Can I appeal a ruling of a small claims court judge?
Yes, it is possible to appeal a ruling of a small claims court judge in Massachusetts. If you are not happy with the decision made by the judge, you can appeal the decision to a higher court. In Massachusetts, the next step is to file an appeal at the District Court. In order to appeal the decision, you must file a notice of appeal within 20 days of the small claims court judgment. You will also need to include the original small claims court judgment and copies of all documents that were filed in the original case. The notice of appeal is filed with the Small Claims court and a copy should be sent to the opposing party. Once the notice of appeal is filed, the higher court reviews the case to determine if the small claims court judge made an incorrect decision. The court may review the evidence, conduct a trial, or take other evidence before they reach a decision. Once the court makes a decision, it is a binding decision that cannot be appealed. If you are not satisfied with the decision made in District Court, you can file a claim in Superior Court. Filing an appeal in Superior Court is much more complex than in the District Court and requires the assistance of an attorney.
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