How Much Does a NJ Lemon Law Case Cost?

The short answer: DCA Lemon Law Unit arbitration is $50. NJ Superior Court filing fees are ~$250. Federal court fees ~$405. With attorney representation, fees are paid by the manufacturer.

NJ costs by path

Path	Filing fee
DCA Lemon Law Unit	$50
NJ Superior Court (Law Division)	~$250
Federal court (D.N.J.)	$405
Attorney representation	$0 out of pocket
Attorney fees if you prevail	Paid by manufacturer via § 56:12-42, CFA § 56:8-19, Magnuson-Moss

Attorney-representation costs

• No fee upfront.
• Costs advanced by attorney.
• Fees recovered through § 56:12-42 (mandatory + expert fees), CFA § 56:8-19 (mandatory on any violation), or Magnuson-Moss.

Why fee-shifting works

NJ has three independent fee-shifting hooks (two mandatory). Awards typically range $30,000-$80,000+ for settled cases.

When hiring an attorney makes sense

Without an attorney	With an attorney
Goodwill offer: $2,500	Refund: $35,000-$50,000
You pay $50 (DCA)	Manufacturer pays refund + NJ sales tax
Net to you: $2,500	Plus CFA mandatory treble damages: $10,000-$40,000
	Plus § 56:12-42 + CFA § 56:8-19 fees: $30,000-$80,000 paid by manufacturer
	Net to you: $55,000-$130,000+

Initial consultations are free

Browse our NJ lemon-law attorney directory.

Bottom line

NJ’s combination of low-cost DCA arbitration plus dual mandatory fee-shifting in court makes it one of the strongest cost-friendly frameworks in the country. The $50 DCA fee and certified-mail notice are the only procedural costs.

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