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January 23, 2025 Clouds | 22°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  1. General Laws
  2. Part III COURTS, JUDICIAL OFFICERS AND PROCEEDINGS IN CIVIL CASES
  3. Title II ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS THEREIN
  4. Chapter 223 COMMENCEMENT OF ACTIONS, SERVICE OF PROCESS
  5. Section 19 Unknown defendant; procedure

Section 19

Section 19: Unknown defendant; procedure

Section 19. In a civil action if the name of the defendant is not known to the plaintiff, the defendant may be designated in the summons and complaint by a fictitious name. The use of a fictitious name shall not be grounds for dismissal of the complaint if sufficient service has been made, and amendments shall be allowed and terms may be imposed.