Your situation
What are you facing?
Were you served with a lawsuit, or sued over a debt?
Read the papers and note every date. In Massachusetts you usually have only a short time to file a written answer, and missing it can mean losing the case by default.
Bring him the papers early, so there is time to respond well.
Do this first
- Read the summons. Find the court and the deadline to respond.
- Do not ignore it. A missed deadline can cost you the case.
- Keep every letter, notice, and envelope you get.
- Do not negotiate with the collector until you know exactly what you were served with.
- Book an appointment, and bring every paper you have.
Does someone owe you money, or did someone break a contract?
Many disputes over money or contracts can be settled with a clear demand letter or through negotiation.
If they cannot, he can file a lawsuit and take the case to court.
Need a court order to make someone stop?
A court can sometimes order a person or business to do something, or to stop doing something, to protect your rights. This is called an injunction.
He can tell you whether your situation may qualify, and what the court will need to see.
Facing eviction or a housing problem?
In Massachusetts, a notice to leave is not an eviction: only a court can order a tenant out. A security deposit must be returned within 30 days after you move out, minus only what the law allows.
He can read the lease and the notices about eviction, repairs, or your deposit, explain where you stand, and speak for you in court.
Hurt by a crime, and want to be paid back for what you lost?
A criminal case is brought by the state, not by you. It punishes the offender, but it may not repay your losses.
You may be able to bring a separate civil case for money damages. He can explain how it works.
None of these? Call and tell him what happened: (617) 265-1767
What happens next
What to do now about your case
Note every deadline
If you were served, the date on the papers matters. In Massachusetts you usually have 20 days to file a written answer.
Keep everything
The contract, receipts, emails, texts, photos. Do not delete messages, even ones that look bad for you.
Talk with a lawyer before you answer the other side
A letter or a call to them can be used later. Let him speak for you.
Write a timeline
Who said what, when, and what you have to prove it. One page helps more than you think.
How it usually goes
How a civil case usually goes
Demand
A clear letter setting out what happened and what would settle it. Many disputes end here.
Complaint and answer
If not, a complaint is filed in court, and the other side has a short time to answer.
Discovery
Both sides exchange documents and answer questions under oath. Most cases settle before trial, often through mediation.
Trial
If nothing settles, a judge or jury decides. A civil case can take a year or more from start to finish.
Good to know
- Deadlines
- Most injury claims must be filed within three years, and most contract claims within six. These are the general rules, and exceptions apply, so check your dates.Source: G.L. c. 260, §§ 2 and 2A (time limits) · as of November 2026
- Small claims
- Disputes up to $7,000 can go to small claims court, where the process is faster and simpler, with or without a lawyer.Source: Mass.gov: small claims · as of November 2026
- Consumer disputes
- Before a consumer sues a business for unfair or deceptive practices, Massachusetts law requires a written demand letter at least 30 days earlier. It gives the business a chance to settle first. This rule applies to that kind of claim, not to every dispute.Source: G.L. c. 93A, § 9 (demand letter) · as of November 2026
General information about Massachusetts law, not legal advice for your case.
How fees work
- He explains how his fee works before he starts.
- We accept check, cash, Zelle or bank transfer, and installment plans. We do not accept credit cards.
- Consultations are by appointment only. A consultation fee applies, and it is credited toward your legal fees if you hire the firm.
Why choose him
Practicing in Massachusetts since 2002.
Courtroom experience
As a prosecutor and in his own practice, he has spent 23+ years in Massachusetts courts, including Dorchester District Court, Boston Municipal Court, and Suffolk Superior Court.
Plain talk about risk
Before you go to court, he explains the costs, the risks, and the other ways to resolve a dispute.
In your language
Court papers, deadlines, and hearings, explained in English or Vietnamese.
I have known Attorney Truong as a fellow attorney for over 12 years. We worked closely together as attorneys on a difficult case part of which ended up before the Supreme Judicial Court. He has also wisely counseled me on two personal legal matters. In one instance making suggestions that ended up in a very favorable result in a very difficult matter. It simply would not have happened without his sage advice. I will be forever in his debt.
Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Want to talk it through?Call (617) 265-1767or send a message
Questions about civil litigation
Civil Litigation
Social Security is mostly protected, and only part of your pay can be taken. Banks must keep up to two months of direct-deposited benefits available to you. In Massachusetts you keep the greater of 85 percent of your gross wages or 50 times the minimum wage each week ($750 at today’s $15 minimum), so at most 15 percent, and nothing if you earn $750 a week or less. Child support and some government debts are different. If you were served with a lawsuit, answering on time matters more than any of this.
Sources: Mass.gov: small claims payment orders (exempt income); G.L. c. 246, § 28; 42 U.S.C. § 407 (Social Security Act § 207); 31 C.F.R. Part 212; Mass. R. Civ. P. 12 and 55; Mass Legal Help: if a creditor takes you to court · as of November 2026
Civil Litigation
Not right away, and not unless a judge orders it. A landlord cannot lock you out or throw you out without a court order. First comes a written notice to quit: 14 days for unpaid rent, 30 days for most other reasons. It is only the first step. If the landlord goes to court, a constable or sheriff delivers a summons and complaint, and you can file an answer and defend yourself. Only a court order can force you to move, and the officer must warn you in writing first. A landlord who locks you out can be made to pay damages. Do not ignore court papers. When you meet a lawyer, bring the notice, your lease, and your rent receipts.
Sources: Mass.gov: tenants’ guide to eviction; G.L. c. 186, § 14 · as of November 2026
Civil Litigation
No. A landlord may not lock you out or remove you without a court order, and may not willfully cut off your heat, water, electricity, or gas. If it happens, you may be able to recover your actual damages or three months’ rent, whichever is greater (G.L. c. 186, § 14). Write down what happened, take photos, and call a lawyer.
Civil Litigation
Often only about 20 days from the day you were served, and some cases move faster. The deadline depends on the court and the kind of case, so check the papers right away.
Source: Mass. R. Civ. P. 12 (answer deadline) · as of November 2026
Civil Litigation
Within 30 days after your tenancy ends, and the landlord may keep only what the law allows: unpaid rent, certain unpaid tax increases you agreed to pay, and a reasonable amount to repair damage you caused, not normal wear and tear. Any deductions must come with a written, itemized list in that same time. If you think the deposit was kept unfairly, keep your lease, receipts, and photos, and book an appointment.
Source: G.L. c. 186, § 15B (security deposits) · as of November 2026
Civil Litigation
A criminal case is brought by the state and can lead to jail or fines. A civil case is between people or businesses, and usually asks for money or a court order.
Civil Litigation
Yes. Many civil cases settle through negotiation or mediation. He explains the risks and costs of each path so you can decide.
Civil Litigation
Yes. Massachusetts small claims court handles smaller money disputes, and you can file on your own. A lawyer can still help you decide whether small claims is the right place for your case.
Civil Litigation
Smaller cases, where the likely recovery is no more than $50,000, usually go to the District Court or, in Boston, the Boston Municipal Court. Larger ones go to the Superior Court. Housing cases, such as evictions, usually go to the Housing Court. The right court also depends on the type of case, so he checks that before he files.
Sources: Mass.gov: jurisdiction of the District Court; G.L. c. 218, § 19 (District Court civil cases) · as of November 2026
Civil Litigation
A letter to the other side that says what happened, what you want, and what happens if they do not respond. For consumer claims against a business, Massachusetts requires one, sent at least 30 days before you can sue. It does not apply to every kind of dispute.
Source: G.L. c. 93A, § 9 (demand letter) · as of November 2026
General information, not legal advice for your case.
Not your situation? Related practice areas
Business LawStarting, running, or closing a business?
Real EstateBuying or selling a home?
Personal InjuryHurt in an accident that wasn't your fault?
Not sure which one fits? Call (617) 265-1767
Your first step
Tell Vy what happened.
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Bring what you have. Letters, notices, court papers, a photo ID. If you are not sure something matters, bring it. Coming without papers is fine too.
Bring what you have.
Letters, notices, court papers, a photo ID. If you are not sure something matters, bring it. Coming without papers is fine too.
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