Massachusetts § 20 - Public cemeteries; depositing funds with state treasurer; copy of instrument; notice to town or city clerk
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 20 — Public cemeteries; depositing funds with state treasurer; copy of instrument; notice to town or city clerk, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20. Public cemeteries; depositing funds with state treasurer; copy of instrument; notice to town or city clerk
Section 20. Money declared by written instrument to be intended for perpetual care, maintenance, improvement or embellishment of any cemetery, or of any lots or plots therein, to an amount not less than two hundred dollars, may be deposited with the state treasurer, who shall receive and receipt for it in the name of the commonwealth. The depositors at the time of making such deposit shall file with him and with the state secretary a copy of such instrument. If the cemetery belongs to a corporation, the deposit shall be accompanied by a written agreement, signed by the president thereof, to the effect that it will accept the income derived from the fund so deposited, and will apply it to the purposes set forth in the instrument. Upon the receipt of a deposit for the perpetual care of individual lots or plots in public burial places or cemeteries, the state treasurer shall so inform the clerk of the city or town in which they are located, and said clerk shall record the facts relating to said deposit in the margin of his records of said lots or plots.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 20
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 20 cover?
Section 20 ("Public cemeteries; depositing funds with state treasurer; copy of instrument; notice to town or city clerk") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Massachusetts § 20?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 20" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
How does Massachusetts § 20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.