COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
TRIAL COURT – SUPERIOR COURT DEPARTMENT
GENERAL CIVIL ACTION COVER SHEET
(Required by Mass. R. Civ. P. 8.1)
[// GUIDANCE: This template tracks the current Massachusetts Superior Court “Civil Action Cover Sheet” (rev. 6/17) and Rule 8.1. It is formatted for word-processing so counsel may add or remove rows as needed. All bracketed text must be customized before filing.]
I. COURT & CASE IDENTIFICATION
| County: | [______] | Docket No.: | (To be assigned by Clerk) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
II. CAPTION
| Plaintiff(s): | [____] | v. | Defendant(s): | [_____] |
III. PARTY INFORMATION
| Party | Address (City/State/ZIP) | Telephone | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☐ | Plaintiff | [__] | [ ] | [ ] |
| ☐ | Defendant | [__] | [ ] | [ ] |
| ☐ | Additional Parties (attach Schedule 1 if necessary) |
Counsel / Self-Represented Litigant
| Name | Firm (if any) | B.B.O. No. | Address | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Attorney Name] | [Firm] | [######] | [__] | [ ] | [ ] |
[// GUIDANCE: For multiple counsel, replicate the above row or attach Schedule 2.]
IV. CASE CATEGORY & TRACK DESIGNATION (One category only)
| Code | Category Description | Track (A–F) |
|---|---|---|
| [___] | [Select ONE description from official list—e.g., “A01 – Services, Labor & Materials”] | [A/B/C/D/E/F] |
[// GUIDANCE: 1. Massachusetts assigns civil cases to six disposition tracks (A–F).
2. The official list of codes/descriptions appears on the Trial Court’s “Civil Action Cover Sheet” (rev. 6/17). Insert the three-character code, full description, and corresponding track letter.
3. Do not mark more than one category; ambiguous filings delay docketing.]
V. STATEMENT OF DAMAGES (Rule 8.1(b))
- If this action includes any claim for money damages, state the amount reasonably believed to be recoverable EXCLUSIVE of interest and costs:
$ [____]
- If the plaintiff cannot in good faith determine a specific amount, check below:
☐ Plaintiff is unable to determine the amount of money damages at this time.
[// GUIDANCE: “$25,000 or less” affects track assignment, jury rights, and filing fees. Provide best-faith estimate or check the box.]
VI. RELATED ACTIONS & CONSOLIDATION
-
Are there related or companion cases pending in any Massachusetts court?
☐ Yes ☐ No -
If “Yes,” list docket number(s), court(s), and case name(s):
[________] -
Consolidation sought? ☐ Yes ☐ No
VII. JURY DEMAND
☐ Plaintiff demands a trial by jury on all issues so triable.
☐ No jury trial demanded at this time.
VIII. FILING FEE DATA
| Basis | Amount (attach check or Money Order payable to “Clerk, Superior Court”) |
|---|---|
| G.L. c. 262, § 4 filing fee (most civil actions) | $ [____] |
| Surcharge (if applicable) | $ [____] |
| Total | $ [____] |
[// GUIDANCE: Confirm current amounts with the clerk’s office. Superior Court civil filing fees are periodically adjusted by statute.]
IX. COUNSEL CERTIFICATION (Rule 8.1(c))
I certify that I have complied with the requirements of Rule 5 of the Supreme Judicial Court’s Rules of Professional Conduct, including providing my client(s) with a copy of this pleading and advising them of the obligations set forth in Mass. R. Civ. P. 11.
| Date | Signature of Attorney / Self-Represented Party |
|---|---|
| [____] | ________ |
Printed Name: [______]
X. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING & FILING
[// GUIDANCE: The following page is for counsel reference only and need not be filed.]
1. Purpose
Mass. R. Civ. P. 8.1 requires this Cover Sheet to assist the Clerk in docketing, assigning a judicial track, and assessing filing fees. Failure to file concurrently with the complaint may result in administrative rejection or delayed processing.
2. Selecting the Proper Case Category
a. Review the official Trial Court list of civil action codes (rev. 6/17).
b. Match the primary theory of relief to the closest description.
c. Use Track F (“intra-court appeals”) only for statutory appeals specifically authorized to be filed in the Superior Court.
3. Statement of Damages
Provide a good-faith figure. If multiple plaintiffs, state the aggregate claimed damages unless they must be itemized by statute.
4. Filing Fees
Consult G.L. c. 262, § 4, and any standing orders for current amounts. Include an additional $15 surcharge for the Massachusetts General Fund when required.
5. Service
The Cover Sheet itself is not served with the summons unless the defendant requests it in discovery. Maintain a copy for your file.
6. Amendments
If the nature of the case changes (e.g., amended complaint re-categorizes the action), file an Amended Cover Sheet within 30 days together with any additional fee.
[// GUIDANCE: Delete or modify instruction paragraphs to align with firm practice or local standing orders.]
End of Template