Many people leave worrying about what could happen to their property and other assets on death until it is too late. If you die before making a will or establishing a trust, your entire estate will be the responsibility of the court to distribute according to...
Understanding this Year’s Changes to Massachusetts’ Zoning Act
After years of trying to make more substantial changes to Massachusetts’ state wide zoning laws, state lawmakers finally made history when Governor Charlie Baker signed into existence the greatest shake up in legislation on state zoning rules in the last 40 or 50...
Four Unique Massachusetts Laws You Should Know About
Every state in the Union has its own laws which distinguish the state from other states and from federal laws. Only if there is a substantial conflict with federal legislation will there be an attempt to override new state laws. Most laws unique to Massachusetts may...
Required Disclosures for Real Estate Sellers In Massachusetts
When selling your home, you may need to inform prospective buyers about certain features and details of the property to ensure complete transparency. Buyers would certainly do their own inspections, but sellers must disclose certain information to them by law....
Home Improvement Contracts: Considerations In MA And Delays Due To Pandemic
Home repair and renovation projects don't always go as planned. A small disagreement between homeowners and contractors can blow over to courtroom battles. As a homeowner, unless you want to waste your time in a "he said, I said" courtroom battle along with the...
What Is Informal Probate In Massachusetts?
Probate is the legal process to settle a person’s assets after their death to ensure that their will is valid. These assets include bank funds, investment accounts, homes, and properties, plus assets like cars, boats and businesses. However, it is essential to...
Massachusetts Tree Law: When Can A Landowner Be Liable For A Fallen Tree?
Homes in a pristine green neighborhood are precious assets, as homeowners rush to buy them. There is no doubt that living in a home that’s surrounded by trees is a fantastic experience… that is until one of them falls on the neighbor’s house! It can happen because of...
Current Evictions – Legal Considerations During COVID-19 In Massachusetts
Low-income households have already been severely affected by the pandemic, and the housing insecurity is only adding to their troubles. According to the Household Pulse Survey Interactive Tool, approximately one out of five people feel insecure when it comes to...
The Legal Challenges for Small Business Owners in the COVID-19 Era
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit small businesses hard in Massachusetts, perhaps harder than many other places in the U.S. Around 22% of small businesses in the state have been forced to close down, or reduce their operations awaiting a better economic environment. The...
Understanding Massachusetts Recreational Boating Laws in the Covid-19 Era
With Massachusetts gradually opening up after what seems like endless weeks cooped up at home, many people are looking forward to enjoy the rest of the summer out on the water. Of course, nothing is exactly the same as it was last year. Although recreational boating,...
Bans on Eviction/Mortgage Relief During COVID-19 in Massachusetts
A few months ago, no one could have predicted that we would be living in such volatile times and that our everyday lives would have changed so dramatically. The COVID-19 coronavirus has affected us all, and the current “normal” is not at all normal. The financial...
Digital or Electronic Signatures in Massachusetts are Legally Valid
With Massachusetts under social distancing and stay at home rules and the closure of essential businesses, many law firms are operating under different conditions. Lawyers are resorting to the help of expanded use of the Internet, including email, video conferencing...
Real Estate – Neighborhood Disputes: What Grandfathered Means in Real Estate in MA
In the interest of doing what is best for communities, in terms of public health and safety and city planning, the state and local municipalities often put in place zoning regulations to govern how land in certain areas may be used ( i.e. a building's height, lot...
Is It Legal to Have Animal Traps on Your Property in Massachusetts?
You may have heard that Massachusetts law prohibits the use and installment of certain types of traps on one’s property, but does it mean that it is illegal to have any animal traps on your property? Not necessarily. Although Massachusetts law is rather strict about...
Things to Look For in a Real Estate Lawyer When Buying a Home in Massachusetts
Choosing the right Massachusetts real estate lawyer is like buying a home. There are at least eight things to consider prior to making the decision. As with buying the wrong house, hiring the wrong lawyer is something that you will regret. That is why you should treat...
Massachusetts Condo Association Can Establish Multiple Successive Priority Liens for Unpaid Common Expenses
On behalf of Law Offices of Richard Mucci posted in Real Estate on Wednesday, November 16, 2016.Massachusetts General Laws c. 183A, § 6(c) provides that a lien for the unpaid common expenses of a condominium is prior to all other liens on the unit except those...
Agreement Entered Into When Developer Controlled the Board Is Enforceable Against Massachusetts Condo Association
On behalf of Law Offices of Richard Mucci posted in Real Estate on Friday, September 16, 2016.Property developers sometimes enter into agreements for the benefit of the development. Both the Uniform Common Interest Ownership Act (UCIOA) and the Restatement (Third) of...
Massachusetts Appeals Court Finds Court Doesn’t Have to Accept Stipulation of Contract’s Validity
On behalf of Law Offices of Richard Mucci posted in Real Estate on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.Breach of contract claims often involve disputes over the terms of the agreement, what occurred, and whether a party's actions constituted a breach. Sometimes, however, there...
Boston Condo Unit Owner Didn’t Violate Affordable Housing Restrictions by Having Roommates
On behalf of Law Offices of Richard Mucci posted in Real Estate on Monday, May 16, 2016.The Boston Redevelopment Authority ("BRA") has created an affordable housing program that is intended to help create and maintain affordable housing opportunities for middle-income...
Adverse Possession And Color Of Title In Massachusetts
On behalf of Law Offices of Richard Mucci posted in Real Estate on Tuesday, January 26, 2016.Property rights are generally transferred through conveyances of deeds, but there are times when a person can obtain rights to property through certain actions without the...