Massachusetts · Legal help by topic · Updated Oct 2026

Legal help in Massachusetts: get back what you're owed

Nine free guides for Massachusetts, in one place: the key facts and deadlines from each, and a direct link to the full guide. Start with the problem you have.

Small Claims Map

Small claims court in Massachusetts

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you can sue without a lawyer.

Most you can sue for
$7,000
Court
small claims court
Filing fee
$40–$150
Lawyers
Optional

Facts from Small Claims Map. About this topic

Tenant Rights Map

Renters' rights in Massachusetts

If you rent, state law sets how fast a deposit comes back, what the landlord must repair and the notice before an eviction case.

Deadline to return a deposit
30 days
Security deposit limit
1 month's rent
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
14 days
Notice before the landlord enters
No statute

Cities with their own rules: Boston

Facts from Tenant Rights Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Wage Claim Map

Unpaid wages in Massachusetts

If your employer didn't pay you, a state office may collect it for free.

File a wage claim with
Office of the Attorney General
Minimum wage (2026)
$15.00
Final paycheck if fired
Immediately
Deadline to file a wage claim
3 years

Facts from Wage Claim Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Lemon Car Map

Lemon law in Massachusetts

If a new car keeps going back to the shop for the same defect, the maker may owe you a refund or a replacement.

Lemon law period
12 mo / 15,000 mi
What makes it a lemon
3 repairs · 15 business days
Covers used cars
Yes
Before you sue
Optional

Facts from Lemon Car Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Tax Appeal Map

Property tax appeals in Massachusetts

If your home's assessed value is too high, you can appeal it, but only within a short window.

Deadline to appeal
Feb 1 (quarterly) / Nov 1 (semiannual)
Where you appeal first
Abatement application to the local board of assessors
Median effective tax rate
1.07%
Median yearly tax on a home
$5,992

VariesAs of October 21, 2026, the fiscal year 2027 window depends on how your town bills. In towns that bill actual taxes in the fall (around October 1), applications are generally due November 2, 2026 (November 1 is a Sunday), or 30 days after the bill was mailed if that is later. Some towns that use preliminary bills have a later actual-bill date (April 1), so check the due date printed on your bill. In quarterly towns, including Boston, the window opens when third-quarter bills arrive in late December and closes February 1, 2027. (as of October 21, 2026)

Facts from Tax Appeal Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Exemption Map

Property tax exemptions in Massachusetts

If you own and live in your home, you may qualify for breaks that lower your property tax. You usually have to apply.

Homestead exemption
Set locally
Homestead deadline
April 1
Senior break
Yes
Disabled veterans
Up to full exemption

Facts from Exemption Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Owed Map

Unclaimed money in Massachusetts

Old bank accounts, deposits, refunds and checks end up with the state. Searching and claiming is free.

Official search
FindMassMoney.gov
Held by the state
Over $3 billion
Cost to search and claim
Free
On MissingMoney.com
Yes

Facts from Owed Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Divorce Law Map

Divorce in Massachusetts

Before you can file, one of you usually must have lived in the state for a set time, and many states make you wait before the divorce is final.

Residency before you can file
1 year (with exceptions)
Waiting period
See the guide
Filing fee
$215

Facts from Divorce Law Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Debt Collector Map

Debt collectors in Massachusetts

A collector can sue you only for a limited time, and state law limits how much of your pay it can take after a judgment. You can dispute the debt in writing.

Time limit to sue on a debt
6 years
Wage garnishment limit
Up to 15%
State license for collectors
Yes

Facts from Debt Collector Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Deadlines at a glance in Massachusetts

Short forms of each guide's rule. Every deadline has details (when the clock starts, exceptions, how to count days): read the full rule in the guide before you rely on it. “See the guide” means our data has no short form for it.

Deadlines at a glance in Massachusetts
TopicDeadline or time limitRuleGuide
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: written contract6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: verbal agreement6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: property damage3 yearsSmall Claims Map
Renters' rightsDeadline to return a deposit30 daysTenant Rights Map
Renters' rightsNotice before an eviction case for unpaid rent14 daysTenant Rights Map
Unpaid wagesDeadline to file a wage claim3 yearsWage Claim Map
Unpaid wagesFinal paycheck if firedImmediatelyWage Claim Map
Lemon lawLemon law period12 mo / 15,000 miLemon Car Map
Lemon lawDeadlineState arbitration must be requested within 18 months of delivery for new or leased vehicles (6 months for used vehicles).Lemon Car Map
Property tax appealsDeadline to appealFeb 1 (quarterly) / Nov 1 (semiannual)Tax Appeal Map
Property tax exemptionsHomestead deadlineApril 1Exemption Map
Unclaimed moneyDeadline to claimSee the guideOwed Map
DivorceResidency before you can file1 year (with exceptions)Divorce Law Map
DivorceWaiting periodSee the guideDivorce Law Map
Debt collectorsTime limit to sue on a debt6 yearsDebt Collector Map

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Links checked Oct 2026. Sources are listed in how we research.

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