Massachusetts § 20A - Attachment of wages; proceedings outside commonwealth against resident debtors and employers prohibited
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 20A — Attachment of wages; proceedings outside commonwealth against resident debtors and employers prohibited, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20A. Attachment of wages; proceedings outside commonwealth against resident debtors and employers prohibited
Section 20A. No person shall send out of this commonwealth by assignment, transfer, or in any other manner, with or without consideration, or institute in a foreign court any action upon a claim against a resident debtor of this commonwealth, with the intent of depriving such resident debtor of the benefit of the exemptions and protection accorded by this commonwealth to wage earners whose wages are in the hands of their employers, so long as such resident debtor and the employer holding such wages intended to be reached by such proceedings are within the jurisdiction of the courts of this commonwealth.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 20A
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 20A cover?
Section 20A ("Attachment of wages; proceedings outside commonwealth against resident debtors and employers prohibited") 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 § 20A?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 20A" (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 § 20A 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.