Massachusetts § 86 - Filing and registration of memorandum of proceedings affecting land; registration of judgment or decree
Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 86 — Filing and registration of memorandum of proceedings affecting land; registration of judgment or decree, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 86. Filing and registration of memorandum of proceedings affecting land; registration of judgment or decree
Section 86. No civil action to recover a freehold estate, suit for partition, or other proceeding affecting the title to land or the use and occupation thereof or the buildings thereon, and no judgment or decree or any proceeding to vacate or reverse any judgment or decree shall have any effect upon registered land as against persons other than the parties thereto, unless a memorandum like that described in section fifteen of chapter one hundred and eighty-four, containing also a reference to the number of the certificate of title of the land affected and the volume and page of the registration book in which it is entered, is filed and registered. This section shall not apply to attachments, levies of execution, or to the probate of wills or administration in the probate court. If notice of the pendency of the proceeding has been duly registered, it shall be sufficient to register the judgment or decree within sixty days after the rendition thereof.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 86
What does Massachusetts General Laws § 86 cover?
Section 86 ("Filing and registration of memorandum of proceedings affecting land; registration of judgment or decree") 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 § 86?
A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 86" (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 § 86 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.