Communities that have genuine concerns about the speed that traffic is moving in their immediate neighborhood have ways in which they can bring their concerns to the relevant municipal authority for attention. There is a variety of tried and tested calming measures...
Water Pipe Damage Disputes in Massachusetts
When a water pipe bursts through corrosion, old age, excess pressure or the accidental misuse of machinery, the results can be devastating and very expensive. It’s not the cost of replacing the plumbing that makes these sorts of dramas so expensive, but the damage...
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...
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...
What are the Bills That Might Become Law in Massachusetts in 2024?
2024 is the second and final year of the current two year legislative session. Several bills that have either gone through their first readings or have yet to be heard are expected to be voted on later next year. Some, if not all of these bills, may eventually become...
Legal Requirements for Opening a Restaurant in Massachusetts
Are you considering opening a food serving business such as a café or restaurant in Massachusetts? If you are, you will probably be aware that there are a number of legal requirements to take into account as well as decisions about the type of business, it’s financing...
Are Emails Considered Part of Public Records In Massachusetts?
The short answer is ‘probably yes’ if the content of the email relates to the official business of a government agency or if the email was sent to an employee in any level of state government. It really depends on the email sender and/or recipient and content not its...
What is the Global Warming Solutions Act in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts was one of the first states in the U.S. to enact climate change regulations. The state government enacted the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) in 2008, at a time when a consensus about the urgent need to rapidly reduce global warming causing emissions...
Jury Service in Massachusetts
Just about any adult who is on the electoral roll in Massachusetts could be picked at random for jury duty in the state, so if this has happened to you and you are unsure what it means, read on below. Who are jurors? Jurors are people from all walks of life who have...
New Legislation for the New Year in Massachusetts
Two new pieces of legislation have come into effect in Massachusetts since the start of the New Year. They may not be about laws that you have ever heard of, or even realized that you may have already had a vote on, but directly or indirectly they could affect you in...
What is Meant by Grandfathering in Massachusetts Zoning Laws?
If you own a property in Massachusetts, you can’t do whatever you want with it. The state’s zoning laws and by-laws outline the basic parameters for buildings within each zone. For example, in one particular area, the zone may be designated as residential, while in...
What is Meant by a Declaration of Homestead in Massachusetts?
By declaring your home as a homestead in Massachusetts, you can protect the equity in your home from some creditors if they try to force a sale of your home in an attempt to settle a debt. Filing a declaration of homestead is relatively easy, but you should know what...
What is the Trial Court Community Service Program in Massachusetts?
Community service programs that have been ordered by courts are one possible form of punishment available when an offender has been convicted of a crime that is not very serious. Such programs are thought to have benefits for both the community and the offender in the...
What is the Difference Between a Title and a Deed in Massachusetts?
New homeowners or those individuals and couples who are aspiring homeowners in Massachusetts are often confused about terms used in real estate and the process of purchasing and selling property. Two typically confusing terms are “title” and “deed”. This blog will...
Does State Law Override Local Rules?
Vaccine and mask mandates are gradually being wound down in many parts of the U.S. including here in Massachusetts, as an increased vaccination rate and the gradual reduction in the severity of the Omicron wave take hold. But who actually had the authority to issue...