Uniform Small Claims Rules: This link provides the rules of small claims courts in Massachusetts. Small Claims Court Forms: This link provides all the forms parties to a small claims case may need. MassLegal Help: MassLegal Help and the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute provide a short guide to small claims courts and claims in Massachusetts.
Form 1 INSTRUCTIONS FOR FILING A SMALL CLAIM –– You must complete Parts 1-6 of this form. See instructions on reverse. ATENCION: ESTE ES UN AVISO OFICIAL DE LA CORTE SI USTED NO SABE LEER INGLES, OBTENGA UNA TRADUCCION. STATEMENT OF SMALL CLAIM AND NOTICE OF TRIAL For Court DOCKET NO. TRIAL COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS Use Only. SMALL CLAIMS ...
Massachusetts Small Claims Court handles monetary disputes up to $7,000, as outlined in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 218, Section 21. Exceptions exist for higher limits in motor vehicle property damage cases. The court focuses on minor financial disagreements, ensuring expedited resolution.
For example, if a landlord were fined treble damages for violating the statute governing security deposits, the amount awarded could exceed $7,000, but the case could still be heard in small claims court. Benefits to small claims court include low filing fees, starting at $40 for claims under $500 and capping at $150 for claims of $5,001 and ...
District Court form (Mass. R. Civ. P. 41(a)(1)(ii)) Open PDF file, 750.68 KB, Trustee Summons (English, PDF 750.68 KB) ... A collection of general small claims forms and instructions, supplemental forms, e-filing forms, and more. District Court supplementary process
Massachusetts small claims court. Limited jurisdiction means only certain matters may be filed and heard by the small claims court. We use cookies to improve security, personalize the user experience, enhance our marketing activities (including cooperating with our marketing partners) and for other business use.
Massachusetts Small Claims Courts can award damages up to $7,000 in general cases, varying in other specific cases. Knowing the process and timeline of filing a case in Massachusetts small claims court is beneficial for any business owner or professional.
6. Steps to File a Small Claim in Massachusetts Step 1: Obtain the Required Forms The primary form is the Statement of Claim and Notice of Trial, available at your local District Court or Boston Municipal Court.. Step 2: Complete the Claim Form Your Details: Name, address, and contact information. Defendant’s Details: Name, address, and contact information of the person or business you’re ...
Filing a small claim in Massachusetts is a straightforward way to resolve disputes involving limited monetary amounts. Whether it’s unpaid debts, property damage, or breach of contract, the small claims division of the District Court or Boston Municipal Court handles these cases efficiently. This guide outlines the steps, costs, and preparation required to file a small claim in Massachusetts.
1. What Is Small Claims Court in Massachusetts? Small claims court in Massachusetts is a part of the District Court or Boston Municipal Court system. It is designed to handle disputes involving monetary amounts up to $7,000 in a simplified and accessible process. Exceptions to the limit apply for claims involving property damage from a car accident, which may exceed this amount.
Search for the court forms you need by topic or court department. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Here's how you know. Official websites use .mass.gov. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. ... search in Massachusetts Court System; Search. Legal & Justice ...
In Massachusetts Small Claims Court, the hearing concludes with a judgment, which can take various forms depending on the case. The magistrate or judge may rule in favor of the plaintiff, awarding the claimed amount, or decide for the defendant, dismissing the claim.
Initiating a small claims case in Massachusetts requires adherence to specific procedures outlined in the Massachusetts Uniform Small Claims Rules. The process begins with the plaintiff filing a Statement of Claim and Notice form, available at the clerk’s office of the appropriate district court.
Massachusetts Court System; Small claims for defendants. ... In the signed letter answer, in a separate letter to the court, or on a form called Small Claims Counterclaim, you may write any claim against the plaintiff that’s within the jurisdiction of small claims court. If you file a written counterclaim, you must send a copy to the plaintiff.
In Person or by Mail: Submit the completed form to the appropriate court clerk’s office. Online Filing: Massachusetts offers an online platform, Small Claims Guide and File, to assist in preparing and filing your claim. 5. Pay the Filing Fee. The filing fee varies based on the amount of your claim: Claims up to $500: $40; Claims from $501 to ...