Jefferson County courts

Filing fees, clerk information, and official court links.

Reviewed Jul 30, 2026 · Official sources
Civil filing fee
$95 to $400
New civil suit
E-filing
Not available
Through NYSCEF
Case records
Search online
Free public case search
Filing typeFee
Civil lawsuit$95 to $400
Small claims$15 to $20
Divorce / familyVaries, see details

Fees depend on case type and amount; confirm with the court before filing. At $210, the civil filing fee in Jefferson County is about the same as nearby counties (median $210 across 6 nearby counties).

Clerk & court records

Jefferson County Clerk's Office
Gizelle J. Meeks
Call the clerk

Courthouses in Jefferson County

ProbateGuardianshipAdoption

Jefferson County Surrogate's Court

Address
163 Arsenal Street, 3rd Floor, Watertown, 13601
CriminalCivilSmall ClaimsEviction

Watertown City Court

Address
317 Washington Street, 10th Floor, Watertown, 13601

Need papers served or filed in Jefferson County? Nationwide Legal, our partner company, handles process service and court filing here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to file a civil case in Jefferson County?

    The civil filing fee in Jefferson County, New York is $210.00 index number filing fee to commence a civil action (CPLR 8018(a)); foreclosure index number is $400.00. Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) fee is $95.00 (CPLR 8020(a))

  • What is the small claims filing fee in Jefferson County?

    $15.00 for claims up to $1,000 and $20.00 for claims over $1,000 (City Court; jurisdictional limit $5,000). Small claims are filed in local city/town/village courts (e.g., Watertown City Court), not the County Clerk.

  • How much does it cost to file for divorce or a family case in Jefferson County?

    Family Court petitions have no filing fee. A Supreme Court matrimonial (divorce) action requires the standard $210.00 index number fee (CPLR 8018(a))

  • Can I e-file court documents in Jefferson County?

    Yes. E-filing is available through NYSCEF. It is mandatory for attorneys.

  • Is there a free online case search for Jefferson County?

    Yes. You can look up cases online at iapps.courts.state.ny.us.

  • Where do I file court documents in Jefferson County?

    Filings go to the Jefferson County Clerk's Office. You can reach the clerk at (315) 785-3312.

Jefferson County Courts, NY: (315) 785-3312, Hours & $210 Filing Fee | 1Court