Can I modify or vacate a small claims court judgment?
Yes, it is possible to modify or vacate a small claims court judgment in Massachusetts. In order to do so, a motion to modify or vacate must be filed in the court that rendered the judgment, within twenty days of the date of entry of the judgment. The motion must provide a reasonable explanation for why the judgment should be modified or vacated. If a party wishes to modify a judgment, they must show good cause and that the change they are requesting would be in the public interest. Similarly, if a party is seeking to vacate a judgment, they must provide sufficient evidence as to why they believe the judgment should be vacated. Once the motion is filed, the court will review the motion, at which time the other party may provide testimony or evidence to support their position. Based on the arguments presented, the court will decide whether to grant the motion to modify or vacate the judgment. If the court grants the motion, the terms of the judgment will be changed accordingly. It is important to note that modifications or vacaturs of judgment are rarely granted, and may be denied if a court does not believe that the motion was filed in good faith or that the circumstances warrant a change of judgment. Therefore, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney prior to filing a motion to modify or vacate a small claims court judgment.
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