Gardner District Court
Filing information for Gardner District Court in Gardner, MA. Part of the Worcester 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
Gardner District Court
108 Matthews St.
Gardner, MA 01440
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Area Served
Ashburnham, Gardner, Hubbardston, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Templeton, Westminster, and Winchendon
How to File at Gardner District Court
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: E-filing for small claims is mandatory for attorneys, but optional for self-represented litigants.
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.
File by fax
Fax to (978) 630-3902.
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? Worcester County has 8 courts.
See all 8 courts in Worcester 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 Gardner 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 Worcester County?
Small claims cases in Worcester 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 Gardner District Court?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is Gardner District Court, and when is it open?
Gardner District Court is at 108 Matthews St., Gardner, MA 01440. Posted hours: Monday - Friday: 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Phone: (978) 632-2373. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Gardner?
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.