Massachusetts has different types of courts, each handling specific case types. Use our court locator to find the right one.
Often you can choose between a District or Superior Court (general purpose court) and a specialty court (like Probate & Family Court or Housing Court) depending on your case type and the amount involved. Every city and town in Massachusetts is served by a both a general-purpose and specialty court, but you may have to travel to reach certain specialty courts.
Massachusetts Court Locator
Use our guided interview to find the right Massachusetts court for your case. Answer a few questions about your location and case type to get directed to the appropriate courthouse.
District Court: Handles small claims, minor criminal cases, civil cases under $50,000, restraining orders, and more. For many, the District court is likely to be your "neighborhood" court, but with a judge who handles many different kinds of cases.
Boston Municipal Court: Similar to District Court, serving the City of Boston, with the same dollar limit.
Superior Court: Handles more serious criminal cases and civil cases over $25,000.
Housing Court: Specially trained judges in this court handle evictions, housing code violations, and other housing disputes. Housing Court can also hear small claims and other civil matters related to housing.
Probate and Family Court: Handles divorce, adoptions, child custody, guardianship, wills, and estates, restraining orders, and other family matters.
Juvenile Court: Handles cases involving children, including delinquency and child welfare. Can hear some family cases involving children as well.
Land Court: Handles disputes about real estate titles and property rights. There is only one Land Court in Massachusetts, located in Boston.
Massachusetts Court Service Centers
Massachusetts Court Service Centers provide free help to people representing themselves. Court Service Center staff can: