# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 4: Parties without actual notice; remedies

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S4

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 4
- **Heading:** Parties without actual notice; remedies
- **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 4

## Text

Section 4. A party against whom, without other notice than publication in a newspaper, a judgment or decree has been rendered under section two and whose right is barred thereby, may recover from the person in whose favor such judgment or decree was entered, or from his executors, administrators, heirs or devisees, in accordance with chapter one hundred and ninety-seven, the value at the time action is brought of any interest or right, except of improvements made by the defendants, of which he may have been deprived by such judgment or decree, unless at that time an action which, but for such judgment or decree, he might have maintained for the recovery of such interest or the enforcement of such right would have been barred by the statute of limitations.

Section 4. A party against whom, without other notice than publication in a newspaper, a judgment or decree has been rendered under section two and whose right is barred thereby, may recover from the person in whose favor such judgment or decree was entered, or from his executors, administrators, heirs or devisees, in accordance with chapter one hundred and ninety-seven, the value at the time action is brought of any interest or right, except of improvements made by the defendants, of which he may have been deprived by such judgment or decree, unless at that time an action which, but for such judgment or decree, he might have maintained for the recovery of such interest or the enforcement of such right would have been barred by the statute of limitations.

## 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)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S4. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.