# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 2: Proceedings upon petition

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S2

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 2
- **Heading:** Proceedings upon petition
- **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 2

## Text

Section 2. If the petition is not so served, the court shall order notice thereof by publication to the supposed claimants, whether residents or non-residents of the commonwealth. Such notice shall bind all the world, but the court may also require personal or other notice, and if, upon return of the order of notice duly executed, the parties notified do not appear within the time limited or, having appeared, disobey the lawful order of the court to try their claim, the court shall enter a decree that they be forever barred from having or enforcing any such claim adversely to the petitioner, his heirs or assigns, in the land described, and may require them to execute, within such time as the court orders, a conveyance, release or acquittance duly relinquishing the same. A judgment or decree under this section may require the giving of a bond to respond to any action brought under section four within five years after the entry of such judgment or decree.

Section 2. If the petition is not so served, the court shall order notice thereof by publication to the supposed claimants, whether residents or non-residents of the commonwealth. Such notice shall bind all the world, but the court may also require personal or other notice, and if, upon return of the order of notice duly executed, the parties notified do not appear within the time limited or, having appeared, disobey the lawful order of the court to try their claim, the court shall enter a decree that they be forever barred from having or enforcing any such claim adversely to the petitioner, his heirs or assigns, in the land described, and may require them to execute, within such time as the court orders, a conveyance, release or acquittance duly relinquishing the same. A judgment or decree under this section may require the giving of a bond to respond to any action brought under section four within five years after the entry of such judgment or decree.

## 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_S2. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.