What happens if I am named as an heir but I don't respond by June 9, 2026?

The court may enter judgments and orders without your input, which could eliminate your ability to contest the plaintiff's title claim.

Who is the plaintiff and what do they want?

The plaintiff is Paul R. O'Connell, III, Trustee, seeking a court declaration that his title is superior because of a missing deed.

How do I file a defense in this case?

File a written pleading with the Barnstable Superior Court clerk's office by June 9, 2026; consider contacting an attorney first.

Who can I contact for more information about the lawsuit?

Contact plaintiff's attorney J. Alexander Watt at 508-362-1900 for information about the claim.

Court Notice — 0 Halls Path, Harwich, MA (2672CV00111)

Official courthouse record · Indexed in NoticeRegistry archive · AI-enriched for research

Quiet title

Affects:HeirsProperty BuyersDefendants

A plaintiff trustee has filed a lawsuit claiming superior title to a Harwich property due to a missing deed. Heirs and others with interest are ordered to file a written defense by June 9, 2026, or risk losing their rights to contest the claim.

Key Takeaways

Deadline to respond: June 9, 2026
Property at stake: 0 Halls Path, Harwich
Plaintiff seeks declaration of superior title
Heirs/claimants must file written pleadings
Contact plaintiff's attorney: 508-362-1900

Deadline · Response Deadline

June 9, 2026

Pro users tracking court notice like this were alerted the second it filed. Never miss a deadline

Published

May 12, 2026 · 1 week ago

What to do next

1
Consider legal representation
Contact an attorney immediately to evaluate your interest and prepare a written pleading before June 9, 2026.
2
File a written pleading
Submit your defense to the Barnstable Superior Court clerk's office at 3195 Main Street, Barnstable, MA by June 9, 2026.
3
Contact plaintiff's attorney
Call J. Alexander Watt at 508-362-1900 to request case information or discuss possible resolution.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I am named as an heir but I don't respond by June 9, 2026?: The court may enter judgments and orders without your input, which could eliminate your ability to contest the plaintiff's title claim.
Who is the plaintiff and what do they want?: The plaintiff is Paul R. O'Connell, III, Trustee, seeking a court declaration that his title is superior because of a missing deed.
How do I file a defense in this case?: File a written pleading with the Barnstable Superior Court clerk's office by June 9, 2026; consider contacting an attorney first.
Who can I contact for more information about the lawsuit?: Contact plaintiff's attorney J. Alexander Watt at 508-362-1900 for information about the claim.

The suggestions and answers above are AI-generated for general information only. They can be wrong, and we don't take responsibility for their accuracy. Talk to a qualified professional before acting on them.

Legal terms in this notice

trustee: A person who holds legal title to property for the benefit of others under a trust.
chain of title: The chronological record of property ownership transfers.
written pleading: A formal written document filed in court stating a party's claims or defenses.

Full Notice Text

ORDER OF NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
TRIAL COURT OF
MASSACHUSETTS
BARNSTABLE SUPERIOR COURT
3195 MAIN STREET
BARNSTABLE, MA. 02630
DOCKET NO. 2672CV00111
TO THE HEIRS OF THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE:
SETH NICKERSON, SR.,
AMERICA NICKERSON,
SETH NICKERSON, JR.,
AMANDA NICKERSON,
ERASTUS NICKERSON,
WARREN NICKERSON,
JOSEPH NICKERSON,
STEPHEN NICKERSON,
EMELINE ROGERS and
SALOME ROGERS,
Defendants,
And others claiming any interest in the Subject Property:
0 Halls Path, Harwich, MA
Barnstable Registry of Deeds Book 31540 Page 83

J. Alexander Watt, Attorney for Plaintiff: 508-362-1900

WHEREAS, a civil action has been begun against you in our Superior Court by Paul R. O'Connell, III, Trustee, wherein he seeks the court to declare that his title to the Subject Property in Harwich is superior to that of the Defendants by reason of a missing but lost and unrecorded deed in the chain of title.
WE COMMAND YOU if you intend to make any defense that on or before June 9, 2026 or within such further time as law allows you to cause your written pleading to be filed in the office of the Clerk of Court named above, in said Commonwealth, and further that you defend against said suit according to law if you intend any defense, and that you do and receive what the Court shall order and adjudge therein.
Hereof fail not, at your peril, or otherwise said suit may be adjudged and orders entered in your absence
Date Issued: April 14, 2026
/s/ Susan L. Moran
Clerk of Courts
/s/ Robert Manning, Jr.
First Assistant Clerk
May 5, 12, 19 2026
LNEO0503854