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Massachusetts Small Claims Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Small Claims for Massachusetts on
Q: Am I a victim of wage theft? Is there a way to make my employer pay me for my hours worked?

After working 4 years with an org on salary, I decided to leave. After leaving the salary position, I signed a "work for hire" contract w/ the org to be paid X dollars per hour for every hour I worked on two projects to help the org close out the work. The contract included a clause... View More

Nan Evans
Nan Evans
answered on May 30, 2017

What does the contract say will happen if you don't submit your hours on time? Does it describe a penalty?

If it does not describe what will happen to someone who submits hours after the deadline, you might be able to argue that you should be paid. It's also possible that the...
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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Collections and Small Claims for Massachusetts on
Q: Company that sued in small claims court sold my account. Who do I owe?

Credit card company took me to small claims court for a balance owed. We agreed to terms and that payment is made through the law firm representing them. Lawyer at court instructed me where to send payment. When I called that office they claimed they don't accept payments and to use their... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on May 16, 2017

The entity that purchased the right to the money would be owed the money from you, but they'd have to provide you written proof of that right. Otherwise you won't know whether they're trying to scam you or not. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Car Accidents, Consumer Law and Small Claims for Massachusetts on
Q: Is "property damage" a legal issue? A tow truck driver damaged my car.

A tow truck driver towed my car and damaged the front fenders, front bumper, and undercarriage when he tried to remove the equipment attached to my car. He and the owner of the company refused to pay for the repairs to my car, and I want to file a small claims suit against the company. I also have... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Apr 30, 2017

Were you illegally parked? How did the damage specifically occur? You may be able to sue them in small claims court for objectively unreasonable damage to your car during the tow. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Real Estate Law and Small Claims for Massachusetts on
Q: Can i ask for a continuance on a case eviction if the town getting ready to deem the house condemned due to the sepetic

They have 5 health violations and have not fixed them. The town is taking to court on those as well. Plus defamation of character to us. They lied to the town saying we are threating them and they need escorts to property. There is a ton of thing wrong here but i dont want to spend money just to be... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Mar 12, 2017

Why would you want to live in a condemned house? More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Massachusetts on
Q: If I was unable to pay a credit card & was expected to go to court, what court session would that be?
Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Mar 1, 2017

You should be provided notice of any court hearings, assuming the opposing party has your address and you're not being evasive. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your issue. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Legal Malpractice and Small Claims for Massachusetts on
Q: Is it Legal for Auto Repair shop to ask me only to pay cash for discount

Brought my car to Brake King, I had my credit card on me and they had signs they accept them. So they look at my car and the mechanic said I need ALL NEW ROTORS and Brake Pads which I think is a lie but nonetheless he says he can do it for 500 dollars OR if I pay him cash 300$ and then told me he... View More

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Feb 20, 2017

There is no law against requesting payments in cash. See: http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/consumer-rights-and-resources/autos/lemon-laws/mechanics-of-auto-repair.html

If you suspect tax fraud, you can report it to the IRS. More details are necessary to provide a professional analysis of your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims and Contracts for Massachusetts on
Q: I loaned a friend money over an extended period of time that accumulated to about $5000. Can I take this to court?

It's been over 5 years and he/she still hasn't paid me anything back

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Dec 9, 2016

You may be running against a possible 6-year statute of limitations deadline. See: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleV/Chapter260.

The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me on my law practice website. This answer does...
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1 Answer | Asked in Small Claims for Massachusetts on
Q: A person who painted the exterior of my home is taking me to small claims court. We signed one contract and he has been

paid in full. He is demanding by yelling at me and my 3yr old more money. I've asked him to produce receipts for the extra paint he says he had to buy. He refuses. I had to place a harassment protection order on this man. If the judge sees receipts and says I have to pay the terrible painter... View More

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Sep 27, 2015

Well, what does the contract say?

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