- Executive Office of the Trial Court
- District Court
Earlier this month, the Worcester District Court launched a new pilot offering virtual small claims sessions outside of regular court hours to better accommodate working individuals and families. As part of the initiative, the court is offering virtual small claims sessions twice a month: at 5 p.m. on the first Monday of the month and at 9 a.m. on the third Saturday of the month. The first session was held on Monday, September 14.
The pilot is intended to give court users more flexibility to participate in their cases while balancing work, childcare, and other responsibilities. It also aims to reduce defaults and the additional hearings that can follow a missed appearance. Worcester District Court Clerk-Magistrate Brian D'Andrea and his team developed the program with support from District Court Chief Justice Stacey Fortes and then-Trial Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino.
The pilot, which is already drawing interest from other courts, builds on Worcester District Court’s use of virtual small claims hearings over the past five years. Participation in the after-hours sessions is optional; court users who prefer traditional court hours can still have their case heard during regular daytime hours.
"This pilot reflects the Trial Court’s ongoing commitment to making our courts more accessible and responsive to the needs of the people we serve. Offering greater flexibility to court users can help reduce barriers and strengthen access to justice across the Commonwealth,” Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi E. Brieger said.
