If you’re dealing with court documents, evictions, subpoenas, or legal notices in Massachusetts, you may hear the term “constable service” and wonder what that actually means—and whether you truly need one.

This guide explains Massachusetts constable services, what constables are legally authorized to do, when hiring a constable is required, and why using a professional constable service like Colon Constable Services (CCS) can save you time, money, and legal headaches.

Whether you’re a landlord, attorney, property manager, business owner, or private individual, this 2026 guide will give you clarity.

A Massachusetts Constable is a public officer appointed by a city or town and authorized under Massachusetts law to serve legal documents, enforce court orders, and perform specific civil duties.

Constables are not private messengers. They are legally recognized officials with authority granted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Unlike general process servers, constables often carry expanded authority, especially for housing court matters and evictions.

A licensed and appointed Massachusetts constable may legally perform:

• Service of Summons and Complaints
• Service of Subpoenas
• Service of Notices to Quit
• Eviction and Summary Process service
• Housing Court documents
• Small Claims Court papers
• Civil court filings and returns of service
• Demand letters and legal notices
• Court-mandated document delivery

Colon Constable Services provides professional constable service throughout Boston and Massachusetts, ensuring documents are served correctly, on time, and in compliance with court rules.

You may legally require a constable when serving certain documents. Common situations include:

1. Evictions and Housing Court Cases

In Massachusetts, Notices to Quit and Summary Process documents are often required to be served by a constable or sheriff.

Improper service can:

• Delay eviction cases
• Cause dismissals
• Force landlords to restart the process

Using a professional constable protects your case.

2. Court-Issued Documents

Documents issued by:

• District Court
• Housing Court
• Probate and Family Court

often require service by a constable, deputy sheriff, or authorized officer.

3. Legal Proof of Service Is Required

Constables provide a Return of Service, which is official proof accepted by Massachusetts courts.

This is critical for:

• Attorneys
• Property managers
• Businesses involved in litigation

4. Time-Sensitive or Contested Matters

If service must be:

• Fast
• Documented
• Defensible in court

a licensed constable is the safest option.

This is one of the most searched questions in Massachusetts legal services.

Constable

• Appointed by a Massachusetts municipality
• Authorized by statute
• Can serve evictions and housing court papers
• Recognized by judges and clerks

Process Server

• Private individual or company
• Limited authority
• May not be accepted for certain housing matters

Bottom line:
For evictions and court-sensitive documents, a constable is often required, not optional.

Mistakes in service can cost thousands of dollars in delays, legal fees, and lost rent.

Professional constable services ensure:

• Proper service methods
• Accurate documentation
• Timely filing of returns
• Compliance with Massachusetts law

Colon Constable Services has experience serving documents across Boston, Suffolk County, Middlesex County, Norfolk County, and beyond.

Constable services are commonly used by:

• Landlords and property owners
• Real estate management companies
• Attorneys and law firms
• Businesses involved in litigation
• Financial institutions
• Private individuals handling civil matters

If legal paperwork must hold up in court, a constable is the right choice.

Eviction cases in Massachusetts are highly regulated.

A small mistake—wrong service date, improper delivery method, missing documentation—can reset the entire case.

Constables:

• Serve Notices to Quit properly
• Deliver Summary Process paperwork
• Provide court-accepted returns
• Understand housing court timelines

Colon Constable Services works closely with landlords and attorneys to ensure evictions proceed legally and efficiently.

Service timeframes vary based on:

• Location
• Type of document
• Court deadlines

Colon Constable Services offers:

• Standard service
• Rush and expedited service
• Same-day or next-day options when available

Speed matters when court dates are approaching.

Colon Constable Services provides coverage throughout:

• Boston
• Greater Boston
• Suffolk County
• Middlesex County
• Norfolk County
• Essex County
• Worcester County

Local knowledge matters. Courts expect familiarity with Massachusetts procedures—not out-of-state shortcuts.

Yes—when properly licensed.

Colon Constable Services is unique because it combines:

• Constable services
• Process service
• Mobile notary services
• Apostille and authentication services

This allows clients to handle multiple legal steps with one trusted provider.

Fees depend on:

• Document type
• Distance
• Urgency
• Number of parties

While cost matters, improper service costs far more than hiring a qualified constable.

Colon Constable Services provides transparent pricing and clear expectations before service begins.

Colon Constable Services is trusted across Massachusetts for:

• Court-compliant service
• Professional documentation
• Fast turnaround times
• Experience with housing and civil matters
• Combined constable, notary, and apostille services

When legal matters are on the line, experience matters.

If a document:

• Must be legally served
• Will be reviewed by a judge
• Could impact your case outcome

Don’t guess.

A professional Massachusetts constable ensures service is done right the first time.

Need Massachusetts Constable Services?

Colon Constable Services is ready to help with:

• Evictions
• Court documents
• Legal notices
• Civil process service

📞 Contact Colon Constable Services today to ensure your documents are served properly, professionally, and on time.