Small claims court in Suffolk County, Massachusetts
In Suffolk County, small claims cases up to $7,000 are heard by more than one court: 9 courts hear small claims for towns in Suffolk County, each serving specific cities and towns. File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or does business, or where the problem happened.
Not sure which court? Call the clerk: 617-788-8600 (Central Division, Boston Municipal Court – Small Claims Session) or see Official court directory.
Where to file in Suffolk County
Central Division, Boston Municipal Court – Small Claims Session
Address: Edward W. Brooke Courthouse, 24 New Chardon Street, Boston, MA 02114 · Map
Phone: 617-788-8600
Online filing: available, per the court
9 courts hear small claims for towns in Suffolk County, each serving specific cities and towns. This row: This court serves the Downtown Boston area, Chinatown, North End, South End through Massachusetts Avenue, West End, and Beacon Hill.
All 10 small claims courts in Suffolk County:
- Central Division, Boston Municipal Court – Small Claims Session
- Chelsea District Court
- Brighton Division (BMC)
- Charlestown Division (BMC)
- Dorchester Division (BMC)
- East Boston Division (BMC)
- Roxbury Division (BMC)
- South Boston Division (BMC)
- West Roxbury Division (BMC). File in the court that serves the town where you or the defendant lives
- works or has a business. Each court's mass.gov page lists the towns it serves
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
The District Court or Boston Municipal Court where you or the defendant lives, works or has a business. Claims about an apartment can also be filed where it is; Housing Court takes only rental housing cases.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Massachusetts counties.
How to file in Suffolk County
Ask for payment in writing
Small claims don't require a demand in general, but a consumer suing a business under the consumer protection law (Chapter 93A) must usually send a written demand letter at least 30 days before filing. Make a free demand letter.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
$40 for claims up to $500, $50 up to $2,000, $100 up to $5,000, and $150 above that (including car accident claims over $7,000). Filing online adds a $7 eFiling fee. Fee waiver: Affidavit of Indigency.
Have the papers served
You don't serve the papers yourself. The court mails the Statement of Claim to the defendant: first-class mail in Massachusetts, certified mail out of state. If it comes back, the case can't go forward.
Go to the hearing
The court sets the trial date and mails it to both sides; the wait depends on the court. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Massachusetts filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Suffolk County?
Suffolk County has more than one small claims court (9 courts hear small claims for towns in Suffolk County, each serving specific cities and towns). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Central Division, Boston Municipal Court – Small Claims Session, Edward W. Brooke Courthouse, 24 New Chardon Street, Boston, MA 02114. Phone: 617-788-8600. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.mass.gov/orgs/district-court/locations
How much can I sue for in Suffolk County small claims court?
Up to $7,000. You can sue for up to $7,000. There's no limit for property damage from a car accident. Extra damages allowed by law, such as under the consumer protection law, can push the award above $7,000. Businesses collecting a debt must give extra account details and verify the defendant's address.
How much does it cost to file in Suffolk County?
$40 for claims up to $500, $50 up to $2,000, $100 up to $5,000, and $150 above that (including car accident claims over $7,000). Filing online adds a $7 eFiling fee. Fee waiver: Affidavit of Indigency.
Can I file a small claim online in Suffolk County?
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.