In Essex County, small claims cases up to $7,000 are heard by the Salem District Court – Small Claims Session. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 56 Federal St., Salem, MA 01970 · Map
Phone: 978-744-1167
Online filing: available, per the court
8 courts hear small claims for towns in Essex County, each serving specific cities and towns. This row: This court serves Beverly, Danvers, Manchester by the Sea, Middleton, and Salem. Others: Gloucester District Court, Haverhill District Court, Ipswich District Court, Lawrence District Court, Lynn District Court, Newburyport District Court, Peabody District Court. 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.
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.
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.
Statement of Small Claim and Notice of Trial Get the form.
$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.
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.
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 guideSmall claims in Essex County are filed with the Salem District Court – Small Claims Session, 56 Federal St., Salem, MA 01970. Phone: 978-744-1167.
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.
$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.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.