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Court Service Centers: District Court and Boston Municipal Court case types

Court Service Centers can only help you with certain case types.

Use this page to figure out which case type fits your situation and what you will need to be prepared to get assistance.

If you are not sure which case type to select, you may contact a Court Service Center for help.

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Complaint for Protection from Abuse

Who is this case type for?

For a person who is seeking a court order to protect themselves or their children from abuse by a family member or someone with whom they have had a close relationship.

Who can request a restraining order and what will you need to show?

Please note

Abuse prevention/restraining order requests may also be filed within the Probate and Family Court.

If you are experiencing an emergency and the court is not open, please contact your local police station.

How do abuse prevention orders work?

Complaint for Protection from Harassment

Who is this case type for?

For a person who is seeking a court order to stop another person from harassing them, when the parties do not have the type of relationship required for an abuse prevention order (209A).

Who can request a harassment prevention order and what will you need to show?

How do harassment prevention orders work?

Statement of Small Claim and Notice of Trial ($7,000 or less)

Who is this case type for?  

For people or businesses who want to sue to resolve a dispute for $7,000 or less.

What you will need

  • Defendant’s address.
  • Any documents you feel are important in supporting your claim.
  • The amount you are suing for.

Please note

Small claims involving landlord/tenant matters may also be filed in the Housing Court.

You may be required to present information on how you verified the Defendant’s current address. Refer to the Verification of Defendant's Address by Plaintiff (PDF) form.

You can file a small claims action on your own using the Small claims guided interview.

Civil Commitments: Section 35 (alcohol or substance misuse)

Who is this case type for?

A police officer, physician, spouse, blood relative, guardian, or court official (“qualified person”) may request a court to order emergency commitment and treatment for alcohol or substance misuse if the failure to confine said person would cause a likelihood of serious harm to themselves or others.

What will you need to show?  

Video guide: Filing a Section 35 petition

Please note:

If you are experiencing an emergency and the court is not open, please contact your local police station.

Civil Commitments: Section 12 (mental illness)

Who is this case type for?

Any person may request a court to order emergency mental health commitment and treatment if the failure to confine said person would cause a likelihood of serious harm to themselves or others.  

Please note:

If you are experiencing an emergency and the court is not open, please contact your local police station.

The Court Service Centers may still be able to help. You may connect with the Virtual Court Service Center to discuss your matter and determine whether Court Service Centers can assist, provide helpful materials, forms, or resources.

Court Service Centers provide legal information on limited types of cases. By requesting our services, you understand that:

  • The Court Service Centers will give you legal information, NOT legal advice.
  • Court Service Center team members are not your lawyers, and what you tell them is not confidential.
  • The Court Service Centers are available to help unrepresented parties.
  • Whoever is seeking assistance must be present.
  • The Court Service Centers cannot assist you if you have a lawyer for the case you are seeking our assistance with.

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