Chelsea District Court
Filing information for Chelsea District Court in Chelsea, MA. Part of the Suffolk County small claims court system.
Small claims in Massachusetts — the numbers that apply at this court
$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.
Courthouse Details
Chelsea District Court
120 Broadway
Chelsea, MA 02150
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Area Served
Chelsea, Revere
How to File at Chelsea District Court
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: Massachusetts uses Odyssey Guide & File system (eFileMA.com) for pro se small claims filing. The Small Claims Guide and File interview tool is the recommended pro se workflow — it walks filers through automated form generation and electronic submission to BMC and District Courts. Pro se filers can initiate new small claims cases online as of 2026. $7.00 convenience fee applies for e-filing on top of the tiered base fee.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee 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 guideWrong court? Suffolk County has 9 courts.
See all 9 courts in Suffolk County →Small 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 at Chelsea District Court?
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 Suffolk County?
Small claims cases in Suffolk 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 at Chelsea District Court?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Suffolk County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Where is Chelsea District Court, and when is it open?
Chelsea District Court is at 120 Broadway, Chelsea, MA 02150. Posted hours: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM. Phone: (617) 660-9200. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Chelsea?
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.