What this service is
Summary process is governed by G.L. c. 239 and the Uniform Summary Process Rules. Rule 2 provides that the summons and complaint be served no later than the seventh day and no earlier than the thirtieth day before the entry day. Court standing orders can modify procedures, so the current orders for your court should be checked.
Constables are among those who serve summary process. A constable’s authority under G.L. c. 41, § 92 includes process under chapter 239 within the appointing town; service elsewhere requires other lawful authority.
What to provide
- The completed summary process summons and complaint
- The entry date and the court (Housing Court division, District Court or Boston Municipal Court)
- The premises address, including the unit, and every occupant to be served
- Any additional court documents that must be served with the summons, as instructed by the court or counsel
Forms for this service
Download the blank PDF, or fill it in your browser and download a completed copy. Signature, issuer and notary sections are completed by hand.
Residential notice to quit for nonpayment of rent, with statutory cure-rights language referencing G.L. c. 186, §§ 11 and 12.
Residential notice terminating a tenancy at will, referencing the notice periods in G.L. c. 186, § 12.
Templates are general forms, not legal advice. Each form page explains who signs it and how. Browse the full Document Center.
Who typically requests it
How intake works
- Step 1
Complete the summary process and eviction-related documents form
Answer the questions for this document and upload the complete set. You can save and finish later.
- Step 2
Receive your reference number
You and Civil Constable both receive an email confirmation. Your request is now in the review queue — not yet accepted.
- Step 3
Review
We check the entry date against the service window, the premises location against available authority, and that every named occupant is identified. If the window is too short or the location is outside available authority, we tell you promptly so you can make other arrangements.
- Step 4
Scope, quote and authorization
If the assignment can be accepted, you review and authorize the written scope and quote in your portal. Work begins after authorization.
- Step 5
Attempts and completion record
Attempts follow the accepted plan. You receive status updates and the applicable return or completion record.
Important limitations
- We do not complete court forms, select entry dates or advise on eviction procedure.
- Requests involving an execution for possession involve additional statutory requirements (G.L. c. 239, § 3) and are reviewed separately; contact us before submitting one.
- Service outside the constable’s appointing municipality requires other lawful authority and may be referred.
