# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 3: Proceedings upon appearance

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S3

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 3
- **Heading:** Proceedings upon appearance
- **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 3

## Text

Section 3. If the persons notified or summoned appear and disclaim all right and title adverse to the petitioner, they shall recover costs. If they claim title, they shall by answer show why they should not be required to bring an action to try such title, and the court shall enter an appropriate decree relative to bringing and prosecuting such action. If the party or parties against whom a judgment or decree for a conveyance, release or acquittance may be rendered by any court in the commonwealth do not comply therewith, within the time therein limited, such judgment or decree shall, subject to the following section, have the same effect as if the conveyance, release or acquittance had been executed conformably thereto.

Section 3. If the persons notified or summoned appear and disclaim all right and title adverse to the petitioner, they shall recover costs. If they claim title, they shall by answer show why they should not be required to bring an action to try such title, and the court shall enter an appropriate decree relative to bringing and prosecuting such action. If the party or parties against whom a judgment or decree for a conveyance, release or acquittance may be rendered by any court in the commonwealth do not comply therewith, within the time therein limited, such judgment or decree shall, subject to the following section, have the same effect as if the conveyance, release or acquittance had been executed conformably thereto.

## 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_S3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.