How to File a Small Claims Case in Henderson, Nevada

Henderson Justice Court handles small claims for the City of Henderson and designated southeastern Clark County areas. If the defendant lives, works, or has a business in Henderson — or the contract was performed or the injury occurred there — this is where you file. The courthouse is at 243 Water Street, Henderson, NV 89015.

Henderson's Demand Letter Rule

Henderson strictly enforces the pre-filing demand requirement. You must send a written demand letter via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt Requested before filing your complaint. The demand must state the exact dollar amount, the factual basis for the claim, and a clear warning that you will file a lawsuit if payment is not made.

The demand must instruct the defendant to pay within 10 days of the date the letter is sent, but you must wait at least 15 days from that date before filing. This is different from Las Vegas Township, which lets you file as soon as the demand is mailed without a waiting period. Keep the green return receipt card — you will attach it to your complaint. If the certified mail comes back unclaimed, keep the unopened returned envelope as proof of attempted demand.

Filing Your Complaint

Henderson Justice Court accepts filings at the counter or through eFileNV (the Odyssey File & Serve portal). You will need the Small Claims Complaint form (sometimes called the Declaration of Small Claims), a Civil Court Cover Sheet, and the NRS 239B.030 Affirmation confirming your documents do not contain Social Security numbers or other protected identifiers.

Bring two complete copies of everything if filing at the counter — the clerk keeps the original and returns a file-stamped copy to you. Attach your demand letter and the certified mail receipt to the complaint.

Filing fees follow the statewide tier schedule: $66 for claims up to $1,000, $86 for $1,000.01 to $2,500, $106 for $2,500.01 to $5,000, $146 for $5,000.01 to $7,500, and $196 for $7,500.01 to $10,000.

Service of Process

After the clerk accepts your filing, the court issues an Order to Appear (summons). You must have the defendant served — you cannot deliver the papers yourself. Use the Township Constable, a licensed private process server, or any disinterested adult over 18.

Under JCRCP Rule 91, service must be completed at least 14 days before the trial date. If you cannot get the defendant served in time, file a Motion to Continue to get a new hearing date rather than letting the case be dismissed.

Henderson's Same-Day Mediation

Henderson operates differently from other Clark County courts at the hearing stage. Henderson requires mandatory same-day mediation — on the date of your scheduled court hearing, you and the defendant will first be directed to mediation before seeing the judge. If you reach a settlement, you sign a Stipulation for Settlement and the case is resolved. If mediation fails, you proceed directly to the hearing.

Come prepared for both: bring your full evidence package to mediation (the mediator will want to understand the dispute), and be ready to present your case to the judge immediately after if no agreement is reached.

Evidence and the Hearing

Bring three organized copies of all evidence — one for the judge, one for the defendant, one for yourself. Your packet should include the contract or agreement, invoices or receipts documenting the amount owed, photos of damage or defective work, text or email correspondence, and your demand letter with the certified mail receipt.

The judge conducts an informal hearing and typically renders a decision the same day or within a few days.

The complete Nevada filing guide covers Henderson and every other Nevada Justice Court step by step, including fillable deadline trackers, an evidence organizer, and a township venue worksheet.

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