Kings County Civil Court

Kings County Civil Court Overview

The Kings County Civil Court, located at 141 Livingston Street in Downtown Brooklyn, is a primary division of the Civil Court of the City of New York. This judicial facility handles civil cases involving monetary claims of up to $50,000, serving as a critical venue for resolving disputes among residents and businesses in Brooklyn. In addition to general civil litigation, this courthouse acts as a central hub for the Housing Part (Housing Court), which adjudicates landlord-tenant disputes, including eviction proceedings, non-payment of rent, and maintenance code violations. It also houses the Small Claims Part, offering an accessible forum for individuals to sue for damages up to $10,000 without the strict need for an attorney.

Court Divisions and Services

The courthouse is divided into several specialized parts to efficiently manage its heavy caseload. Key services available to the public include:

• General Civil Part: Handles lawsuits for debts, property damage, and other civil matters where the amount in dispute does not exceed $50,000.
• Housing Court: A high-volume division dedicated to residential and commercial tenancy matters. It handles Holdover and Non-Payment proceedings, as well as HP Actions initiated by tenants seeking repairs.
• Small Claims: A simplified court designed for the resolution of smaller disputes (up to $10,000). Evening sessions are often available on Tuesdays and Thursdays to accommodate working litigants.
• Name Changes: The court processes petitions for legal name changes for residents of Kings County.

Location and Accessibility

Situated at the corner of Livingston and Smith Streets, the courthouse is in the heart of Brooklyn’s Civic Center. It is easily accessible via public transportation, with the Borough Hall and Jay Street-MetroTech subway stations nearby. The facility is wheelchair accessible, featuring elevators and ramps. However, public parking is not provided at the courthouse, and street parking is extremely scarce. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transit or paid parking garages in the vicinity.

Security and Prohibited Items

Visitors must pass through airport-style security scanning upon entering the building. Magnetometers and x-ray machines are used to screen all persons and bags. Strict rules apply to items allowed inside:

• Weapons: Firearms, knives, scissors, and any sharp objects are strictly prohibited.
• Electronics: Cell phones are generally permitted but must be turned off or silenced in courtrooms. Taking photographs or recording video is strictly forbidden without judicial permission.
• Food and Drink: Glass bottles and open food containers are typically not allowed past security.