# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 10: Proceeding in rem; effect of judgment

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S10

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 10
- **Heading:** Proceeding in rem; effect of judgment
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part III / Title III / Chapter 240 / Section 10

## Text

Section 10. After all the defendants have been served with process or notified as provided in section seven and after the appointment of a guardian ad litem or next friend, if such appointment has been made, the court may proceed as though all defendants had been actually served with process. Such action shall be a proceeding in rem against the land, and a judgment establishing or declaring the validity, nature or extent of the plaintiff's title may be entered, and shall operate directly on the land and have the force of a release made by or on behalf of all defendants of all claims inconsistent with the title established or declared thereby. This and the four preceding sections shall not prevent the court from also exercising jurisdiction in personam against defendants actually served with process who are personally amenable to its judgments.

Section 10. After all the defendants have been served with process or notified as provided in section seven and after the appointment of a guardian ad litem or next friend, if such appointment has been made, the court may proceed as though all defendants had been actually served with process. Such action shall be a proceeding in rem against the land, and a judgment establishing or declaring the validity, nature or extent of the plaintiff's title may be entered, and shall operate directly on the land and have the force of a release made by or on behalf of all defendants of all claims inconsistent with the title established or declared thereby. This and the four preceding sections shall not prevent the court from also exercising jurisdiction in personam against defendants actually served with process who are personally amenable to its judgments.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 1 Petition to compel adverse claimant to try title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 2 Proceedings upon petition](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 3 Proceedings upon appearance](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 4 Parties without actual notice; remedies](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S4.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 5 Application of preceding sections](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S5.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 6 Actions in supreme judicial, superior or land courts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S6.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 7 Notice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S7.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 8 Guardian ad litem](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S8.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 9 Guardians ad litem; compensation and expenses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S9.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 10 Proceeding in rem; effect of judgment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S10.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 10A Restrictions on land; determination; jurisdiction; petition](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S10A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 10B Notice of proceedings; parties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S10B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 10C Determination of restrictions; manner](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S10C.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 11 Petition in land court to determine encumbrances](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S11.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S10. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.