8 Reasons Why You Might Need a Constable in Boston, Massachusetts in 2026

Expert Legal Support from Colon Constable Services

Whether you’re a landlord, business owner, attorney, property manager, or private individual, navigating the legal system in Boston, Massachusetts can be complex. At times, ordinary tasks like delivering legal notices or enforcing a court order require official authority to ensure compliance with the law. That’s where a constable comes in.

In Massachusetts, a constable is a sworn public officer appointed by a city or town with the authority to serve legal process and assist with a wide range of civil enforcement duties under state law.

Below, we explain eight major reasons you might need a constable in Boston in 2026 — and why choosing Colon Constable Services (CCS) can protect your rights, your deadlines, and your peace of mind.

1. Serving Legal Documents Accurately and Legally

One of the most common reasons people and organizations hire a constable is to serve legal documents — including summonses, complaints, subpoenas, and notices — in strict accordance with Massachusetts laws and court rules.

Improper service can derail your case. For example:

• A lawsuit may be dismissed by the court if defendants weren’t properly notified.
• Hearing dates may be rescheduled, costing time and legal fees.
• Opposing parties may dispute service and delay proceedings.

Constables are recognized officers of the law whose affidavits of service are accepted by courts statewide. A certified affidavit proves legally that the recipient was served on a specific date, at a specific time.

Why this matters in 2026:
As legal procedures evolve and courts increasingly enforce strict service standards, relying on a trained Boston constable ensures compliance and keeps your case on track.

At CCS, we handle all types of legal document delivery — from standard civil summons to more complex notices — with professionalism and accuracy.

2. Enforcing Evictions for Landlords and Property Managers

Evictions are one of the most stressful processes for landlords and tenants alike. Boston’s eviction laws require specific legal steps: termination of tenancy, filing a Summary Process complaint, serving notices, and obtaining a court judgment before actual possession can be taken.

Only a qualified constable (or sheriff’s deputy) can serve eviction notices and, ultimately, execute the court-ordered removal of a non-compliant tenant. In some cases, this may include physically changing locks and ensuring the premises are surrendered properly.

Why you might need a constable:

• You’ve served a notice to quit but the tenant refuses to vacate.
• You’ve won a possession judgment and need enforcement of the court order.
• You need to serve a Summary Process Summons and Complaint within strict deadlines.
• You require official documentation for court filings.

Constables know the correct timing, notification format, and legal procedures, dramatically reducing the risk of a botched eviction that could cost you more time and money.

CCS specializes in landlord services, ensuring each step is handled correctly and professionally.

3. Handling Subpoenas — Civil, Criminal, and Federal

Whether you’re an attorney preparing for trial, a plaintiff awaiting testimony, or a business responding to records requests, subpoena service is essential to legal preparation. Constables are trained to serve:

• Trial subpoenas
• Deposition subpoenas
• Subpoenas duces tecum (for records)
• Civil, criminal, and federal subpoenas

Many court cases hinge on timely compliance with subpoenas. Failure to deliver them properly can jeopardize a trial, delay hearings, or jeopardize a party’s case.

With CCS, you receive:

• Prompt and accurate delivery
• Proof of service legally recognized in Massachusetts courts
• Assistance with complex delivery scenarios

4. Enforcing Court Orders and Writs

Beyond serving documents, constables have additional authority to enforce specific court orders, such as:

• Writs of execution
• Writs of possession
• Capias warrants
• Trustee process

These orders may require actions beyond mere delivery — such as locating someone who has ignored court summonses or executing a judgment to collect on unpaid debts or other remedies.

Because constables are sworn officers with statutory authority under Massachusetts General Law, they are often the only service professionals legally able to execute these orders.

For example, a capias warrant may require a constable to seek the physical presence of an individual directed by the court. CCS handles such services with discretion and respect for legal requirements.

5. Serving Notices in Civil Litigation and Small Claims

Not every legal matter involves high-stakes court battles. Many civil suits and small claims matters begin with the proper service of a complaint or notice. Constables are instrumental in these cases because:

• They understand the Massachusetts Rules of Civil Procedure.
• They ensure legal timelines are met.
• They provide documented proof that meets courthouse standards.

Without proper service, cases may be dismissed or hearings postponed — undermining your effort and increasing cost.

CCS ensures that even small claims and routine civil notices are handled with the same high standard of accuracy as more complex litigation matters.

6. Managing Sensitive or Difficult Service Situations

In certain circumstances, serving a document can be challenging — whether because a recipient is evasive, hostile, or located in a hard-to-reach area. Constables are trained to:

• Locate individuals using professional methods
• Approach sensitive situations with authority and restraint
• Provide neutrality in emotionally charged cases

This is especially important in:

• Family law matters
• Restraining order service
• Evictions in tense situations
• Business disputes where contact is avoided

Hiring a constable helps minimize conflict while ensuring legal duties are fulfilled — preserving safety and preventing escalation.

CCS is experienced with difficult service scenarios and approaches every case with professionalism and respect.

7. Providing Legally Valid Documentation for Court

A critical part of the service process is not just delivery — it’s documentation. Constables provide affidavits of service that fulfill legal requirements for court filings. These affidavits:

• Confirm the time, date, and method of service
• Are sworn and signed under penalty of law
• Serve as prima facie evidence of proper service in court proceedings

Without this documentation, your legal actions could be dismissed or challenged. Constables ensure that every detail is recorded in a manner that the court accepts.

CCS provides full documentation with every service, saving you time and protecting your legal interests.

8. Supporting Attorneys, Law Firms, and Businesses

Beyond individual needs, constables support professional and institutional clients. Attorneys, law firms, property managers, and corporations frequently rely on constables for:

• Large-scale service needs
• Coordinating multiple deliverables
• Managing deadlines across jurisdictions
• Ensuring compliance with strict legal standards
• Reducing administrative burdens

Because constables are recognized public officers with legal authority, many courts and legal professionals prefer their services over standard process servers.

At CCS, we work closely with professional clients to provide reliable, efficient service — so your team can focus on strategy, advocacy, and client outcomes.

Why Choose Colon Constable Services in Boston?

In 2026 and beyond, having a trusted constable partner is more important than ever. Colon Constable Services stands out because we offer:

✔ Deep local knowledge of Boston neighborhoods and courthouses
✔ Professional, legally compliant service of all civil and court processes
✔ Clear, timely communication and documentation
✔ Experienced handling of sensitive and complex situations
✔ Reliable affidavit and proof-of-service delivery accepted in court

Whether you’re navigating a first eviction, preparing for litigation, serving subpoenas, or enforcing a judgment, CCS ensures your legal needs are met with integrity and results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do constables have legal authority in Boston?
Yes. Constables are sworn officers empowered under Massachusetts law to serve legal process and enforce certain court orders within their appointed city or town.

Can a constable serve documents statewide?
Typically, a constable’s authority is tied to their appointed municipality. However, under Massachusetts rules, a constable can be appointed as a special process server for service outside that jurisdiction when authorized by court order.

What’s the difference between a constable and a process server?
Process servers deliver documents, but constables have sworn legal authority, can enforce court orders, and provide affidavits that carry statutory weight.

Contact Colon Constable Services Today

When you need professional, legally sound constable services in Boston, Colon Constable Services is your trusted partner.

📞 Call: 617-586-5482
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: Colonconstableservices.com  

Don’t risk legal delays or complications — protect your case with the help of Boston’s leading constable service.