Understanding court fees before starting a legal case can save you from unexpected expenses. In New York, the amount you pay depends on the court handling your case, the type of legal action, and the documents you need to file. A basic civil filing, a small claims case, a divorce, and a federal lawsuit can all have very different costs.
The New York Court Fee Calculator on this page helps you estimate common court filing fees using your selected court and filing services. Instead of searching through several court websites and county fee schedules, you can use one place to review potential charges and understand how your estimated total is calculated.
New York Court Fee Calculator
Estimate common court filing fees in New York. Select your court, choose applicable filing services, and review your estimated costs.
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Official New York Court Fee Sources
NY State Filing Fees ↗ NYC Civil Court ↗ 7th District Fees ↗ EDNY Federal Fees ↗ Court Forms & Fee Waivers ↗Fee information reviewed: October 12, 2026. This tool is independently provided by NewYorkCalculator.com and is not affiliated with any New York court.
This guide explains New York State court filing fees, Supreme Court charges, Small Claims Court costs, NYC Civil Court fees, federal filing fees, fee waivers, electronic filing, and additional expenses that may arise during a case.
Important: The amounts below are based on official court information checked on October 12, 2026. Some fees are statewide, while others depend on the court, county, or type of proceeding. Always confirm the amount with the clerk responsible for your case before submitting payment.
New York Court Fee Calculator
Use the calculator above this guide to estimate your potential court filing expenses. Select the relevant court, choose the filing services you expect to use, and review the itemized cost breakdown.
Your estimate may include:
- Initial case filing fees.
- Index number charges.
- Requests for Judicial Intervention (RJI).
- Motion and cross-motion fees.
- Jury demand fees.
- Notice of appeal charges.
- Small claims filing fees.
- Additional expenses entered by you.
The calculator is an informational estimate, not a court invoice or legal determination. It does not automatically include every possible service, attorney charge, process-server expense, or county-specific fee.
How Much Does It Cost to File a Court Case in New York?
There is no single filing fee for every New York court case. The cost depends on where you file and what type of proceeding you are starting.
For example, the standard index number fee for a civil action in New York Supreme Court is $210. A small claims filing in NYC generally costs $15 for a claim of $1,000 or less and $20 for a claim above $1,000, up to the applicable court limit.
A new federal civil case in the Eastern District of New York has a $405 filing fee under its schedule effective May 28, 2026.
Some proceedings have no court filing fee. New York’s statewide court information identifies Family Court and Criminal Cases as categories without filing fees. However, a divorce is generally filed in Supreme Court, not Family Court, and has its own filing expenses.
The following table provides a starting point:
| Court or filing type | Common filing fee |
|---|---|
| Supreme Court civil index number | $210 |
| Supreme Court RJI | $95 |
| Supreme Court motion | $45 |
| Supreme Court jury demand | $65 |
| Supreme Court Notice of Appeal | $65 |
| NYC Small Claims, claim up to $1,000 | $15 |
| NYC Small Claims, claim over $1,000 | $20 |
| Court of Claims filing | $50 |
| Federal civil case, EDNY | $405 |
| Family Court filing | No filing fee |
| Criminal case filing | No filing fee |
These are selected common charges, not a complete list of all fees or the total cost of every legal case.
New York Supreme Court Filing Fees
New York Supreme Court handles many important civil matters, including personal injury lawsuits, contract disputes, property disputes, and divorce proceedings.
One of the first costs in a standard Supreme Court civil action is the index number fee. An index number identifies the case and is used to track documents and court activity.
The statewide Supreme Court and County Court civil fee schedule includes:
| Filing service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Obtaining an Index Number | $210 |
| Request for Judicial Intervention | $95 |
| Note of Issue, after RJI | $30 |
| Note of Issue, when RJI is not required | $125 |
| Motion or Cross-Motion | $45 |
| Demand for Jury Trial | $65 |
| Stipulation of Settlement or Voluntary Discontinuance | $35 |
| Notice of Appeal | $65 |
A foreclosure action under Article 13 of the Real Property Actions and Proceedings Law has an additional $190 index number fee. That makes the index number charge $400 in this situation.
What Is an Index Number Fee?
An index number is the identifying number assigned to a Supreme Court case. When you commence a civil action that requires one, the standard charge is $210.
This should not be confused with a court’s total litigation cost. Additional filing services may be required as the case progresses.
What Is an RJI Fee?
An RJI, or Request for Judicial Intervention, asks the court to take an active role in a case. It may be necessary when a matter requires judicial attention or a specific court conference.
The statewide listed fee is $95.
How Much Does a Motion Cost in New York?
A standard motion or cross-motion in a Supreme Court or County Court civil matter has a $45 filing fee under the statewide schedule.
However, not every court application follows the same rule. Certain applications or proceedings may have different fees or exemptions. Check the specific filing instructions before making a payment.
How Much Is a Note of Issue?
A Note of Issue generally costs $30 when the applicable RJI fee has already been paid.
If an RJI is not required to be filed, the Note of Issue fee is $125. This distinction matters because using the wrong amount can lead to an incorrect estimate.
New York Small Claims Court Fees
Small Claims Court is designed to provide a simpler process for individuals seeking monetary compensation without the complexity of a typical large civil lawsuit.
The filing fee is relatively low, but the maximum amount you can claim depends on the court.
NYC Small Claims Filing Fees
In New York City Civil Court:
| Claim amount | Filing fee |
|---|---|
| $1,000 or less | $15 |
| More than $1,000, up to $10,000 | $20 |
The NYC Small Claims monetary limit is generally $10,000.
For example:
- A $500 claim generally has a $15 filing fee.
- A $1,000 claim generally has a $15 filing fee.
- A $3,500 claim generally has a $20 filing fee.
- A $9,500 claim generally has a $20 filing fee.
The filing fee is not a percentage of the money you are seeking.
Small Claims Outside New York City
Do not assume that every county has the same monetary limit.
For example, the New York State 7th Judicial District’s published City Court information lists a $5,000 Small Claims monetary limit. Other courts may have different jurisdictional limits.
Town and Village Courts also have different statutory fee schedules. Under the Uniform Justice Court Act, the small claims filing fees are generally:
| Claim amount | Town/Village Court fee |
|---|---|
| $1,000 or less | $10 |
| More than $1,000 | $15 |
Always check the specific court’s jurisdiction, geographic requirements, and current instructions.
Who Can File a Small Claims Case?
Eligibility depends on the court and the applicable small claims rules. In NYC, the process is primarily designed for individuals, and certain business disputes may need to use Commercial Claims instead.
Before filing, confirm:
- Whether the court can hear your type of dispute.
- Whether the defendant has the required connection to the court’s geographic area.
- Whether your claim is within the court’s monetary limit.
- Whether your filing requires additional postage or service expenses.
NYC Civil Court Filing Fees
New York City Civil Court handles various civil disputes, including money claims, consumer credit matters, and housing-related proceedings.
Some commonly published NYC Civil Court charges include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First paper in a non-consumer credit action | $45 |
| First paper in a consumer credit action | $140 |
| Notice of Trial | $40 |
| Jury Demand | $70 |
| Notice of Appeal | $30 |
| Small Claims up to $1,000 | $15 |
| Small Claims over $1,000 | $20 |
| Commercial Claim | $25 plus applicable postage |
| Counterclaim in Small Claims | $5 plus postage |
| Counterclaim in Commercial Claims | $5 plus postage |
| Satisfaction of Judgment | $6 |
| Exemplification | $15 |
These amounts come from the published NYC Civil Court fee information. Certain fees are associated with specific types of proceedings and should not be added to every case.
For example, a person filing a standard civil action should not automatically add a jury demand fee unless a jury demand is actually being made.
How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce in New York?
Divorce is an area where people frequently underestimate court expenses.
New York uncontested divorce proceedings are generally handled through Supreme Court. The official New York Courts guidance states that an uncontested divorce costs at least $335 in court filing fees.
This is a minimum court-fee figure, not a complete divorce budget.
Other possible expenses include:
- Attorney fees.
- Process-server charges.
- Notary expenses.
- Photocopies and document preparation.
- Mailing and transportation.
- Additional court-related services.
If you cannot afford the required court fees because of serious financial hardship, you may be able to apply for a fee waiver.
Do not confuse divorce proceedings with Family Court matters. Family Court does not charge filing fees for its covered proceedings, but that does not make a Supreme Court divorce filing free.
Are There Filing Fees in New York Family Court?
New York State identifies Family Court as a court category without filing fees.
Family Court handles certain matters involving:
- Child support.
- Child custody and visitation.
- Family offense petitions.
- Paternity.
- Other family-related proceedings within its jurisdiction.
However, a person may still face other expenses depending on the circumstances. Legal representation, document preparation, transportation, and other outside services are not automatically free.
Are There Filing Fees in New York Criminal Court?
The statewide filing-fee information also identifies Criminal Cases as having no filing fees.
That statement concerns court filing fees. It should not be interpreted to mean that every criminal proceeding is free of all financial consequences.
Criminal fines, restitution, surcharges, bail-related expenses, and other obligations are separate issues and are not included in a civil court filing-fee estimate.
New York Federal Court Filing Fees
New York has four federal judicial districts:
- Southern District of New York (SDNY).
- Eastern District of New York (EDNY).
- Northern District of New York (NDNY).
- Western District of New York (WDNY).
The federal court system is separate from New York State courts.
According to the Eastern District of New York’s fee schedule effective May 28, 2026, the standard civil case filing fee is $405. This includes a $350 filing fee and a $55 administrative fee.
Other published EDNY charges include:
| Federal court service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil case filing | $405 |
| Notice of Appeal | $605 |
| Miscellaneous Case Filing | $52 |
| Record Search | $34 |
| Document Certification | $12 |
| Exemplification | $24 |
| Pro Hac Vice Application | $200 |
| Photocopy of original documents | $0.50 per page |
| Habeas Corpus Filing | $5 |
An important exception applies to qualifying people granted in forma pauperis status under 28 U.S.C. § 1915. The $55 administrative fee does not apply in the specified exempt circumstances.
Federal filing fees should not be mixed with state court charges in a single estimate unless the calculator clearly identifies the court system being used.
New York Court of Claims Filing Fee
The New York Court of Claims handles certain claims against the State of New York and other matters assigned to its jurisdiction.
The statewide published filing fee for a claim in the Court of Claims is $50 under Court of Claims Act § 11-a.
This court is different from an ordinary civil court. A person should not assume that every private dispute can be brought there.
Before filing, review the court’s jurisdiction, notice-of-claim requirements, and applicable deadlines. These requirements can be important and may be different from those of an ordinary civil lawsuit.
New York Appellate Division Filing Fees
An appeal may involve costs that are separate from the fees paid when the original case was started.
The statewide filing-fee schedule lists:
- $315 for filing the record on appeal.
- $45 for a motion or cross-motion in the applicable appellate proceeding.
Additional charges may apply depending on the appeal, document preparation, and court requirements.
A Notice of Appeal filed in a trial-level Supreme Court case has a different fee from filing the record on appeal in the Appellate Division. These are not interchangeable charges.
New York Town and Village Court Fees
Town and Village Courts operate under the Uniform Justice Court Act and have their own fee provisions.
The statewide schedule lists these common charges:
| Filing service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Filing first paper | $20 |
| Jury Demand | $10 |
| Notice of Appeal | $5 |
| Small Claims up to $1,000 | $10 |
| Small Claims over $1,000 | $15 |
Local court procedures, payment methods, and other charges should still be confirmed with the individual court.
Surrogate’s Court Fees: What Should You Expect?
Surrogate’s Court handles estate and certain guardianship proceedings.
Unlike a single flat filing charge, Surrogate’s Court fees can depend on the nature of the proceeding and the size of the estate.
This is an important distinction for people handling probate or estate administration. A small estate matter and a proceeding involving a substantially larger estate may have different filing costs.
The applicable fee provisions are found in section 2402 of the Surrogate’s Court Procedure Act.
Because the calculation can involve multiple factors, this calculator does not invent a universal Surrogate’s Court fee. Obtain the relevant fee from the court or County Clerk before relying on a budget.
Additional Costs Beyond Court Filing Fees
The court’s filing fee is only one part of the possible cost of a legal matter.
Depending on your situation, you may also need to pay for:
Process serving: If legal papers must be delivered personally, you may need to hire a process server. The cost depends on the service provider and the difficulty of locating the recipient.
Document preparation: Printing, copying, notarization, and organizing paperwork can create additional expenses.
Certified copies: A court may charge for certified or exemplified copies of records. The fee depends on the court and document type.
Postage: Some Small Claims and Commercial Claims procedures involve mailing expenses. Additional defendants can increase the cost.
Attorney fees: Lawyer charges are separate from court filing fees and can vary substantially depending on the matter.
Electronic payment charges: A payment processor or court system may impose an applicable service charge. Check the current payment instructions before completing a transaction.
These expenses should be entered separately in the calculator when applicable. They are not automatically included in the official court fee schedule.
Can You Get a New York Court Filing Fee Waiver?
Yes. People who cannot afford certain court fees may be able to request a waiver.
New York provides information and forms for applications to waive court costs, fees, and expenses. A judge generally reviews the application and determines whether the person qualifies under the applicable requirements.
You may need to provide financial information, explain your hardship, and submit the required documentation.
A fee waiver is not automatic. Simply having a low income does not guarantee approval in every case.
If you are applying for an uncontested divorce or another covered proceeding, check the latest form and instructions for your particular court.
Do not assume that a waiver of court filing fees also covers every outside expense, such as a privately hired process server or attorney.
How to Pay Court Filing Fees in New York
Payment methods are not identical across New York courts.
Depending on the court and filing type, accepted payment methods may include:
- Cash.
- Money order.
- Certified bank check.
- Attorney’s check.
- Bank check.
- Credit or debit card.
- Approved electronic payment methods.
For example, the Bronx County Clerk publishes specific payment instructions and lists a 2.99% surcharge for credit and debit card transactions in the circumstances described by that office.
Other offices may not accept personal checks or may restrict credit card payments.
Before sending payment, verify:
- The exact amount due.
- The correct payee.
- Accepted payment methods.
- Whether an online payment option is available.
- Whether a receipt or filing confirmation will be issued.
What Is NYSCEF and Does Electronic Filing Cost More?
NYSCEF stands for New York State Courts Electronic Filing.
It is the state’s electronic filing system used for eligible court cases. Instead of delivering every document physically, authorized users can submit certain documents online.
However, electronic filing does not mean that the underlying court fee disappears.
The required filing fee generally still applies when a filing service is chargeable. Payment arrangements and any applicable service charges depend on the system and court instructions.
Not every case or party is required to use electronic filing in the same way. Review the current NYSCEF rules and your county’s participation information before submitting documents.
How to Calculate Your Total New York Court Filing Cost
The easiest way to avoid an incorrect estimate is to separate the charges into categories.
Consider a standard civil Supreme Court example:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Index Number | $210 |
| RJI | $95 |
| Motion | $45 |
| Jury Demand | $65 |
| Note of Issue after RJI | $30 |
| Illustrative total | $445 |
This example assumes that every listed service is actually required or selected. It does not mean that every Supreme Court case requires all five services.
Now consider an NYC Small Claims example:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Claim amount | $3,500 |
| Small Claims filing fee | $20 |
| Court filing fee | $20 |
The claim amount is not added to the filing fee. A $3,500 claim does not mean that the filing fee is $3,520.
For a federal civil case in EDNY, the listed new-case filing fee is $405. Additional services or separate litigation expenses may increase the overall budget.
The calculator on this page is designed to help you distinguish these situations rather than applying one fee formula to every legal case.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the New York Court Fee Calculator?
It is an online estimation tool that helps users review common court filing fees in New York. It can calculate selected filing charges based on the court type and services selected.
2. How much does it cost to file a lawsuit in New York?
A standard Supreme Court civil action generally starts with a $210 index number fee. Other fees may apply depending on the case. A federal civil case in EDNY has a $405 filing fee under its May 2026 schedule.
3. How much does Small Claims Court cost in NYC?
The filing fee is $15 for claims of $1,000 or less and $20 for claims over $1,000, up to the applicable $10,000 NYC limit.
4. Is Family Court free in New York?
New York State identifies Family Court as having no filing fees. However, other expenses outside the filing fee may still arise.
5. Is divorce free in New York?
An uncontested divorce is not automatically free. New York Courts states that the court filing fees cost at least $335. Qualifying individuals may apply for a fee waiver.
6. How much does an RJI cost in New York?
The statewide listed Supreme Court and County Court civil RJI fee is $95.
7. How much is a Supreme Court motion filing fee?
The standard motion or cross-motion fee listed in the statewide civil fee schedule is $45.
8. How much does a federal court case cost in New York?
The Eastern District of New York lists a $405 fee for a new civil case, effective May 28, 2026. Check the relevant federal district’s current schedule for confirmation.
9. Can I avoid paying court filing fees?
You may be eligible to request a court fee waiver based on financial hardship and applicable legal requirements. A judge decides whether to grant the request.
10. Does NYSCEF charge a separate filing fee?
The underlying court filing fee generally still applies to chargeable filings. Any electronic payment service charges should be checked against current NYSCEF and court instructions.
11. Are New York State and Federal Court fees the same?
No. They operate under separate fee schedules. For example, a New York Supreme Court civil index number costs $210, while a new EDNY federal civil case costs $405.
12. Are court fees the same in every New York county?
No. Statewide statutory fees may be the same, but county clerk services, local court fees, payment arrangements, postage, and other charges can differ.
13. How much does it cost to file a claim in New York Court of Claims?
The statewide published fee for filing a claim is $50. Eligibility and procedural requirements are separate issues.
14. Does the court filing fee include a lawyer?
No. Court filing fees and attorney fees are separate. The calculator does not automatically include legal representation or professional service costs.
Official New York Court Fee Resources
For the most reliable information, consult the following official sources before submitting court documents or payments.
- New York State Courts – Filing Fees
- NYC Civil Court – Fee Schedule
- New York County Supreme Court – Fees
- Queens County Clerk – Filing Fees
- Bronx County Clerk – Filing Fees
- Eastern District of New York – Federal Court Fees
- Southern District of New York – Federal Court Fees
- New York Courts – Fee Waiver Information
- New York Courts – Uncontested Divorce
- NYSCEF – Electronic Filing
About This Guide
This guide was prepared for NewYorkCalculator.com to help New York residents understand common court filing expenses before beginning a legal process.
Author: Junaidul Islam
The purpose of this resource is to make public court fee information easier to understand and calculate. Fees and procedures are based on official court resources reviewed on October 12, 2026. They should be rechecked whenever a court publishes an updated schedule.
Disclaimer: NewYorkCalculator.com is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with the New York State Unified Court System, any County Clerk, or any federal court. This calculator and guide do not provide legal advice, determine eligibility to file a case, or guarantee the final amount charged by a court. For a binding fee determination, contact the appropriate court clerk or consult a qualified New York attorney.