How much does it cost to file a claim in small claims court?
In Massachusetts, the filing fee for small claims court is determined by the amount of the claim. For claims of up to $2,000, the fee is $40, while for higher claims, the fee increases incrementally based on the amount of the claim. For example, for claims of $2,001 to $6,000, the fee is $50; for $6,001 to $10,000, the fee is $60; and for $10,001 to $15,000, the fee is $70. For claims of more than $15,000, the fee rises to $80. Additionally, any individual wishing to file a claim must pay a $20 fee for service of process—for a total of $60 for claims of up to $2,000, or $100 for claims of up to $15,000. If the individual needs to request subpoenas, there is an additional fee of $10 per subpoena. It is important to note that when individuals are pursuing a claim that is approved for filing, they are also responsible for the costs of pursuing their claim, such as mileage, parking, or copying costs. These costs are added to any filing fees, and the total amount due must be paid prior to the case proceeding in court.
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