Legal Costs in Boston, MA (2026)
Filing fees for LLCs, divorce, small claims, and notary services in Boston — all sourced from official Massachusetts state records.
Boston is a city in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. Whether you're starting a business, filing a small claims case, or going through a divorce, the fees you pay are set at the Massachusetts state level — not the city or county level — with limited exceptions for county-specific court fees. Forming an LLC costs $500 in state filing fees. Small claims cases can be filed for disputes up to $7,000 in the Small Claims Session. Divorce filing fees in Massachusetts start at $200. All figures on this page are verified from official Massachusetts government sources and updated for 2026.
Form an LLC in Boston, MA
To form an LLC with a Boston address, you file with the Massachusetts Secretary of State — not the city or county. The state filing fee is $500. Standard processing takes 5 business days. There is also an annual report fee of $500.
0| State filing fee | $500 |
| Annual report fee | $500 |
| Standard processing | 5 business days |
| Expedited processing | 1 |
| Publication cost | Not required |
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Small Claims Court in Boston
Small claims cases in Boston are heard at the Small Claims Session in Suffolk County. The maximum you can sue for is $7,000. Filing fees range from $40–$150 depending on the claim amount.
| Court name | Small Claims Session |
| Filing location | Suffolk County |
| Maximum claim limit | $7,000 |
| Filing fee | $40–$150 |
| Written contract SOL | 6 years |
| Oral contract SOL | 6 years |
Where to File in Boston
Always call ahead to verify hours and accepted payment methods before visiting. Hours may vary on holidays.
Sue Someone in Boston? Prepare Your Documents First
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Filing for Divorce in Boston
Divorce petitions in Boston are filed at the Suffolk County courthouse. The Massachusetts state filing fee is $200. Sheriff service costs $60. Massachusetts requires divorcing parents with minor children to complete a parenting class.
| Filing location | Suffolk County Courthouse |
| Filing fee | $200 (Massachusetts state) |
| Sheriff service fee | $60 |
| Children surcharge | None |
| Parenting class | Required (if children) |
| Certified copy fee | $10 |
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Find a Notary in Boston, MA
Massachusetts has no state-set notary fee cap — notaries in Boston set their own rates (typically $10–$25 per signature). Common places to find a notary in Boston: your bank (often free for account holders), UPS Store, FedEx Office, public libraries, and law offices.
| Acknowledgment fee cap | No state cap |
| Jurat fee cap | No state cap |
| RON (remote online) | No state cap |
| State fee law | No — market rate |
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