LowellDeeds

It looks like the issue of "multiple documents" is resurfacing. To refresh everyone's memory (we discussed this several weeks ago), a multiple document is a single piece of paper that does more than one thing. For example, if a trustee is resigning and a new trustee is appointed and accepts the appointment, a document that has "Resignation of Trustee" on the top half and "Acceptance of New Trustee" on the bottom half is often recorded. Some registries will index this as if it's two separate documents, once as a RESIGNATION and again as an ACCEPTANCE. That piece of paper will only get one instrument number, but it will show up twice in the index, once for each document type. Because it's indexed as if it's two separate documents, the fee for two separate documents is also assessed. In Lowell, we tend to index documents only once if at all possible, thereby keeping down the recording fees. Most registries, particularly the larger ones, are more aggressive in designating documents as multiples. Now, it looks like the Secretary of State's Office, in the interests of uniformity, will mandate that all state registries, at least, charge the greater amount for these types of documents. We'll keep you posted on this issue. If you have any questions or comments, please send them along by email.