What happens if I am unable to attend the small claims court hearing?
If you are unable to attend the small claims court hearing in Massachusetts, you can request a new hearing date. In order to do this, you should contact the clerk of the court where the hearing was originally scheduled. You should provide an explanation of why you are unable to attend the hearing and ask for a new date. The clerk may require you to provide documentation of your circumstances in order to reschedule the hearing. If you are unable to attend the hearing on the new date, you may be able to have a representative appear at the hearing on your behalf. In order for someone to appear as your representative, they must have a written and signed authorization from you, which must include the case number of the small claims court action. The clerk of court may also keep the original date set for the hearing in your absence if you do not request a new date or appear with a representative. At the hearing, the judge may decide in favor of the other party, or they may decide to wait for you to appear before making a ruling. If you are unable to attend the small claims court hearing in Massachusetts, it is important that you contact the clerk of court immediately in order to reschedule the hearing. Make sure to provide as much information to the clerk as possible to ensure that your absence will not negatively impact the outcome of the case.
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