# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 8: Guardian ad litem

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PIII_TIII_C240_S8

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 240, sec. 8
- **Heading:** Guardian ad litem
- **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 8

## Text

Section 8. If, after notice has been given or served as provided in the preceding section and the time limited in such notice for the appearance of the defendants has expired, the court finds that there are or may be defendants not actually served with process within the commonwealth who have not appeared in the action, it may of its own motion, or on the representation of any party, appoint a guardian ad litem or next friend of any such defendant, and if any such defendants have or may have conflicting interests, it may appoint different guardians ad litem or next friends to represent them.

Section 8. If, after notice has been given or served as provided in the preceding section and the time limited in such notice for the appearance of the defendants has expired, the court finds that there are or may be defendants not actually served with process within the commonwealth who have not appeared in the action, it may of its own motion, or on the representation of any party, appoint a guardian ad litem or next friend of any such defendant, and if any such defendants have or may have conflicting interests, it may appoint different guardians ad litem or next friends to represent them.

## 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_S8. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.