This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Small Claims Fee Limit in Massachusetts

Massachusetts small claims court has a jurisdictional limit of $7,000, as set by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 218, § 21. This means a plaintiff cannot file a small claim seeking more than that amount. If a claim exceeds $7,000, the case must be brought in a higher court. The statute governs all small claims proceedings, including the maximum recovery available. The $7,000 figure applies to the amount in controversy, not including court costs or interest. The official source at the Massachusetts legislature website provides the full statutory text. The calculator below demonstrates how the limit applies to a given claim. For a precise estimate of how the rule affects a specific dispute, use the DocketMath calculator.

Governing authority

In Massachusetts, the small claims fee limit rule is set by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 218, § 21. The verified packet cites Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 218, § 21 (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter218/Section21).

Massachusetts small claims fee limit: the verified value is $7,000 under Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 218, § 21. The verified packet cites Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 218, § 21 (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter218/Section21).

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the small claims fee limit calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.