Massachusetts § 3 - Change of venue
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 3 — Change of venue, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3. Change of venue
Section 3. If, in an action in the supreme judicial or superior court in which trustee process is used in connection with the commencement thereof, the court finds that the trustee was made a party in order to give the court jurisdiction of the action in the county where the trustee dwells or has a usual place of business, and that neither the plaintiff nor the principal defendant dwells or has a usual place of business therein, it may, upon motion of the defendant at any time before trial, order the action and all papers relating thereto transferred to a county where some one of the principal parties dwells or has a usual place of business, upon terms. The action shall thereupon be entered and prosecuted in the same court for that county as if originally brought therein, and all prior proceedings otherwise regularly taken shall thereafter be valid.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 3
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 3 cover?
Section 3 ("Change of venue") 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 § 3?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 3" (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 § 3 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.