Small Claims Court Rules in Las Vegas — LVJCLRP Guide for Defendants

Nevada small claims court follows NRS Chapter 73 statewide, but the real rules that trip people up are the local ones. Each justice court township sets its own procedures for counterclaims, mediation, evidence exchange, and continuances. If you're a defendant in Clark County, Washoe County, or a rural township, here's what governs your case.

Las Vegas Justice Court (Clark County)

Las Vegas operates under the Las Vegas Justice Court Local Rules of Practice (LVJCLRP), Part 5. Key rules for defendants:

• No written answer required. LVJCLRP 5.6(a) explicitly says no formal answer is needed. You defend by showing up.
• Counterclaims due within 21 days after service and at least 5 days before trial. JCRCP 88(b) sets the 21-day limit; LVJCLRP 5.6(a) sets the trial-date cutoff. File electronically and complete electronic service before trial.
• Motions to continue due 5 days before trial. LVJCLRP 5.8(e) requires this lead time.
• No formal discovery. LVJCLRP 5.7 excludes small claims from mandatory disclosures and JCRCP discovery rules (Rules 25A–37).
• Formal motions can be summarily denied. Under LVJCLRP 5.8(a), the judge can deny JCRCP-based motions without a hearing.
• E-filing is mandatory. Use the Clark County Courts e-File portal (Odyssey). Typed signatures (/s/ Jane Doe) are accepted.
• Mediation is voluntary. The Neighborhood Justice Center offers mediators on trial day, but both parties must agree. Declining mediation sends the case straight to the judge.

Henderson Justice Court

Henderson has its own rules of practice, distinct from Las Vegas:

• Mandatory same-day mediation. Both parties mediate at the courthouse on the hearing date. If it doesn't settle, the case goes directly to trial that day.
• No written answer required. Appear on the hearing date with your evidence.
• 15-day demand letter required for plaintiffs — this applies to the person suing, not the defendant, but knowing about it can help your defense if the plaintiff skipped it.

Sparks Justice Court (East Washoe County)

Sparks runs the most structured process:

• Mandatory mediation as the initial setting. Your first court date is a mediation session, not a trial. If it doesn't resolve, the court sets a separate trial date.
• 7-day mediation cutoff. Counterclaims must be filed within 21 days after service under JCRCP 88(b) and filed and served at least 7 days before mediation; exhibit packets and memoranda of costs are due at the local deadline.
• 72-hour continuance deadline. Requests to reschedule must be filed at least 72 hours before the setting.
• Strict exhibit formatting. You need an exhibit cover page, an exhibit list, and three printed copies of everything.

Reno Justice Court (Washoe County)

Reno follows Washoe County procedures and files through the eFileNV portal. The court offers a Virtual Self-Help Center for defendants who need guidance on forms and local processes.

Rural Justice Courts

Nevada's rural townships (Elko, Esmeralda, Mineral, Lander, Storey, and others) operate more informally. Paper filing is common, e-filing may not be available, and clerks set hearing dates directly. Call the clerk's office for local procedures — online resources are limited.

The One Rule That's the Same Everywhere

No matter which court you're in, the jurisdictional cap is $10,000 under NRS 73.010, attorney fees are generally not recoverable under NRS 73.040, and failing to appear results in a default judgment. The local rules layer on top of the state statute — they don't replace it.

The Nevada Small Claims Response Guide includes court-specific deadline checklists and filing instructions for Las Vegas, Henderson, Sparks, and Reno justice courts.

See more Nevada guides →