Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Massachusetts

Thanks for your question. If they owe you the money but they refuse to pay you can file suit against the individuals in small claims (and limit your recovery to the small claims limit) for file in the regular district court. Bring all of the evidence of an agreement to repay the debt with you. You may want to retain counsel to obtain judgment and then assist in collection.

The small claims limit is $7,000. Even if you are owed more, you can waive all amounts above $7,000 and just sue for $7,000. Filing a small claims case will get you an immediate hearing date. Filing a regular civil action will allow you to sue for the full amount with interest, but the legal procedure is complex, and there is no automatic hearing date. In fact, the case may take years to get to trial.