What is the fee for filing a Single Justice matter?
Can the filing fee be waived?
How many copies do you require?
What are the service requirements?
How do I schedule a single justice hearing?
What if the opposing party does not assent to a hearing?
Do you conduct telephone hearings?
Do you accept papers by facsimile?
When are the Single Justice hearings?

1. What is the fee for filing a Single Justice matter?

The fee is a non-refundable check made payable to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for $315.00.

2. Can the filing fee be waived?

Yes. The filing fee can be waived upon a showing of indigency. You must file a motion to waive the fee and an affidavit in support of the motion.

3. How many copies do you require?

Only the original document is required.

4. What are the service requirements?

A certificate of service reflecting the mode of service is required for all papers filed. In original actions, the clerk will accept a certificate of service for complaints. A summons available for $.50, is not required.

5. How do I schedule a single justice hearing?

A party seeking a hearing must file a pleading called a Joint Request For Hearing. The moving party must obtain the assent of the opposing party for a date from the single justice calendar. Once the assent is received, the pleading should state that all counsel/parties to the case have agreed to a hearing and should also specify the date(s) from the single justice calendar that the parties are available for a hearing. Once the date is selected for a hearing, the responses to the petition are due seven days prior to hearing or at a time specified by the single justice. The single justice will consider the request for hearing. The parties will be notified by the clerk's office once the single justice determines whether or not to conduct a hearing or if the single justice has determined that a ruling will issue without a hearing.

6. What if the opposing party does not assent to a hearing?

A Request For Hearing should be filed by the party seeking a hearing even if the party requesting a hearing cannot obtain the assent of some or any of the other parties to the case. The party seeking a hearing should submit a letter identifying why a hearing is necessary. The party opposed to a hearing may submit a letter indicating why a hearing may not be necessary. The single justice will determine whether or not a hearing should be conducted. If the single justice orders a hearing, the parties will be notified by the clerk's office of the hearing date and time.

7. Do you conduct telephone hearings?

Yes. For the convenience of the parties in distant venues or in emergent situations, a hearing by telephone is available.

8. Do you accept papers by facsimile?

Yes. In emergent situations, the clerk's office will accept papers by fax. However, it is required that the original papers be filed with the clerk's office.

9. When are the Single Justice hearings?

Generally, the Single Justice hearings are held every Wednesday usually beginning at 9:30 a.m. See the Single Justice Calendar for specific dates.