Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Finding out about a judgement

I recently bought a foreclosed home and I'm trying to find more information about a judgement that was on the home when it owned by the previous owner. I've been told that only liens will show on the title search. Where can I find information on this judgement that occurred in 2006?


Asked on 3/02/09, 7:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Robert Hundertmark Robert J. Hundertmark, Attorney At Law

Re: Finding out about a judgement

go to Secretary Galvin's website for the Registries of Deeds here:

http://www.sec.state.ma.us/rod/rodidx.htm

select the appropriate county, and plug in the name of the person against whom the judgment issued. often you can restrict searches to particular towns as well. you should be able to pull up a copy of the judgment right over the net - or at least get the book and page where it was recorded, and get a paper copy at the registry.

in most cases, if the mortgage that was foreclosed was recorded prior to the judgment, the foreclosure would wipe out the judgment. if there was a prejudment attachment, the judgment would ordinarily "relate back" to the attachment, so the mortgage would also have to be prior in time to the attachment.

good luck.

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Answered on 3/03/09, 8:41 am


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