What does this notice mean for heirs of the property?

Heirs named must file a written defense in Barnstable Superior Court by June 9, 2026 to contest the trustee's claim of superior title.

Who is the plaintiff and how can I contact them?

The plaintiff is Paul R. O'Connell, III, Trustee; the attorney is J. Alexander Watt reachable at 508-362-1900.

What happens if I ignore this court notice?

The court may enter judgment and orders in your absence, which could eliminate your interest in the property.

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

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

Quiet title

Affects:HeirsProperty BuyersGeneral Public

A trustee has filed a lawsuit claiming superior title to a Harwich property because a deed in the chain is lost; heirs and others with interest must file a written defense by June 9, 2026 or risk default judgment. The action affects ownership of 0 Halls Path.

Key Takeaways

Deadline to respond: June 9, 2026
Plaintiff: Paul R. O'Connell, III, Trustee
Property: 0 Halls Path, Harwich (Barnstable Deeds Book 31540, Page 83)
Failure to answer may lead to judgment in your absence
Attorney for plaintiff: J. Alexander Watt, 508-362-1900

Deadline · Response Deadline

June 9, 2026

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Published: May 12, 2026 · 1 week ago
Category: Court Notice
City: Harwich
Address: 0 Halls Path, Harwich, MA · 3 filings
Case #: 2672CV00111

Research context

3 filings at this address 3 court notice notices in Harwich (last 12 months)

Respond by20 days

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All filings for #2672CV00111 with AI case analysis

If you don't respond

If you do not file a written pleading by June 9, 2026, the court may enter judgment and orders in your absence, potentially losing any claim to the property.

What to do next

1
File a written defense
Deliver a written pleading to the Clerk of Barnstable Superior Court by June 9, 2026 at 3195 Main Street, Barnstable, MA.
2
Contact the plaintiff's attorney
Call J. Alexander Watt at 508-362-1900 to get case details and discuss possible resolution.
3
Seek legal counsel
Consult an attorney experienced in property/title litigation before June 9, 2026 for help preparing your defense.

Frequently asked questions

What does this notice mean for heirs of the property?: Heirs named must file a written defense in Barnstable Superior Court by June 9, 2026 to contest the trustee's claim of superior title.
Who is the plaintiff and how can I contact them?: The plaintiff is Paul R. O'Connell, III, Trustee; the attorney is J. Alexander Watt reachable at 508-362-1900.
What happens if I ignore this court notice?: The court may enter judgment and orders in your absence, which could eliminate your interest in the property.

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

chain of title: The sequence of historical transfers of ownership for a property.
trustee: A person who holds legal title to property for the benefit of others under a trust.
order of notice by publication: A court-ordered public notice when defendants cannot be found for personal service.

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