Bill > S1140

This bill establishes a specialized Foreclosure Review Division within the Massachusetts court system to handle complex foreclosure-related legal matters. The new division will have jurisdiction over a wide range of foreclosure and property-related cases, including actions concerning mortgage foreclosure validity, eviction proceedings, title disputes, loan modification issues, and even certain criminal matters related to property and foreclosure. The division will be staffed by justices assigned from various court departments and will include up to six sessions statewide, designed to be conveniently located for litigants. It will provide resources for self-represented litigants, offer alternative dispute resolution services, and include an advisory board composed of experts in areas like real estate, law, technology, and consumer rights. The division will have the ability to transfer cases from other court departments and will provide a 30-day window for refiling dismissed cases. The new division is initially established for a five-year term, with provisions for renewal every five years, and will aim to streamline and improve the handling of foreclosure-related legal proceedings in Massachusetts.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1140