Is there a limit on the amount of time I can spend in small claims court?

Yes, there is a limit on the amount of time you can spend in small claims court in Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure, each case in Small Claims court must be completed within 90 days. This includes any appeals that may be necessary. If the court deems it necessary, they may extend the 90 day limit for up to 60 additional days in order to ensure that the case can be resolved fairly. If you proceed to trial, the court may amend the time limit if both parties agree in writing. However, while the court can grant extensions, the 90-day limit cannot be extended beyond 150 days. If either party requests a continuance during the hearing, the court can grant it for up to seven additional days. During this time, the court may also consider making adjustments to the time limit as long as both parties are in agreement. It is important to keep in mind that the court is limited to the time limits specified by the Rules of Civil Procedure when considering a case. If the case is not resolved within the allotted time frame, the court will dismiss the case without a decision. Therefore, if you are involved in a Small Claims court case, you should be mindful of the time limits and make sure you are prepared to present your case within the allotted time.

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