Section 26. There should be allowed in a civil action in a district court, in addition to the other disbursements allowed by law, the following costs:

Terms Used In Massachusetts General Laws ch. 261 sec. 26

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Interrogatories: Written questions asked by one party of an opposing party, who must answer them in writing under oath; a discovery device in a lawsuit.

To the plaintiff—

For the complaint, an amount to be apportioned among all plaintiffs for whom entry fees have not been waived, which amount shall be equal to the aggregate of all entry fees paid.

For an attorney’s fee, if there is an appearance for the defendant, two dollars and fifty cents: if not, one dollar and twenty-five cents.

For a term fee, three dollars, if there is an appearance for the defendant; and if not, one dollar.

For travel, such sum as the court may allow.

For attendance, such sum as the court may allow.

To the defendant—

For travel, such sum as the court may allow.

For attendance, such sum as the court may allow.

For a term fee, three dollars.

For an attorney’s fee, two dollars and fifty cents.

To the trustee—

For an attorney’s fee, fifty cents.

For an answer in writing, twenty-five cents.

For travel and attendance, such sum as the court may allow.

For an answer to interrogatories, such sum as the court may allow.

To an adverse claimant—

Such sum as the court may allow.