Most people understand and accept that there are strict rules about consuming alcohol and what might happen if an intoxicated person drives, takes control of a boat, or behaves unreasonably in public. In Massachusetts, it is illegal to consume alcohol if you are under...
Who is Responsible for Fallen Trees in Massachusetts?
Whether you have trees growing in your own property, or your neighbors have trees close to your boundary, or there are trees in a public space close to your own home, there is always potential for damage from falling trees or branches. As a property owner it is...
Impact of New Child Support Guidelines in Massachusetts
What is child support? In all U.S. states, including Massachusetts, there is provision under state law to protect the welfare of the joint children of a couple who have separated and are no longer living together. In Massachusetts, it doesn’t matter whether a couple...
What are the Impacts of the Alimony Reform Act in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law has long recognized the need for alimony when a couple divorces if one spouse is likely to earn much less than the other. Alimony, also called spousal support, is aimed at helping to support the less well off spouse after divorce for a period the...
What is the Role of OSHA in Construction Law in Massachusetts?
Construction sites have a number of risks to workers as well as visitors. Accidents from falling debris, faulty equipment, contact with heavy machinery and falls from steep heights all pose risks which must be minimized by construction site managers and operators. The...
The Importance of Well-Drafted Contracts in Avoiding Litigation in Massachusetts
When embarking on just about anything important, choosing what to study and where to study it, starting a family, having a vacation or an adventure, starting a business, you are much more likely to have a successful outcome if you do thorough, well researched planning...
What are the Options for Small Businesses When they are at Risk of Default in Massachusetts?
Managing a thriving small business in Massachusetts can be harder than starting it. If a loan was negotiated to get the business going, repayments may be hard to make at times. It’s not unusual for small businesses to experience volatility in their finances, but if it...
What is the Prompt Payment Act in Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Prompt Payment Act sets out the time periods within which payment for private and public construction work must be paid. The Act helps contractors and sub-contractors have certainty about payment for work completed and facilitates cash flow for these...
Steps Needed to Needed to Open a Small Business in Massachusetts
Starting a small business in Massachusetts is a sequential process. The steps involved are well established and can be researched easily on the Internet. Before any of these steps are taken, and permits and licenses sought, the would-be small business owner or owners...
Intellectual Property (IP) Disputes in Massachusetts
Everyone is aware that laws exist to protect the property of individuals, businesses and other organizations. If someone steals your car, or breaks into your home taking computers and jewelry, then they are breaking the law and could end up with prison sentences and...
Understanding Guardianship & Conservatorship in Massachusetts
When someone becomes incapable of looking after their health and other aspects of their own life, such as their estate and finances, the Massachusetts Probate and Family court may appoint a responsible person or persons to look after their needs. This typically may...
How the Small Claims Court Works in Massachusetts
If you believe you have suffered a financial loss due to someone else’s actions, and have tried to negotiate compensation or payment directly with no success, you may be able to resolve your complaint through the civil court by filing a small claim. The small claims...
The Standard Rules of Alimony in Massachusetts
Alimony, also called spousal support, is a regular payment made after divorce by one ex spouse to the other. Normally, alimony is paid by the higher earning of the two spouses. The type of alimony that is paid, the period that it lasts and other factors are determined...
Breaches of Fiduciary Duty in Massachusetts – What’s Involved?
If you have a fiduciary duty to others or you believe you have suffered from a breach of fiduciary duties you need to know the legal implications. In most cases, you will find that a Massachusetts attorney with an understanding of fiduciary duty rights can help you...
Navigating the Building Permit Process in Massachusetts
Any new building construction, demolition, repair or modifications to existing structures must have a building permit submitted and approved before work can start. It can be challenging navigating the permit process in Massachusetts and it is important to be aware of...
Breach of Contract in Massachusetts and Remedies That Can be Pursued
A breach of contract is said to have taken place when a business contract between two parties has not been fulfilled because one or other of the two parties has failed to satisfy their side of the contract and the other party has suffered some sort of damages. The...
Post Divorce Modifications to Child Custody Arrangements
When married couples separate or get divorced, there can be huge challenges deciding what to do about shared children. The vast majority of divorcing couples wants the best for their children, but they may disagree how that can be achieved. Should the two spouses...
The Legal Requirements for Ensuring Accessibility in Construction Projects in MA
Accessibility in construction projects is a legal requirement in Massachusetts. Both state and federal legislation ensures that any new buildings and facilities they provide, or modifications to existing buildings, are accessible to all, regardless of their physical...
Restraining Orders in Massachusetts
If you have been physically abused or threatened by someone you know well, you should be able to get a restraining order to protect you from further abuse. Restraining orders, also called abuse protection orders, protective orders or 209A orders, are court orders...
Employment Termination Laws in Massachusetts
Most employees in Massachusetts are employed on hourly wages. In Massachusetts, like most other states in the U.S., they will be employed under at-will employment conditions. The exceptions are employees who are on salaries and waged employees who have an employment...