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 …
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 …
RIDERS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: MASSACHUSETTS BICYCLING RULES
Everyone would agree that bicycling is an enjoyable, healthy, relaxing pastime. It also serves as a means of primary transportation for some; and as gas costs rise and we are increasingly aware of environmental concerns, we must take full measure of the responsibilities that come with taking to the road. Riders do run the risk of significant injury when they …
DO GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS?
What if you come home one day and your neighbor is constructing a hideously ugly fence on your shared property line? What can you do about this eyesore? In Massachusetts the Building Code says that you can build a fence on your property with no permit as long as the fence is less than 7 feet tall. You can build …