Nebraska Small Claims

Nebraska’s small claims system offers a fast and affordable way for individuals to settle civil disputes. Each state sets its own rules; therefore, understanding Nebraska’s procedures helps consumers, landlords/tenants, contractors, and small businesses recover money or personal property, often without hiring a lawyer.

In Nebraska, small claims cases are decided in the County Court with simplified procedures and standardized forms available to residents.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Nebraska?

Nebraska’s Small Claims Court handles civil (non-criminal) disputes for money damages or the return of personal property and, by statute, sets a jurisdictional monetary limit. Typical cases filed in this court include unpaid loans or invoices, security deposit disputes, contract/workmanship issues, and minor property damages. Parties are not permitted to hire legal representatives in the Small Claims Court.

Also, individuals and businesses are allowed to represent themselves or via a qualified representative (an employee or LLC member). Trials in the Small Claims Court are presided over by a judge, with no jury involved.

Small Claims Court Limits in Nebraska

As of July 1, 2025, the monetary amount for a small claims case begins at $7,500. This is an increase from the previous limit ($6,000 exclusive of interest and costs), which applied from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.A plaintiff may file a case in the jurisdiction where the defendant lives or at their business location.

A party may file no more than two claims per week and a maximum of ten per year. No attorney representation is allowed during a small claims proceeding; cases are adjudicated by judges unless the defendant transfers to the regular county court civil docket.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Nebraska

In Nebraska, individuals may follow established procedures to file a small claims case:

1) Pick the proper county. You may file your case in the County Court where the defendant resides/has their business or where the dispute occurred.

2) Complete the claim form. Small claim forms (Form CC 4:1) are available online and physically at County Courts. Individuals may visit the Nebraska Judicial Branch portal to file a case; this portal also provides instructions on the e-filing process and access to forms. This form guides you through a brief description of the claim, relief requested (monetary), and supporting facts.

It is important to wait until you are with the clerk, judge, or notary to sign the form to prevent unauthorized filing and verify that you affirm the truthfulness of the information provided.

3) File and pay fees. Although filing fees vary by county, you may submit your signed claims to the County Court Clerk. Nebraska’s statewide self-help portal provides guidance on filing small claims, outlines service fees, and explains the clerk’s role in scheduling hearings. Some county websites provide self-help resources that guide you through filing and service costs to help you budget for expenses.

4) Serve the defendant correctly. A plaintiff is responsible for bearing the cost when defendants are served with a notice. Nebraska offers a Small Claims Certified Mail Return form (CC 4:5) to assist with the process, or you may arrange a personal service, which may be performed by the sheriff/constable/process server. After serving the defendant, a proof of service may be filed with the court, and no hearing may occur unless service is valid.

5) Can the case move out of small claims? Yes, and this may be done by the defendant only. A defendant (or their attorney) may transfer the case to the regular civil docket of County Court by giving a notice at least two days before the hearing and paying the fee difference. Once the case has been transferred, lawyers may proceed, and the defendant may demand a jury trial under county court rules.

On the other hand, if the defendant files a counterclaim over the small claims limit, the case may also be transferred to the civil docket using the Form CC 4:3 (Notice of Transfer to Civil Docket)

Small Claims Court in Major Nebraska Cities

The following is a list of major locations in Nebraska where residents may initiate a small claims case, including legal resources to navigate the process:

• Omaha—Douglas County Court (Civil & Small Claims Division): The court is located at 1701 Farnam St., Omaha, NE 68183; (402) 444-5424. The county’s page displays court calendars and contact information.
• Lincoln—Lancaster County Court (Small Claims Division): The public may visit the court to file small claims cases at 575 S. 10th St., 2nd Floor, Lincoln, NE 68508; (402) 441-7271. The county website provides details about the office hours and division contacts.
• Grand Island—Hall County Court: Residents may find the court’s physical address at 111 W. 1st St., Ste. #1, Grand Island, NE 68801; (308) 385-5135. Through the court’s website, certain information is available, such as the court directory and location.

Interested parties may use the statewide County Court Contacts directory to confirm county locations or call the clerk.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Nebraska

The following explains how appeals work in Nebraska and the methods of obtaining court records:

Hearings are decided by judges, and there are no jury trials, only bench trials. In the order of presentation, the plaintiff presents their case first, followed by the defendant. Litigants are required to provide evidence such as contracts/invoices, texts or emails, photos, repair estimates, and witness statements, and label copies of documents. If the defendant was properly served but fails to appear, the court may enter default judgment.

Also, if the plaintiff fails to appear, the case may be dismissed, and the defendant wins automatically. Attorneys are not allowed, but individuals may represent themselves and present their case briefly and comply with court dates, jurisdictional requirements, and supporting documents.

Appeals. If dissatisfied with the outcome, either party may appeal to the District Court within 30 days of the judgment. Small claims appeals are tried de novo in District Court without a jury (the case is tried from the beginning without a jury). County Court civil appeals are decided based on existing records, but small claims follow the de novo process. Filing a case requires payment of applicable fees and posting a bond.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Nebraska

Most small claims case information remains public unless it is sealed under the law. Although most records are available online, case number, parties, docket, hearings, and judgment are typically listed.

1. JUSTICE (The official statewide case search portal). Nebraska’s e-Services/Case Information portal allows the public to conduct searches across County and District Courts. Individuals may perform a one-time search for a fee, although access to case information costs $1. Document images are free of charge and are included when available. Also, county courthouses offer free access to small claims records at on-site kiosks and public library terminals.
2. Court Records, Self-Help Resources. The Judicial Branch provides guidance about how to request transcripts and obtain copies of sealed or adoption records. If permitted by court order, certain non-confidential information may be released to authorized persons. Nevertheless, certain older records may be unavailable, as they are only accessible in paper form or due to retention policies. For certified copies, interested persons may visit the Office of the County Court Clerk where the case was filed.

Sealed vs. open records. Small claims records are generally open unless sealed by law or order; in this case, they are not available for inspection. Anyone may view small claims records online; on the other hand, they may obtain official copies of court records maintained by the clerk of court at the courthouse.