Notice — Massachusetts Code § 4
Massachusetts Code § 4 — Notice. Reproduced from the official Massachusetts General Laws, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 4. Notice
Section 4. If the written consent required by section two is not submitted to the court with the petition, the court shall, except where the court under section three has determined that such consent and notice is not required, order notice by personal service upon the parties of an order of notice, in such form as shall be prescribed under section thirty of chapter two hundred and fifteen, or, if the parties are not found within this commonwealth, by publication of said order of notice once in each of three successive weeks in such newspaper as the court orders, the last publication to be seven days at least before the time appointed for the hearing, and the court may require additional notice and consent. But if such child is of unknown parentage and is a foundling, publication as herein set forth shall not be required; but notice of the petition shall be given to the department of children and families.
Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27
At a glance
- Citation: Massachusetts General Laws § 4
- Jurisdiction: Massachusetts
- Code: Massachusetts General Laws
- Subject: Notice
- Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)
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Statute text is transcribed from the official Massachusetts General Laws. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
Common questions
What is the source of Massachusetts General Laws § 4?
The text above is transcribed from the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutes of Massachusetts. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.
What subject does Massachusetts General Laws § 4 address?
It addresses "Notice". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.
Is Massachusetts General Laws § 4 still in force?
Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Massachusetts source before relying on this text.
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