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DRAFT FOR ATTORNEY REVIEW — NOT FINAL

PHILIP J. MAZZOLA, trustee v. JOHN F. O'BRIEN & another., 178 N.E.3d 870 (2021)

Citation
PHILIP J. MAZZOLA, trustee v. JOHN F. O'BRIEN & another., 178 N.E.3d 870 (2021) 1.
Parent Document
PHILIP J. MAZZOLA, trustee v. JOHN F. O'BRIEN & another., 178 N.E.3d 870 (2021)
Jurisdiction
Massachusetts (state)
Effective Date
2021-10-15

Other Sections in This Document (45)

Full Text

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1. Scope of the easement. "The general principle governing the interpretation of deeds is that the intent of the parties is ascertained from the words used in the written instrument interpreted in the light of all the attendant facts" (quotation and citation omitted). Assad v. Sea Lavender, LLC, 95 Mass. App. Ct. 689, 693 (2019). The same principles apply when interpreting easements created by conveyance. See, e.g., id.; Sheftel v. Lebel, 44 Mass. App. Ct. 175, 179 (1998). We accept the trial judge's findings regarding the attendant facts unless clearly erroneous. See Martin v. Simmons Props., LLC, 467 Mass. 1, 8 (2014). But the trial judge's ultimate interpretation of the easement is a question of law, see Assad, supra, that we review de novo, see Martin, supra.