Small claims court in Essex County, Massachusetts
In Essex County, small claims cases up to $7,000 are heard by more than one court: 8 courts hear small claims for towns in Essex County, each serving specific cities and towns. You must file with the one that serves the right area. Below is one of them, the Salem District Court – Small Claims Session, with a link to the official list.
Where to file in Essex County
One of several courts in Essex County: 8 courts hear small claims for towns in Essex County, each serving specific cities and towns. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Salem District Court – Small Claims Session
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.
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 Essex 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.
Fill in the claim (Statement of Small Claim)
Statement of Small Claim and Notice of Trial Get the form.
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 Essex County?
Essex County has more than one small claims court (8 courts hear small claims for towns in Essex 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 Salem District Court – Small Claims Session, 56 Federal St., Salem, MA 01970. Phone: 978-744-1167. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.mass.gov/orgs/district-court/locations
How much can I sue for in Essex 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 Essex 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 Essex County?
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.