Nebraska Small Claims Court Forms: Complete Guide to CC 4:1 and Every Required Form

Nebraska Small Claims Court uses a specific set of forms issued by the Supreme Court. The most important is Form CC 4:1 — the Plaintiff's Claim — but depending on your case, you may need several others. Using the wrong form, an outdated version, or a third-party template that misses required disclosures can get your filing rejected.

Here is every form in the small claims system, what it does, and when you need it.

The Core Forms

CC 4:1 — Plaintiff's Claim and Notice to Defendant

This is the form that starts your case. It requires:

• Your full legal name and mailing address
• The defendant's full legal name and address (for businesses, the exact registered name — not a trade name)
• The dollar amount you're claiming (up to $7,500)
• A plain-language description of the dispute — what happened, when, and how much is owed
• Your choice of service method (certified mail or sheriff)
• A certification that you haven't exceeded the filing caps: two claims per week, ten per year

The description section is where most people stumble. Keep it factual and chronological: "On [date], I paid defendant $3,200 for roof repair. Work was never completed. I am claiming the $3,200 deposit plus $58 in filing costs." The judge reads this before the hearing, so clarity matters.

DC 3:01 — Registration of Email Address

Self-represented litigants must register an email address with the court. County procedures may determine when the required form is submitted. Completing it with the initial filing can avoid a second trip to the clerk's office.

CC 4:5 — Small Claims Certified Mail Return

If you chose certified mail for service, this form documents proof of delivery. When the certified mail receipt (the green card) comes back signed, you attach it to CC 4:5 and file both with the clerk. This must be done at least three calendar days before your hearing date — without it, you have no valid service and the judge cannot proceed.

Forms the Defendant May Use

CC 4:2 — Counter Claim or Setoff

The defendant files this if they believe you owe them money from the same transaction. Counterclaims up to $7,500 are handled within the same small claims hearing. It must be filed and served on you at least two full calendar days before the hearing.

CC 4:3 — Notice of Transfer to Civil Docket

If the defendant wants an attorney, a jury trial, or needs to file a counterclaim exceeding $7,500, they file CC 4:3 with the $20 transfer fee at least two full calendar days before the hearing. This moves the case to the regular County Court civil docket, where formal rules apply.

Post-Hearing Forms

CC 4:4 — Judgment

The judge fills this out after the hearing. It records the award amount, court costs, and the applicable post-judgment interest rate.

CC 4:8 — Satisfaction of Judgment

Once the defendant pays the full judgment, the winning party files this form to close the case. Filing it is mandatory — an unsatisfied judgment stays on court records and can affect the defendant's credit.

CC 4:9 — Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment and Application for New Trial

If the defendant missed the hearing and a default judgment was entered, they have 30 calendar days after entry of judgment to file this motion asking the court to reopen the case.

CC 4:7 — Dismissal (Small Claims Court)

Filed when the case is settled before trial or the plaintiff wants to withdraw the claim. Can be with prejudice (no refiling) or without.

CC 4:6 — Praecipe for Subpoena

If you need a witness who won't come voluntarily, file this form to have the clerk issue a subpoena. The subpoena must be served by the sheriff or process server, along with $8 in witness fees plus mileage.

Where to Get the Forms

All official forms are available on the Nebraska Judicial Branch website at nebraskajudicial.gov under the self-help resources. They're free, fillable PDFs. Do not use third-party templates from legal form marketplaces — they may be outdated or missing required statutory disclosures.

Douglas County uses a localized filing packet (CC 4:20.D4) with county-specific instructions. All other counties use the standard statewide packet (CC 4:20).

Filing Methods

Self-represented litigants cannot e-file in Nebraska. Your options are in-person at the County Court clerk's office, by mail with a check or money order for the filing fee, or by fax under Rule § 6-601(B) for documents under 10 pages through July 1, 2028.

The Nebraska Small Claims Filing Guide includes line-by-line form completion examples so you know exactly what goes in every field before you walk into the clerk's office.

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