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Small Claims Court in Hampden County

In Hampden County, MA small claims cases are typically filed in the District Court. Hampden County has six District Courthouses that handle small claims, serving different jurisdictions.

Squabble is here to assist you in navigating the small claims court system and filing a claim with ease. We recognize that not everyone is a legal expert, and our goal is to simplify the process for you. This guide will answer your questions about filing claims in the Hampden Court System.

Small Claims Court

In Hampden County, MA, a small claims court is designed to handle disputes involving $7,000 or less. However, there are a few situations where you might receive more than $7,000:

  • Car Accident Property Damage: If your claim involves property damage from a car accident, the court might award you more than $7,000.
  • Additional Claims: If your actual damages are $7,000 or less but you’re also entitled to things like statutory damages or attorney’s fees, the total amount awarded could go over the $7,000 limit.
  • Consumer Protection Cases: If you file a claim under the Consumer Protection Law for $7,000 or less, the court could award double or triple damages, which might push your final award above $7,000.

Small claims sessions are held in every Massachusetts District Court, and these courts are typically named after the city or town where they’re located. As the person filing the lawsuit (the Plaintiff), you can choose to file in the District Court where you or the person/business you’re suing (the Defendant) lives, works, or does business. For landlord-tenant disputes, you also have the option to file in the district where the property is located.

Cases Handled

Common Cases Handled in Small Claims Court Small Claims Court is a great option for resolving straightforward disputes. Here are the types of cases typically handled:

  • Unpaid Rent: Disputes between landlords and tenants over unpaid rent.
  • Unpaid Bills: This could include medical bills or other outstanding debts.
  • Return of Security Deposits: Tenants seeking to recover their deposit after moving out.
  • Property Damage: Claims for damage to personal or real property.
  • Professional Malpractice: Cases involving negligence by professionals like lawyers, doctors, or other licensed individuals.
  • Injuries from Defective Products: Claims for harm caused by faulty or unsafe products.
  • Monetary Claims Up to $7,000: Any claim that fits within the monetary limit for small claims cases.

Claims Not Typically Allowed in Small Claims Court

Certain types of disputes fall outside the scope of Small Claims Court:

  • Damage to Reputation: Claims involving harm to your reputation, like defamation.
  • Slander or Libel (Defamation): Cases involving false and damaging statements about someone.
  • Specific Performance: Demands for someone to fulfill a non-monetary obligation under a contract.
  • Non-Monetary Damages: Claims that don’t involve financial compensation.
  • Claims Over $7,000: Disputes exceeding the court’s monetary limit typically need to be filed in a higher court.

Small Claims Court is best suited for straightforward, lower-value cases that involve money or tangible property.

Small Claims Court: Pros and Cons

Pros of Small Claims Court

  1. No Attorney Required:
    • You can represent yourself, saving money on legal fees.
    • Consulting a lawyer before your hearing can still be helpful for preparation.
    • If the other party has a lawyer, it doesn’t automatically mean you’ll lose, but presenting your case well is key.
  2. Cost Savings:
    • Filing fees and court costs are much lower than in District or Superior Court.
  3. Simplified Hearings:
    • Procedures are less formal, often overseen by a clerk-magistrate instead of a judge.
    • You don’t have to follow strict rules of evidence, making it easier to present your case.
  4. Quick Resolution:
    • Cases are scheduled quickly, and decisions are made faster than in formal courts.

Cons of Small Claims Court

  1. Difficulty Collecting Judgments:
    • Winning doesn’t guarantee payment. If the defendant refuses to pay, you may need to:
      • Notify the Clerk to issue a Notice to Show Cause, delivered by a Deputy Sheriff or Constable.
      • Request an Execution Form to seize and sell the defendant’s property.
    • Either party can apply for judgment relief within a year, which could reverse the decision in certain circumstances.
  2. Time Commitment:
    • Hearings occur during business hours, meaning you might need to take time off work or school.
  3. Notification Challenges:
    • You must provide proof that the defendant was notified of the claim. If the Post Office can’t deliver the notice, your case won’t proceed.
  4. No Jury Trial:
    • Opting for Small Claims Court means waiving your right to a jury trial.
  5. Limited Appeal Rights:
    • Defendants can appeal unfavorable decisions, but plaintiffs usually have fewer options to challenge the outcome.

Filing a Claim

Steps to File a Case in Small Claims Court

  1. Fill Out the Necessary Forms
    • Complete a Statement of Claim and Notice form, which you can get from the Small Claims Clerk in your district.
    • File the form either in person or by mail, but note that the case officially begins only when the Clerk receives your paperwork.
  2. Identify the Defendant
    • You can sue individuals, businesses, partnerships, or corporations.
    • Use the correct legal name and address of the party you’re suing.
    • If you’re unsure of these details:
      • Contact your local city or town hall for business certificate information.
      • Check the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division for a corporation’s legal name.
  3. Specify Your Claim
    • The Small Claims Court handles only monetary damages.
    • Your claim should include the actual damages and any related costs, such as:
      • Transportation
      • Postage
      • Photocopying
      • Court fees
  4. Pay the Filing Fee
    • Filing fees depend on the amount of your claim:
      • Claims up to $500: $40
      • Claims $501 to $2,000: $50
      • Claims $2,001 to $5,000: $100
      • Claims $5,001 to $7,000: $150
      • Property damage claims over $7,000 (from car accidents): $150
  5. Receive Your Trial Information
    • After filing, the Clerk will give you:
      • A copy of your completed Statement of Claim and Notice form.
      • The date, time, and location of your trial.
      • A Docket Number for your case (reference number). Use this when contacting the Clerk.
    • The Clerk will also send a copy of the form to the Defendant.

Preparing for Court

Preparing a Week Before Your Hearing

  1. Check with the Clerk
    • Call the Clerk’s office to:
      • Confirm the Defendant has received the Statement of Claim and Notice.
      • Check if the case has been postponed or rescheduled.
      • Ask if the Defendant has filed an answer (a written response explaining their side).
    • If there is an answer, request a copy to understand their arguments and prepare your response.
  2. Organize Your Evidence
    • Create a chronological summary of events and key facts to present your case clearly.
    • Collect all relevant evidence, such as:
      • Documents: Contracts, letters, canceled checks, receipts, leases, and estimates.
      • Visual Evidence: Damaged goods, photos, or videos.
      • Regulations: Bring certified copies of Attorney General’s regulations if citing specific violations.
  3. For Consumer Protection Act Claims
    • If your claim is under the Consumer Protection Act, notify the Clerk.
    • Bring a copy of your 30-day demand letter as part of your evidence.
  4. Schedule Your Witnesses
    • Arrange for witnesses who can:
      • Support your claims.
      • Verify facts or provide expert opinions.
    • If a witness is reluctant to attend, ask the Clerk for help issuing a subpoena to require their attendance.

The Trial

Before the Trial

  1. Arrive Early
    • Plan to arrive at the courthouse at least an hour before your scheduled time.
    • This gives you time to locate your courtroom, review your materials, and calm any nerves.

During the Trial

  1. Swearing In
    • When your case is called, you, the Defendant, and any witnesses will be sworn in under oath.
  2. Presenting Your Case
    • As the Plaintiff, you go first. Speak directly to the Clerk or judge.
    • Keep your presentation brief, organized, and focused.
    • Clearly explain your claim, supported by the evidence and witnesses you brought.
    • After you finish, the Defendant will present their side of the case.
  3. Questioning
    • After both sides present their cases, you and the Defendant may ask each other questions.
    • The Clerk or judge may also ask questions or guide the discussion to gather all relevant facts.

If the Defendant Doesn’t Show Up

  • If the Defendant fails to appear, you win by default. The court will issue a Judgment and Order requiring the Defendant to pay the amount in your claim.
  • However, you must provide proof of your claim (e.g., evidence, documents, or testimony) before the court can finalize the judgment.
  • This judgment remains valid for 20 years, giving you time to collect the payment.

If You or the Defendant Don’t Appear

  • If you don’t show up, the court will dismiss the case.
  • If neither party appears, the case will also be dismissed.

After the Trial

  1. Immediate or Delayed Decision
    • The Clerk may:
      • Announce the decision immediately after the trial.
      • Take time to deliberate, marking the case "Under Advisement."
    • If delayed, you’ll receive the final decision by mail.
  2. If the Decision Favors the Defendant
    • The case ends, and you won’t receive any payment.
    • You’re not responsible for paying the Defendant’s court costs.
  3. If the Decision Favors the Plaintiff (You)
    • You’ll receive a Notice of Judgment and Order specifying:
      • The amount the Defendant must pay you (may be less than your original claim).
      • Instructions for the Defendant to cover court entry fees.
  4. Defendant’s Right to Appeal
    • The Defendant can file an appeal within 10 days.
    • To appeal, they must:
      • Pay an appeal fee.
      • Post $100 in cash, certified check, or bond (unless waived by the Court).
  5. Frivolous Claims or Answers
    • If the Clerk finds that a claim or answer was frivolous or misleading, they may award up to $100 in additional costs to the other party.

Options for the Defendant

Additional Legal Options

  1. Settling Out of Court
    • Even after filing a suit, both parties can choose to resolve the dispute outside of court.
    • If you reach an agreement:
      • Notify the court.
      • File a written agreement called an *"Agreement for Judgment" with the court records.
      • Both parties must sign the agreement, and each should keep a copy.
    • Once filed, this agreement becomes legally enforceable.
  2. Filing a Counterclaim
    • A counterclaim allows the Defendant to bring a separate claim against the Plaintiff.
    • Key details:
      • File the counterclaim with the Clerk at least two days before the hearing, often for a small fee.
      • Inform the Clerk of your intention to file a counterclaim.
      • You can present the counterclaim in writing either in your answer or during the hearing.
    • The Plaintiff is not required to respond in writing to the counterclaim. Both claims will be handled together as one case.
    • If the Plaintiff needs more time to address the counterclaim, they can request a continuance to delay the hearing.
  3. Requesting a Continuance
    • Once the Defendant has been notified, rescheduling the trial requires either:
      • Agreement from both parties and court approval.
      • A valid reason for the delay.
    • Requests for continuances:
      • Should be made in writing, unless the court permits an oral request.
      • Must be approved by the court to take effect.

Collect a Judgment

Steps to Collect a Judgment

  • Step 1: Request Payment
    • Contact the Debtor: Start by asking the judgment debtor to pay the amount owed or turn over the property as ordered by the court.
    • A polite, written request is often effective, but follow up if needed.
  • Step 2: Attend a Payment Hearing (If Scheduled)
    • Payment Hearing Purpose: If a hearing is scheduled and the debtor hasn’t paid, attend the session to review their ability to pay.
    • Prove Debtor’s Ability to Pay:
      • Examine their Financial Statement of Judgment Debtor form.
      • Present evidence that the debtor has income or assets that aren’t legally exempt.
    • Review Financial Status:
      • If the debtor can’t pay now, request a future financial review from the court.
    • Know Exempt Income:
      • Some types of income (e.g., government benefits) are protected by law and can’t be used for payment.
  • Step 3: Enforce the Judgment
    • Judgments are enforceable for up to 20 years, giving you time to collect as the debtor’s financial situation changes.
  1. Writ of Execution:
    • If you’re aware of valuable property the debtor owns (e.g., cars, real estate), request a Writ of Execution from the court clerk.
    • This allows a constable or sheriff to seize and sell the property to satisfy the judgment.
  2. Notice to Show Cause (If No Payment Hearing Was Scheduled):
    • If the debtor hasn’t paid and no payment hearing occurred, request a Notice to Show Cause from the court clerk.
    • This form requires the debtor to appear in court to explain why they haven’t paid.
    • You must hire a constable or deputy sheriff to serve the notice, but the cost will be added to the judgment amount.
  3. Capias (Civil Arrest Warrant):
    • If the debtor fails to appear after being served a Notice to Show Cause, request a Capias from the clerk-magistrate.
    • This allows law enforcement to arrest the debtor and bring them to court.
    • Pay the required fee (added to the judgment) and provide your contact information so you can be notified when the debtor is brought to court.

Winning Your Case

Notifying the Court After Collecting a Judgment

  • Step 1: Notify the Court
    • If you’ve collected the full amount of the judgment, you must inform the court within 10 days in writing.
    • Your notice doesn’t need to follow a specific format, but it must include the court’s docket number to identify the case.
  • Step 2: Use an Optional Form
    • You can simplify the process by using one of these official forms:
    1. Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment
      • Confirms that you’ve received the full payment and that the judgment is satisfied.
    2. Acknowledgment of Satisfaction of Judgment on Counterclaim
      • Used if a counterclaim was involved, confirming satisfaction of that judgment.

Key Tips:

  • Make sure to submit the completed form or written notice promptly to avoid any legal complications.
  • Keep a copy of the notice or form for your personal records.
  • This ensures the court knows the case is resolved and closes it accordingly

Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Hampden County

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Courthouse Locations:

1. Hampden County Superior Court

50 State St., P.O. Box 559
Springfield, MA 01102
(413) 735-6016
https://www.mass.gov/locations/hampden-county-superior-court

BUILDING HOURS

  • Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

  • Longmeadow
  • Springfield
  • West Springfield

The courthouse is officially named the Roderick J. Ireland Courthouse.

2. Western Housing Court - Springfield Session

37 Elm Street
Springfield, MA 01102
(413) 748-7838
https://www.mass.gov/locations/western-housing-court-springfield-session

BUILDING HOURS

  • Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

  • Agawam
  • Blandford
  • Brimfield
  • Chester
  • Chicopee
  • East Longmeadow
  • Granville
  • Hampden
  • Holland
  • Holyoke
  • Longmeadow
  • Ludlow
  • Monson
  • Montgomery
  • Palmer
  • Russell
  • Southwick
  • Springfield
  • Tolland
  • Wales
  • West Springfield
  • Westfield
  • Wilbraham.

3. Chicopee District Court

30 Church St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
(413) 598-0099
https://www.mass.gov/locations/chicopee-district-court

BUILDING HOURS

  • Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

  • Chicopee.

4. Holyoke District Court

20 Court Plaza
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 538-9710
https://www.mass.gov/locations/holyoke-district-court

BUILDING HOURS

  • Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

  • Holyoke.

5. Palmer District Court

235 Sykes St.
Palmer, MA 01069
(413) 283-8916
https://www.mass.gov/locations/palmer-district-court

BUILDING HOURS

  • Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

  • Brimfield
  • East Longmeadow
  • Hampden
  • Holland
  • Ludlow
  • Monson
  • Palmer
  • Wales
  • Wilbraham.

6. Westfield District Court

224 Elm Street
Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 568-8946
https://www.mass.gov/locations/westfield-district-court

BUILDING HOURS

  • Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

  • Agawam
  • Blandford
  • Chester
  • Granville
  • Montgomery
  • Russell
  • Southwick
  • Tolland
  • Westfield.
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