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Massachusetts Small Claims Court Limits
Massachusetts small claims limit is $7,000. No limit for motor vehicle property damage claims or certain consumer protection claims.
Court Name: Small Claims Session of District Court or Boston Municipal Court
Official Website: https://www.mass.gov/small-claims
Filing Fees in Massachusetts
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $40-50 |
Filing fees are modest. Service fees and constable fees are additional.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 14 days before the hearing date.
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by constable
- Certified mail
- First-class mail (in some cases)
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 14 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
Attorneys Allowed: Attorneys are permitted in Massachusetts small claims court but are not required.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to Superior Court within 10 days.
Massachusetts Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A requires a demand letter for consumer protection claims. Recommended for all cases.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts small claims court limit is $7,000. There's no limit for motor vehicle property damage claims.
Do I need to send a demand letter in Massachusetts?
For consumer protection claims under Chapter 93A, a demand letter is required. It's recommended for all cases.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you have 6 years to file a lawsuit for breach of written or oral contract.
How do I appeal a small claims judgment in Massachusetts?
Either party may appeal to Superior Court within 10 days of the judgment.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup