Nevada Small Claims Court Fees for Defendants — Counterclaims, Motions, and Appeals

Showing Up to Defend Is Free

Here is the most important fee fact for defendants: appearing at your hearing costs nothing. Under NRS 4.060(1)(d), there is no filing fee to defend against a small claims complaint in Nevada. You walk into the courtroom, present your evidence, and leave without paying the court a cent.

Fees only come into play when you take an offensive action — filing a counterclaim, submitting certain motions, or appealing a judgment.

Counterclaim Filing Fees

If you want to file a counterclaim against the plaintiff, you pay a fee scaled to the dollar amount you are claiming. The fee schedule is set by NRS 4.060 and varies slightly by township:

Sparks / Washoe County fee scale:

• Claims under $1,000: $46–$66
• Claims $1,000–$2,500: $66–$86
• Claims $2,500–$5,000: $106
• Claims $5,000–$7,500: $146
• Claims $7,500–$10,000: $196

Clark County courts (Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas) follow the statutory NRS 4.060 scale, which produces similar ranges. Check with your specific court clerk for the exact amount.

The fee is paid at the time of filing, either at the counter or through the e-filing portal.

Motion Filing Fees

Certain motions carry a small filing fee depending on the court's local rules. Common motions defendants file include:

• Motion to Continue (requesting a hearing postponement)
• Motion to Dismiss (challenging jurisdiction or service defects)
• Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment (if you missed the hearing)

Fee amounts for motions vary by township, and a local motion filing fee may apply. Ask the clerk or check the court's website before filing.

Appeal Costs

Appealing a small claims judgment to the District Court involves multiple fees:

• Justice Court appeal filing fee: $25 (NRS 4.060)
• District Court filing fee: approximately $134–$150
• Mandatory cost bond: $250 cash or surety bond (JCRCP Rule 100 / LVJCLRP 5.15(b))
• Supersedeas bond (optional): equals the full judgment amount — required only if you want to stop wage garnishments and bank levies while the appeal is pending

The appeal must be filed within 5 business days of the judgment. The $250 cost bond is non-negotiable — without it, the appeal is rejected. The supersedeas bond is optional but critical if the plaintiff has already started collection.

Total minimum appeal cost: roughly $409–$425, plus the supersedeas bond if you need a collection stay.

Fee Waivers for Low-Income Defendants

If you cannot afford the fees for a counterclaim, motion, or appeal, Nevada courts allow you to apply for an indigent fee waiver (In Forma Pauperis). The application requires you to disclose household income, assets, and any public assistance you receive.

A granted fee waiver covers court clerk filing fees. It does not cover:

• Private process server costs (if you need to serve a counterclaim)
• Appeal bonds ($250 cost bond and any supersedeas bond)
• Third-party expenses like photocopying or document delivery

The Application to Proceed in Indigent Status is available from the court clerk or through the Civil Law Self-Help Center in Clark County.

What Defendants Never Pay

To be clear about what is always free:

• Appearing at a hearing or mediation to defend the claim against you
• Presenting evidence at trial
• Checking your case status on the court's online portal
• Getting forms and information from the Civil Law Self-Help Center or court clerk
• Contacting free legal resources like Nevada Legal Services or Washoe Legal Services

The entire defense process — from reading your papers to the hearing — can cost nothing if you do not file a counterclaim or motion. The full procedural walkthrough is in our Nevada Small Claims Response Guide.

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