Land Court updates to registered
land resources
The Land Court Recorder’s Office has made the following announcements related to registered land resources available to all court users:
New cover sheets
The Land Court is implementing two new cover sheets in connection with registered land submissions: Approval Request Cover Sheet and Condominium/Amendment Approval Cover Sheet, available here. Use of these cover sheets is mandatory and will streamline the submission and approval process of documents submitted to the court in connection with registered land, including fiduciary deeds, certain trust documents, and more, as well as original condominium master deeds and amendments thereto.
New webpages
In conjunction with these new forms, the Land Court has created three new webpages as part of its Land Court Registered Land Resources. The webpages are:
- How to File a Subsequent to Registration Case (S-Case) with the Land Court
- How to File Requests for Land Court Approval of Condominium Documents Affecting Registered Land
- How to File Requests for Land Court Approval of All Other Documents Affecting Registered Land
Court users are guided step-by-step through the S-Case and document submission processes at the Land Court. Following the steps ensures efficient processing of your case or document approval request. Failure to follow the steps may result in delays, dismissals or rejections.
New memorandum
Related to the new forms and webpages, the Land Court issued a new Chief Title Examiner Memorandum titled “Procedures for Registering Land Court Orders, Endorsements, and Approved Documents.” This updated memorandum supersedes and replaces the memorandum titled “Procedures for the Processing of Subsequent Cases, Condominium Documents & Document Approvals,” dated Aug. 3, 2021. It provides procedures for Registry District staff when accepting court orders, endorsements or Land Court-approved documents for registration. During the transition period to the new procedures and forms, Registry District staff should continue to accept court orders and approvals satisfying the prior templates/procedures.
Any questions should be directed to the Land Court at 617-788-7470.
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U.S. Court of Appeals proposes rules amendments
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has proposed amendments to Local Rules 35.0 and 40.0 and Internal Operating Procedure X.
The amendments are made to maintain consistency with the amendments to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, which go into effect Dec. 1, 2024, merging the provisions of Rules 35 and 40 of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. The amendment to Internal Operating Procedure X corrects a citation to the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.
The court invites public comment on the amendments. Comments should be submitted by Nov. 27 and addressed to: Office of the Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, United States Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Way, Suite 2500, Boston, MA 02210.
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SJC extends deadline to apply to Committee on the Rules of Professional Conduct
The justices of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) invite applications for appointment to the Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Professional Conduct. This committee advises the court on potential changes to the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct and related issues, and reports to the SJC Rules Committee.
There is one position available for a three-year term with the possibility of reappointment to a second consecutive term.
The application deadline has been extended to Wednesday, Dec. 4. Applicants should submit a resume and a letter describing their experience and interest in serving on the committee to Chip Phinney, chief counsel for judicial policy at the SJC, at Chip.Phinney@jud.state.ma.us. Questions about the application process or the position should be directed to Phinney.
Click here to read the full announcement.