Land Court – Boston, MA

Massachusetts Land Court Department

Specialized Real Property Jurisdiction

The Land Court is a specialized department of the Massachusetts Trial Court, located in the historic Suffolk County Courthouse in Pemberton Square. It holds exclusive jurisdiction over the registration of title to real property and extensive authority over disputes involving land use and ownership. Established in 1898, the court’s primary mission is to provide a specialized forum for the resolution of complex real estate matters, ensuring the certainty of land titles across the Commonwealth.

• Title Registration: The court oversees the Torrens system of land registration, where the government guarantees the title to the property.
• Zoning and Planning: It handles appeals from local zoning board decisions and subdivision control law disputes.
• Tax Liens: The court processes tax lien foreclosures brought by municipalities for non-payment of real estate taxes.

Services and Recorder’s Office

The Recorder’s Office functions similarly to a Clerk-Magistrate’s office, managing the court’s docket and assisting the public with filings. The Land Court also has a sophisticated engineering department that prepares plans for registered land. While the court sits in Boston, it has statewide jurisdiction and may hold sessions in other counties when necessary. The court handles cases involving the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act regarding mortgage foreclosures, ensuring that service members are protected during active duty.

Visiting and Filing

The Land Court operates during standard business hours, though electronic filing (eFiling) is encouraged for many case types. Visitors should be prepared for security screening upon entering the Pemberton Square courthouse complex. Legal counsel or self-represented litigants can access case information through the MassCourts online portal. Payment for fees can often be made online or via check at the Recorder’s office.