Essex County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Essex County, MA. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Salem area.
Small claims in Massachusetts — the numbers for Essex 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
Gloucester District Court
197 Main Street
Gloucester, MA 01930
Other Courthouse Locations
Haverhill District Court
45 Ginty Boulevard
Haverhill, MA 01831
Serves: Boxford, Bradford, Georgetown, Groveland, and Haverhill
Lawrence District Court
Fenton Judicial Center, 2 Appleton Street
Lawrence, MA 01840
Serves: Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, and North Andover
Lynn District Court
580 Essex St.
Lynn, MA 01901
Serves: Lynn, Marblehead, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott
Newburyport District Court
188 State St.
Newburyport, MA 01950
Serves: Amesbury, Merrimac, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, Salisbury, West Newbury, Ipswich, Hamilton, Wenham, and Topsfield
Peabody District Court
1 Lowell St.
Peabody, MA 01960
Serves: Lynnfield and Peabody
Salem District Court
56 Federal St.
Salem, MA 01970
Serves: Beverly, Danvers, Manchester by the Sea, Middleton, and Salem
How to File in Essex 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 Essex 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 Essex County?
Small claims cases in Essex 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 Essex County?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Essex 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 Essex 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.