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MA State Guide

Massachusetts Small Claims Court

Small Claims Session (District/Boston Municipal Court)

$7,000
Maximum Claim
$40 - $150
Filing Fees
30-60 days
Timeline
In-person
Hearing Format

Court Information

Court Name

Small Claims Session (District/Boston Municipal Court)

Attorneys

Allowed

Appeal Rights

Appeal for trial de novo within 10 days

Statute of Limitations

6 years
Written Contracts
6 years
Oral Contracts
3 years
Property Damage

Unique Rules in Massachusetts

Consumer protection claims can exceed $7,000
Attorney fee shifting in some cases

How to File in Massachusetts

1

Determine if your case qualifies for small claims court

2

Send a demand letter to the other party

3

File your claim at the correct courthouse

4

Serve the defendant with the lawsuit

5

Prepare your evidence and presentation

6

Attend the hearing and present your case

Amendment Filing Fees in Massachusetts

Amendment Fee Range

Amendment fees in Massachusetts typically range from $15-$50, depending on the court and type of amendment.

Important Note
Contact your local court clerk for exact amendment fees, as they vary by jurisdiction.

When Amendments Are Allowed

Before the defendant is served
To correct clerical errors or add necessary details
With court permission after service
Cannot increase claim amount beyond court limits

Common Amendment Types

Correct Defendant Name
Fix misspellings or add proper legal names
Add Damages
Include additional damages discovered later
Clarify Facts
Provide clearer description of the dispute

Frequently Asked Questions

The maximum you can sue for in Massachusetts small claims court is $7,000.

Filing fees in Massachusetts range from $40 - $150, depending on the claim amount.

Yes, attorneys are allowed to represent parties in Massachusetts small claims court.

From filing to hearing typically takes 30-60 days in Massachusetts.

Appeal for trial de novo within 10 days

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