Small Claims Actions are claims for the recovery of money only, not exceeding $10,000. If you wish to file a small claims action, contact the Court at 775-754-6321, by mail or in person for information on how to proceed. The person you are filing the claim against must (1) live in OR (2) do business in OR (3) be employed in the Carlin Township. A claim may also be initiated against someone who lived in the Carlin Township when the basis for the claim took place. You must send a 10-day demand letter to the party who owes you money to demand payment within 20 days from the date of the letter before you file a claim in the court.
If you have been served with a small claims suit, and you want to contest the claim, you must contact the Court as soon as possible, and no later than the date indicated on the Affidavit. A hearing will be scheduled at which time you can present evidence and testify as to why you don’t believe the claim against you is valid. The Plaintiff will also have the right to present evidence to support his/her claim. If you fail to contact the Court by the date on the Affidavit, a default judgment will be entered against you. If you fail to appear at a hearing that has been scheduled, a default judgment will be entered against you.
.If you owe the money alleged in the claim, contact the Plaintiff immediately to arrange for payment of the debt. Most plaintiffs will accept payments and are willing to work it out with you. The worst thing you can do is ignore the claim.
Civil Actions are formal actions not exceeding $15,000. You will receive a Summons to which you must respond within 20 days, excluding the date of service. If you fail to respond, a default judgment may be entered against you at the request of the Plaintiff. If you are not sure how to respond, contact the Plaintiff or their attorney. DO NOT IGNORE THE SUMMONS.
In a formal Civil Action, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney, even if it’s only for a consultation.
Other Civil Actions: Protection Orders, Evictions and etc., one can find information from the Civil Law Self Help Center out of Las Vegas.
There are many forms that can be used in Carlin Justice Court, but you must remember to make sure you change the Court to Carlin and the County to Elko before filing in Carlin Justice Court.
For legal questions, contact an attorney. The Court is prohibited by State Law from giving legal advice