Entries by Sclafani & Moriarty

Bankruptcy

What should i know about filing bankruptcy? Filing for bankruptcy can be a difficult decision to make, but it can be the right one if you are facing insurmountable debt. It’s important to understand the different types of bankruptcy and the consequences that each can have. Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common form and […]

What’s the difference between a will and an estate plan?

What is the difference between a will and an estate plan? Well in simple terms, a will is a legal document that outlines how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death. If applicable, it also names a guardian for minor children. An estate plan is a broader term than a will. An estate plan […]

Should I Sign A NonCompete?

Massachusetts does not require that you sign a noncompete agreement in order to accept and fulfill a job offer. However, some employers may ask you to sign one anyway, and if they do so, it is important that you read it carefully before signing. Noncompete agreements are legal contracts between an employer and employee that […]

Who Pays Me When I Have Jury Duty?

Massachusetts law states that each regularly employed trial or grand juror shall be paid regular wages by his employer for the first three days, or part thereof, of juror service. Regular employment includes part-time, temporary, and casual employment as long as the employment hours of a juror reasonably may be determined by a schedule or […]

Can I be Fired in Massachusetts without Cause?

Although it seems almost impossible to believe, employers in Massachusetts, or in any other employee-at-will state, can fire any employee at any time for any reason — or even for no reason at all. An employer can terminate any employee, with or without notice. Of course there are exceptions. The at-will employment doctrine is a […]

Overtime for Salaried Employees in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, salaried employees are protected by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and cannot be expected to work more than 40 hours per week unless they agree to do so. This means if you’re a salaried employee in Massachusetts and have worked over 40 hours in a week, your employer must pay you time-and-a-half […]

What to do When Pulled Over By A Police Officer

Being stopped by a police officer can be stressful for both you and the officer. Neither really know what to expect. Here are some useful suggestions if you are pulled over. In Massachusetts, go ahead and pull out your vehicle registration and ID. Just have it ready before the officer even approaches your vehicle. That […]

3 Things to Do Before Divorce

Divorces can be complicated and when it’s not amicable, it can sometimes get downright ugly. You need to protect yourself. Meeting with an attorney is in your best interest. If you are thinking about divorce, you may want to consider these 3 things: Track expenses – as soon as you know that divorce is a […]

3 Things to Know about Child Custody

Regarding Child Custody, here are 3 things to know…. 1. Unless there is a serious issue, the court expects you to nurture the relationship between your child/children and your ex, and encourage your child/children to see the noncustodial parent, even if they don’t want to. 2. Moving away within the state of Massachusetts – When […]