NC S741

Increases small claims action jurisdictional limit from $5,000 to $10,000, where only monetary relief, recovery of specific personal property, or summary ejectment is sought.

Raises district court jurisdiction threshold from $10,000 to $20,000; increases superior court jurisdiction to actions exceeding $20,000.

Makes court-ordered, nonbinding arbitration mandatory in all civil actions where claims do not exceed $20,000, unless all parties waive arbitration.

Requires courts to assess all court costs and attorneys' fees, including the $100 arbitration fee, against the appellant in small claims appeals when an arbitrator's decision favoring the appellee is affirmed on appeal.

Effective July 1, 2011 for actions filed on or after that date.