Log in links for this page

Learn about the Virtual Court Service Center

Connect by phone or online

The Virtual Court Service Center is open for intakes from 9 a.m.–12 p.m, Monday through Friday, for court users who have or want to file cases in our court system. The Virtual Court Service Center:

  • screens self-represented litigants for eligibility for Court Service Center services;
  • provides legal information and limited assistance by phone or video; and
  • makes referrals to one of the local Court Service Centers and/or community/legal aid services.

Table of Contents

How do I connect with the Virtual Court Service Center?

Here is how you can join the Virtual Court Service Center through Zoom:

The Virtual Court Service Center is open for intakes Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. After 12 p.m., if you have questions about your current court case or you want to start a new case, please contact your local courthouse.

Prefer to meet in person?

Visit any of our local Court Service Centers Tuesday or Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; 2–4:30 p.m.

What services does the Virtual Court Service Center provide?

Court Service Centers CAN:

  • Answer basic questions
  • Connect you to one of the seven (7) local Court Service Centers
  • Refer you to community resources
  • Help in your preferred language​
  • Refer you to the local Court Service Centers for further assistance either in-person or virtually

Court Service Centers CANNOT:

  • Give legal advice
  • Represent you in court
  • Assist you if you have a lawyer

What can I expect when I contact the Virtual Court Service Center?

  1. When you connect with the Virtual Court Service Center, you may ask basic questions to a team member.

    If you're looking for help with forms or if you have more complicated questions, a team member will get your case information, including what services you're requesting, and your contact information.

  2. The information you provide is then immediately sent to the local Court Service Center that covers the Court where your case is or where you will need to file.

    The local Court Service Center staff will review your referral and contact you generally within one (1) to three (3) business days.

  3. By connecting to the Virtual Court Service Center before visiting a Court Service Center in-person, you will be able to:
    • find out ahead of time whether one of the local Court Service Centers can help you with your situation;
    • get answers to basic questions;
    • reduce the time it takes to receive assistance from a local Court Service Center by providing much of the information needed for preparation by the local Court Service Center ahead of time at your convenience; and
    • let the local Court Service Center know that you would like further services to be provided remotely without ever having to go in-person.

What if I have an emergency?

If you have an EMERGENCY:

  • Visit our Virtual Court Service Center Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.; or
  • Visit one of the local Court Service Center locations on Tuesday and Thursday ONLY, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; 2–4:30 p.m.; or
  • Contact the Clerk or Registry nearest you to be connected to us.

How to download the Zoom app

The best way to get help from the Court Service Centers is by using the Zoom app or connecting to Zoom via link/browser. Courts also use Zoom, so it will be good for you to practice. The Zoom app is available on both computers and phones (Android and iPhone).

To download the phone app:

a) Go to your app store
b) Look for “Zoom Cloud Meetings”
c) Click download

To download the computer app:

a) Go to https://zoom.us/download
b) Click the download button for “Zoom Client for Meetings”
c) Follow the instructions to install

After you download, you can create an account with Zoom, or sign in with Google or Facebook.

Additional resources

Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

Please do not include personal or contact information.
Feedback