MASSACHUSETTS SMALL CLAIMS COURTS
Addresses and information on Massachusetts small claims courts and case filings.
Most common claims in small claims courts involve:
- Auto Accidents - Someone dents your vehicle and refuses to pay for the repairs.
- Small Loans - Someone refuses to pay you back the money he/she borrowed.
- Defected New Products - Your new chair breaks but the store will not fix it or return your money.
- Poor Services Rendered - A dry cleaning company ruins your favorite dress and will not pay for or replace it.
- Landlord/Tenant Issues - The property owner or landlord refuses to return your security deposit, even after certifying the place was left in in good condition.
A person can file a claim in small claims court if he/she has a dispute involving a certain amount of money with another person, company or government agency.
The amount that could be recovered is limited, and it varies from state to state (usually from $1,500 to 10,000 Dollars.)
Things to bring to court:
Original copies of all papers you need to help prove the case (contracts, letters, rental agreements, canceled checks, deeds, repair bills, IOUs, diagrams, written damage estimates, photographs or even drawings.)
2 photocopies of every original document. (one for the defendant, one for the court)
The piece of clothing or the appliance damaged by the defendant, if that's the case.
Any witness that could help the case. Some judges allow notarized statements by witness that cannot appear in court.
Small Claims Courts Requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years of age. (If not, a guardian appointed by the court will sue for the minor.)
- Be of sound mind or mentally competent. (If not, a guardian appointed by the court will sue for the incapacitated.)
- United States citizen and non-citizens can use the small claims court.
- There are no juries in small claims courts.
- No objections are allowed.
- Either the plaintiff (the person who is suing) or the defendant (the person being sued) are allowed to speak with an attorney before coming to court, but lawyers are not allowed in the court with you. You must be a Pro Se litigant (represent yourself.)
Hearing dates are usually set on some evenings or on Saturday (once a month.)
Hearing is scheduled within 40 days in most cases (up to 70 days if one litigant does not live in the same county).
MASSACHUSETTS SMALL CLAIMS COURTS
Commonwealth Of Massachusetts Trial Court Cambridge District Court 4040 Mystic Valley Pkwy Medford, MA 02155-6918 Phone:(781) 306`2710
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Chelsea District Court Chelsea, MA 02150 Phone:(617) 660`9300
Commonwealth of Massachusetts District Courts 580 Essex St Lynn, MA 01901 Phone:(781) 598`5200
Commonwealth of Massachusetts East Boston District Court Boston, MA 02108 Phone:(617) 567`1602
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County District Courts Somerville, MA 02143 Phone:(617) 776`5645
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex County District Courts Malden, MA 02148 Phone:(781) 322`7500
City of Worcester Law Dept & Claims Worcester, MA 01608 Phone:(508) 799`1161
Government Offices State Springfield District Court 37 Elm St Springfield, MA 01103 Phone:(413) 748`7838
District Court
20 Newton St Holyoke, MA 01040
Phone:(413) 538`9710
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