S 1239 Massachusetts Senate · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to uniform partition of heirs property

This bill establishes a uniform process for partitioning "heirs property" in Massachusetts - real estate held in shared ownership among family members without a formal agreement. It directly affects families owning such property, particularly when disputes arise over selling or dividing the land. Key provisions require courts to order appraisals for valuation (unless all owners agree), mandate conspicuous property signs during lawsuits, and give other owners 45 days to buy out those seeking a sale at the appraised value. The law aims to streamline disputes while preserving family land holdings by creating clear, standardized steps for resolution.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Feb 5, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
2
Feb 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
upper
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors