How to file a complaint in Massachusetts court?

A compilation of laws, regulations, cases and web sources on the law of drafting a complaint in the state. To sue someone in Massachusetts, you have to file a complaint with the clerk of the court. A complaint is not a specific form.

How to complain about police misconduct in Massachusetts?

There are three options for complaining of police misconduct: Filing a civil suit. We’ve highlighted the main points of Massachusetts’ police misconduct laws and claims below for your convenience. Any individual may file an application for a criminal complaint against an officer in a state district court.

How to file a civil action in Massachusetts?

In the Superior Court, Mass. Superior Court Rule 29 requires that you file a Civil action cover sheet along with your complaint. M.G.L. c. 218, § 19A (a) requires that a complaint filed in District Court that requests money damages must include a Statement of damages form.

What are the rules for animal fighting in Massachusetts?

Varies town to town. Contact your local Board of Health, or find your town’s rules at Mass. city and town ordinances and bylaws MGL c.272, § 89 Police may enter exhibition place of fighting animals without a warrant and seize the animals MGL c.272, § 91 Court proceedings for animal fighting

How is service made under Massachusetts Civil Procedure Rule 5?

Under Rule 5(b), service may be made by mailing the paper to the party or attorney at his last known address; if no address is known, the paper may be left with the clerk of court. Prior Massachusetts practice made no provision in cases where the address was unknown. Notice must be written.

Where is the proper venue for a complaint in Massachusetts?

The proper venue could be the place (i.e., municipality or county) where a piece of land is located, or the place where one of the parties lives or has their business, for example. A discussion of how to determine venue is available in Massachusetts Practice v.9 (Civil Practice), sections 5.1 through 5.11.

Where to file a complaint if you have been discriminated against?

If you think you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint directly with: A court. When deciding where to file a complaint, keep the following things in mind: The various agencies have different deadlines for filing a complaint. The federal law does not protect as many people as the state law does.

What are the rules for filing a complaint in Massachusetts?

Rule 10 (a) states, “Every pleading shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court, the county, the title of the action, the docket number, and a designation as in Rule 7 (a).

Where can I file a complaint about a telemarketer?

You can file telemarketing complaints with the Do Not Call Registry. If you have a problem during an online transaction, try to solve it with the seller or website. If that does not work, file a complaint with: Your consumer protection agency. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your state attorney general.

How to answer a civil lawsuit, step by step?

Copy the heading or caption of the lawsuit exactly as it appears on the complaint. The first line of your answer should read something like “In response to Plaintiff’s complaint, Defendant responds as follows.” Then you’re ready to deal with the allegations of the complaint. Respond to the allegations in the complaint.

What should I know before drafting an answer to a civil complaint?

Accordingly, an individual cannot forget to consult the local court rules when filing an answer, or any pleading. Before drafting an answer, one must be sure to research all legal claims that the adversary asserts.

When to file an answer to a contempt of court?

You should file an answer in court to the complaint within 20 days of receiving the summons and complaint or 7 days if it’s a Complaint for Contempt. Be sure to get your answer to the plaintiff and the court by that deadline.

When to serve an answer in Massachusetts Superior Court?

Mass.R.Civ.P. 15 (a). > > Read More.. Unless a different time is set by the court, if a motion is made and denied or its disposition postponed until the trial, the answer must be served within ten (10) days after notice of the court’s action.