Massachusetts § 78 - Filing and registration of attachments or liens
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 78 — Filing and registration of attachments or liens, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 78. Filing and registration of attachments or liens
Section 78. A writing of any description or a copy of any writ required by law to be filed or recorded in the registry of deeds in order to create or preserve any lien, right or attachment upon unregistered land, if intended to affect registered land shall, except in the case of notices, releases and discharges of child support liens pursuant to chapter one hundred and nineteen A, federal tax liens and other federal liens which may be filed in the commonwealth, in lieu of recording, be filed and registered in the office of the assistant recorder for the registry district where the land lies, and, in addition to any particulars required in such papers for recording with records of deeds, shall also contain a reference to the number of the certificate of title of the land to be affected, and the volume and page of the registration book in which the certificate is registered, and also, if the attachment, right or lien is not claimed on all the land in any certificate of title, shall contain a description sufficiently accurate for identification of the land intended to be affected.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 78
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 78 cover?
Section 78 ("Filing and registration of attachments or liens") 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 § 78?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 78" (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 § 78 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.