N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-67
Docketing small claims judgments
Operative Text
2A:18-67. Judgments recovered in the division of small claims of the Superior Court, Law Division, Special Civil Part may be docketed as judgments in the Special Civil Part proper are docketed. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344; amended 1991,c.91,s.69.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-67, a money judgment obtained in the Small Claims division of the Superior Court, Law Division, Special Civil Part can be formally recorded—or "docketed"—in the same manner as judgments issued by the Special Civil Part proper. This docketing process elevates the judgment's enforceability, allowing it to be treated as a standard civil court judgment for collection purposes. The provision establishes procedural parity between small claims judgments and those from the broader Special Civil Part.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who obtain a small claims judgment—for example, for unpaid rent or damages—should be aware that N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-67 allows that judgment to be docketed in the Special Civil Part proper. Operators who pursue this docketing step generally gain access to the same enforcement mechanisms available for standard civil judgments, such as wage garnishment or bank levies. Keeping accurate records of any judgment obtained in small claims court is a common practice among landlords who wish to preserve their ability to use this docketing process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-67 is relevant to tenants because a landlord who wins a small claims judgment against a tenant can have that judgment docketed in the Special Civil Part proper, which may affect the tenant's credit or financial accounts. Tenants who believe a judgment was entered against them in error may have grounds to challenge it through the court system, and consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office can help clarify available options. Understanding that a small claims judgment carries the same docketing weight as a regular civil judgment underscores the importance of responding to any small claims action filed by a landlord.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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