Are there limits on the types of disputes that can be heard in small claims court?

Yes, there are limits on the types of disputes that can be heard in small claims court in Massachusetts. For a case to be heard in small claims court, the amount in dispute must be no more than $7,000. Furthermore, small claims court is not a place to try criminal or domestic violence cases, and it cannot be used to settle family law matters, such as divorce or child custody. In Massachusetts, small claims court is also restricted to cases involving disputes between individuals or businesses over a financial transaction or services. Generally, the dispute must be about money, unpaid rent, an unpaid loan, or damage to property or a product. Other types of disputes, such as disputes involving libel or slander, or disputes with the government, are not allowed in small claims court. Also, cases that were begun in another court, such as Superior Court or District Court, cannot be transferred to small claims court. Therefore, individuals or businesses who want to take a dispute to small claims court need to decide at the outset whether the case is one that can be heard in small claims court.

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Are there limits on the types of disputes that can be heard in small claims court?

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