Do I Really Need a Will? (and for that matter why have an attorney make one?) Many people and families engage in careful estate planning; however there also are a good number of people who choose, either purposely or inadvertently, to make no financial or legal arrangements for their property following their deaths. Sometimes individuals do not want to …
Information on Living Wills in Melrose, MA
A ‘living will’ is a legal document explaining your instructions regarding health care treatments. It informs family members and health care providers of your preferences if you are unable to speak for yourself. While it is commonly created as part of an estate plan, it may also function separately. This post provides information on living wills in Melrose, MA and …
What Happens If You Die Without a Will in MA
Most people generally know that it’s a good idea to have a will. However, most people d not actually prepare one. Understanding what happens if you die without a will in MA is important and may change what you decide to do. Benefits of a Will In general, wills allow you to dictate who shall receive your assets and in what …
SHOULD YOU PUT YOUR HOME IN A TRUST?
If you own your home, be it modest or grand, you may want to pass it on to loved ones after you die. In this case, you may want to consider putting your home in a trust. There are several good reasons to put your home in a trust: You can avoid your home going through probate Your home will …
WHAT ASSETS ACTUALLY GO THROUGH PROBATE?
As you look ahead into your estate planning it is helpful to understand the probate process and what and how you can pass on assets to your loved ones. This preparation is much like understanding the rules of a game, or any other undertaking, and saves you and those close to you stress and worry. Probate is a court supervised …
Eviction Tenant v. Landlord: Is the SJC ruling fair?
The SJC’s recent ruling that a landlord could enforce a notice to quit, obtained through mediation, rather than a summary process action, thus enforcing the removal of a tenant from a property, has housing advocates upset. Tenants feel they are entitled to “their day in court” and argue that the mediation process does not offer fair or opportunity for advocacy …
New Rules for Real Estate Commissions Effective August 2024: The Client Holds the Keys
In October of 2023 a court determined that the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and four real estate companies (Re/Max, Keller Williams, Anywhere and Home Services of America) had conspired to inflate real estate commissions. The four defendants eventually settled out of court. However, this case changed the way in which realtors could charge their commissions effective August 2024. This …
Automobile Accidents: Disputes Should be Resolved off the Road
If you are injured in an automobile accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect your health and maximize your opportunity for compensation You should call local law enforcement and file an accident report. The police will interview the parties in the accident, interview witnesses and inspect the vehicles for damage. They will determine who is at fault. It …
WINTER WOES SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS
We all know that panicky feeling when you lose control of your footing on a patch of ice. If you fall and are injured, here’s what you can do. Property owners have a legal responsibility to keep walkways, driveways, sidewalks and stairs free of snow and ice. In 2010 the law concerning this was changed to put more of the …
DRIVEWAY EASEMENTS: Right of Access versus Right of Ownership
A Driveway Easement is a “right of way” easement. It is basically the right of one party to drive over property they don’t own to access property they do own. In other words you may not be the only one to use your property, even though you own it. For example, the only way for your neighbor to access their …