Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Why is the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds still closed?
One Curtatone out, one more to go! While the rest of the state is back to work everyday, she is still on a two year paid vacation and continuing riding on the Covid 19 coattails on the taxpayer’s dime!
This is the message from the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds:
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 5, 2022
FOR THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND STAFF SAFETY, THERE WILL TEMPORARILY BE
NO PUBLIC ACCESS
TO THE REGISTRY FOR RESEARCH OR RECORDING.
A drop-off box is available outside the Registry and there are bins at the interior entrance for any complete packages to be dropped off.
Drop-Off Recordings
Customers/Couriers coming into the registry will only be permitted to drop their recording packages (documents, check, return envelope) in the exterior box or in the designated bins at the interior first floor entrance of the building.
Registry staff will not open or process documents until the customer leaves. Cash is not accepted. Recorded land documents will be returned by mail (all packages must include a self-addressed stamped envelope). Original registered land documents will be retained at the Registry once recorded as required by statute. Recordings are processed in the order they are received.
E- Recording
Information on e-recording (a service available to attorney’s and title companies) and a list of 3rd party vendors is available Here.
Fedex/UPS
The Registry will accept delivery of packages addressed to the Registry. The Registry will refuse any packages addressed to a third party in care of the Registry.
“Both-Ways” Recordings
(Registered and Recorded Land) – must include separate checks for each department.
Plans with documents
Documents should be included in the plans tube. Separate checks must be enclosed for the plans department and the document recordings.
Notary Service
The registry will no longer notarize documents.
Copies of Documents and Plans
The Registry will not provide paper copies of ANY documents or plans at the registry office. All documents are available on http://www.masslandrecords.com. If certified copies are needed, please mail a request and include a check for $1 per page and a stamped self-addressed envelope. For assistance with copies of older plans email plan.department@sec.state.ma.us.
Real Estate Closings
No real estate closings are permitted at the registry.
For all customer service requests please email middlesexsouth@sec.state.ma.us
Maria C. Curtatone
Register of Deeds