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What is a Small Claims Court?

What can you do if someone owes you money but it's not enough to justify hiring an attorney? In Massachusetts, this type of dispute, and many others, can be handled by a special court. It's a good idea for everyone to know a little about what "small claims court" is and how it works. More

Filing a Small Claims Court?

Once you've decided that it's time to file a lawsuit against someone in a Massachusetts small claims court, the real work begins. Filing a small claims suit involves several things. You have to know exactly who you're suing, have the right paperwork, and file the suit in the right court. More

Small Claims Trials

Now that your small claims lawsuit has been filed, it may be time to go to trial and have the case decided by a Massachusetts small claims court, or "people's court." It's time to find out if you win or lose. It's important to know how the trial process works and what you can do to help make sure that you win. More

Witnesses at a Small Claims Trial

When it's time for the trial of a case in the Massachusetts small claims court (or people's court), what do you need to win? Witnesses can be a big help by supporting your version of the facts or by explaining something technical that ordinary people may not understand. More

After Small Claims Court

Your trial date in the Massachusetts small claims court (or people's court) is almost here. You have all your documents and witnesses ready for the magistrate to make a decision. Now is a good to time to know what to expect after the small claims court has seen and heard all the evidence. More

Collecting the Judgment

Congratulations! You won your lawsuit in the Massachusetts small claims court (or people's court). The magistrate agreed that the defendant owes you money. Now, you have to figure out how to get him to pay. Collecting on the judgment is often harder than you may think. More

Alternatives to Small Claims Court

Does someone owe you money, but you don't want to file a lawsuit? Not even one in the Massachusetts small claims court (or people's court)? There are some alternatives to small claims court that may help you recover what you're owed without having to enter a courtroom. More

Related Topics on Lawyers.com^sm

- Start the process with our Massachusetts Small Claims Worksheet
- Next in the Small Claims series: Filing a Small Claims Suit in Massachusetts
- Success in Small Claims Court
- Small Claims Court Terms
- Defending a Small Claims Case
- Visit our Small Claims Court Forum for more help

Related Web Links

- Massachusetts Small Claims
- Massachusetts Consumer Affairs - Small Claims (includes court locations)
- Harvard's Small Claims Advisory Service
- Massachusetts Court System