Matters Handled by Court

Traffic & Criminal Matters

Traffic and criminal matters occurring within the City of Cohoes.

Small Claims

The Small Claims Court is an informal court where individuals can sue for money only, up to $5,000 without a lawyer. The defendant (person you are bringing suit against) must reside or work in the County of Albany. You must have a street address for the party you wish to bring to Court. P. O. Box Mailing addresses are not accepted. Please contact the Court for forms and the current filing fees.

Commercial Claims

The Commercial Claims Court is an informal court where corporations, partnerships and associations can sue for money only, up to $5000, without a lawyer. Your lawsuit can be only for money. The defendant (person you are bringing suit against) must reside or works in the County of Albany. You must have a street address for the party you wish to bring to Court. P.O. Box Mailing addresses are not accepted. Please contact the Court for forms and the current filing fee.

Landlord/Tenant (Summary Proceedings)

These cases are for evictions relating to property that is located in the City of Cohoes. Please note the Court dates are set by the Court when you file your papers. When filing papers, please bring the original and 2 copies of the papers. The current filing fee is $45.

The Court will set the Court date when you file the papers. Note: It is your responsibility to select and prepare the necessary forms and file when with the Court. It is recommended that you consult with an attorney if you have additional questions regarding the procedures. Court staff must remain neutral and are unable to assist you with the preparation of your paperwork.

Information and forms Landlord/Tenant cases can be found at these locations:
  • Do it yourself forms:
    • Landlord/Tenant do it yourself non-payment eviction forms and information
  • Pro se use only.
    • Tenant Vacate Default Judgment do it yourself form and information
  • Other form and information:
    • Landlord/Tenant holdover forms and information
    • Landlord/Tenant non-payment eviction forms and information

Civil Matters Not to Exceed $15,000

The current filing fees are $45 for first paper fees and $95 for consumer credit fees. Please contact the Court for the filing fee. If a case does not fall within the jurisdiction of small claims court or summary proceedings, then you may be able to bring a civil action in the City Court.

The Court has jurisdiction for actions and proceedings for the recovery of money or personal property where the amount sought to be recovered or the value of the property does not exceed $15,000. To bring a civil action in the City Court, either the plaintiff or the defendant must:
  • Be a resident of the City or be a resident of a town contiguous to the City
  • Have a place for the regular transaction of business within the City
  • Have regular employment within the City
A suit is commenced in the City Court upon filing a summons and complaint with the Court and service of a summons and complaint upon a defendant, with proof of service. The Court does not provide forms for this type of procedure. Forms can be obtained them from an attorney or you may contact your local law library for assistance. It is recommended that a plaintiff seek the advice of counsel in filing a civil action. Please note that the Court cannot provide legal assistance in the preparation of Civil matters.