Massachusetts Small Claims Court Guide
Everything you need to know about filing a small claims case in Massachusetts — dollar limits, filing fees, court locations, and step-by-step guidance.
Massachusetts Quick Facts
Maximum Claim
$7,000
Filing Fee
$40–$150
Court fees added to your case — not due today
Court
Small Claims Court (District Court)
Overview
Small Claims in Massachusetts
Massachusetts small claims court is a session of the District Court and handles civil disputes where the amount claimed does not exceed $7,000. The court provides a streamlined process for resolving monetary disputes without requiring attorney representation. Massachusetts is distinctive in allowing a higher claim limit for cases involving property damage caused by a motor vehicle.
Filing fees in Massachusetts are tiered based on the claim amount: $40 for claims of $500 and under, $50 for claims of $501–$2,000, $100 for claims of $2,001–$5,000, and $150 for claims of $5,001–$7,000. These fees are recoverable as court costs if you win your case.
The informal proceedings are designed for self-represented litigants, and attorneys are not permitted to appear on behalf of parties in small claims court. Massachusetts small claims court is commonly used for collecting unpaid debts, recovering security deposits, seeking compensation for property damage, and resolving breach of contract matters.
To file, you must submit a complaint form to the District Court serving the area where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred. After filing, the court issues a summons for service on the defendant, typically by certified mail or a private process server. The hearing is usually scheduled within 30 to 60 days, and the judge typically rules immediately or within a few days.
Where to File
File in the District Court of the county where the defendant lives, works, or where the incident occurred. For business defendants, file where the business is located or where the contract was to be performed.
Service of Process
Service may be completed by certified mail, sheriff, or a private process server. Certified mail is commonly used for small claims cases in Massachusetts. The defendant must be served at least 14 days before the hearing.
Statute of Limitations
Written contracts: 6 years. Oral contracts: 6 years. Property damage: 3 years. Personal injury: 3 years. Fraud: 3 years from discovery.
Appeal Rules
Either party may appeal to the Superior Court within 3 days. The case is retried de novo.
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