Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey, Court Administrator Jonathan Williams, and Land Court Chief Justice Gordon H. Piper today announced that the Land Court Recorder’s Office is now using videoconferencing technology to operate a virtual Recorder’s Office to assist the public.
“This pilot program in the Land Court, modeled on the early success of the ‘Virtual Registry’ in the Probate and Family Court, is an excellent way to leverage technology to offer remote court services to the public,” said Trial Court Chief Justice Paula Carey.
“The Land Court has launched yet another Trial Court technology initiative to enhance access to our courts,” said Court Administrator Jonathan Williams. “Given the Land Court’s statewide jurisdiction, court users all across Massachusetts will benefit.”
The virtual Recorder’s Office can be accessed by videoconference or by phone using a videoconferencing connection during designated hours. Court users are admitted into a virtual waiting room and then into the virtual Recorder’s Office. There, Land Court staff can answer general questions, provide Land Court case and docket information, and assist with accessing forms, instructions and other documents. If the pilot is well received, the Land Court may expand hours to provide additional services, including virtual contact with Land Court title examiners, tax title examiners, and survey staff.
“We are pleased to add this new virtual service to other remote services the Land Court has implemented in response to the pandemic, including telephone and video conferencing of court events and remote public access to live court events,” said Land Court Chief Justice Gordon Piper. “This provides a great alternative in response to public health and safety concerns. I commend the creativity of Land Court Recorder Deborah Patterson and her staff to meet the needs of our court users.”
The virtual Recorder’s Office is available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (except holidays) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information on how to access the virtual Recorder’s Office is available at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/land-court-virtual-recorders-office.