Massachusetts § 20 - Stranger claiming as co-tenant; remedies
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 20 — Stranger claiming as co-tenant; remedies, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20. Stranger claiming as co-tenant; remedies
Section 20. A person who was not made a party and has not appeared and who claims part of the land as a co-tenant with any of those who were parties to the action, shall, if the share so claimed was unknown or not allowed and left for him in the process of partition, be concluded by the decree so far as it relates to the partition, but may, subject to section eighteen, bring an action for the share claimed by him against each of the persons holding any part of the land under the decree for partition; and, if he prevails, shall recover against each the same proportion of the part so held that he was entitled to claim out of all the land before the partition. If the partition was made by sale, he may in like manner recover his portion of the proceeds, as provided in the preceding section.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 20
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 20 cover?
Section 20 ("Stranger claiming as co-tenant; remedies") 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.