Bristol County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Bristol County, MA. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Taunton area.
Small claims in Massachusetts — the numbers for Bristol County courts
$7,000
maximum claim
from $40
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
3–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Massachusetts small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Main Courthouse
Attleboro District Court
88 North Main Street
Attleboro, MA 02703
Other Courthouse Locations
Fall River District Court
186 South Main Street
Fall River, MA 02721
Serves: Fall River, Freetown, Somerset, Swansea, and Westport
New Bedford District Court
75 N. Sixth St.
New Bedford, MA 02740
Serves: Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, New Bedford, and Westport
Southeast Housing Court - Fall River Session
289 Rock St.
Fall River, MA 02720
Serves: Freetown, Westport, Fall River, Somerset and Swansea
Southeast Housing Court - New Bedford Session
139 Hathaway Road
New Bedford, MA 02746
Serves: Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, New Bedford and Westport
Southeast Housing Court - Taunton Session
40 Broadway
Taunton, MA 02780
Serves: Attleboro, Berkley, Dighton, Easton, Mansfield, North Attleborough, Norton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk and Taunton
Taunton District Court
40 Broadway
Taunton, MA 02780
Serves: Berkley, Dighton, Easton, Raynham, Rehoboth, Seekonk, and Taunton
How to File in Bristol County
E-filing available
This county accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Massachusetts
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $7,000.
Businesses with more than 5 employees cannot file in small claims for consumer transactions
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 6 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Bristol County?
Filing fees in Massachusetts are set by the state and run from $40 to $150, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, Massachusetts offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Bristol County?
Small claims cases in Bristol County are limited to $7,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online in Bristol County?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Bristol County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Bristol County?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.