50 charge using credit or debit card) at:

PLAINTIFF must do the following:

or the Defendant may come to the

• Send a demand letter, with return receipt requested, to

Court and electronically file, for free, the original copy

the DEFENDANT. The demand letter must instruct the

of the Answer. A copy of this Answer must be mailed

DEFENDANT to pay the amount due within 10 days of

by U.S. Mail, first-class postage, to PLAINTIFF

the date that the letter is sent, or the PLAINTIFF will

immediately after E-Filing the Answer with the Las

file a Small Claims case against the DEFENDANT.

Vegas Justice Court.

• Wait at least 10 days from the date the demand letter

is sent before filing a Small Claims case against the

If an Answer is filed, the Court will schedule the case for

DEFENDANT.

mandatory mediation and will notify all parties of the date,

• Include a copy of the demand letter along with the

time, and location by mail. All parties, not otherwise

signed return receipt (as proof of mailing) with the

exempted from mediation, must appear for mandatory

Small Claims Complaint when the Small Claims case

mediation. If the DEFANDANT fails to appear, a mediation

is filed against the DEFENDANT.

judgment may be entered against the DEFENDANT.

If the PLAINTIFF does not follow the steps above,

including filing a copy of the demand letter and proof of

. Standard forms are supplied in order to expedite the

mailing, or waiting 10 days from the date the demand letter

handling of Small Claims cases. The forms are designed

is sent before filing a Small Claims case, the Referee or

to cover the most common claims but are not specifically

designed for any individual case.

Judge may dismiss the Small Claims case and/or impose

another sanction.

11.

If DEFENDANT believes the case should be

2. The PLAINTIFF must file a Small Claims action in the

dismissed, DEFENDANT may petition the Court to dismiss

township where the DEFENDANT currently resides, works,

the case and must explain the reasons for the request. A

or does business.

Motion to Dismiss form is available for use.

It is designed

to cover the most common reasons for dismissal but is not

3. The PLAINTIFF cannot sue in Small Claims court for more

specifically designed for any individual case.

than $10,000.00, excluding interest and costs.

Payment by

the losing party of the attorney’s fees of the winning party is

12.

Hearings in Small Claims cases are informal and are

not allowed except in cases involving shoplifting.

designed to promote fair and speedy justice. The

PLAINTIFF and DEFENDANT may offer evidence,

The PLAINTIFF must show the complete name and

including witnesses, to support their arguments.

address of the DEFENDANT in the caption

(Name & Address of

to ensure service on the DEFENDANT. If there are

Defendant(s))

13. If English is not your first language and you would like

two DEFENDANTS and they reside at different addresses,

someone to interpret for you during your court appearance,

the PLAINTIFF must include both addresses.

you are encouraged to use a volunteer language

interpreter.

You may ask a friend, relative, or coworker to

The PLAINTIFF may serve the DEFENDANT by

come to court to interpret for you. Bringing your own

licensed private process server, a disinterested third party,

interpreter with you is both effective and efficient and will

or the Constable. The PLAINTIFF, himself or herself, may

allow you to better understand the proceedings.

not serve the Small Claims Complaint on the DEFENDANT.

The fully completed Affidavit of Service Form must be filed

14.

If a court-appointed interpreter is needed for a party

immediately after the Complaint is served.

who does not speak English, or for a party with a

communications disability, that party must file a written

. If a Small Claims Complaint is not served for one year

motion to request an interpreter, and the compensation for

after it is filed, the Judge or Clerk may dismiss the case

that interpreter shall be paid as provided by law.

without prejudice (this means the case may be refiled

within the statute of limitations for such cases, but a new

15. The Las Vegas Justice Court Clerks can neither

filing fee would be required).

give legal advice nor assist in completing Court forms.

The staff of the Self-Help Center, located on the 1

The PLAINTIFF must pay court costs at the time of filing

floor of the Regional Justice Center, can assist in

this Complaint. If a Plaintiff cannot afford the costs, he or

providing information and forms for people who are

she may apply for a fee waiver.

representing themselves in Court. If you need more

detailed assistance, you should consult an attorney.

The DEFENDANT may electronically file the Answer, no

later than 20 calendar days from the date of service of the

16. Additional Small Claims information is available on the

Complaint, making any defense to the claim.

The

Court’s website at:

Defendant may electronically file the Answer,

LVJCVL Form -15A

Revised 10/15

Pursuant to JCRCP 12(a)(3), the State of Nevada or any political subdivision thereof, and any officer, employee, board or commission member of

the State of Nevada or political subdivision, and any state legislator shall file an answer or other responsive pleading within 45 days after their

respective dates of service

Lvjcvl Form -15 - Small Claims Complaint Page 2

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