Divorce can be a complicated and emotionally charged process, and when it comes to dividing assets, the treatment of inheritance can add another layer of complexity. In Massachusetts, the handling of inherited property during a divorce involves specific legal principles that are crucial to understand. Here’s a comprehensive guide to how inheritance is treated in …
Restraining orders, also known as protective orders, are legal tools designed to protect individuals from harassment, abuse, or threats. In Massachusetts, these orders can be crucial in safeguarding your well-being and establishing legal boundaries in situations of domestic violence, stalking, or other forms of harmful behavior. If you’re facing threats or violence and are considering …
Divorce is never easy, and dividing marital assets can add a layer of complexity to an already challenging process. In Massachusetts, the principle of equitable distribution governs how assets and liabilities are divided between spouses. But what does equitable distribution actually mean, and how does it work in practice? Let’s break it down. Understanding Equitable …
Homestead protection in Massachusetts offers homeowners a way to protect the equity in their primary residence from certain creditors. Under the Massachusetts Homestead Act (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-homestead), homeowners can declare a homestead exemption, which safeguards up to $500,000 of the home’s value from unsecured creditors. This protection is automatic for all primary residences, but filing a declaration …
Trespassing in Massachusetts is governed by [Chapter 266, Section 120](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter266/Section120) of the General Laws. This law states that entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission is illegal. Trespassing charges can apply to private properties, buildings, and enclosed lands. Violators may face fines or imprisonment. Property owners must clearly mark restricted areas with “No …
Adverse possession is a legal doctrine allowing someone to claim ownership of land under certain conditions. In Massachusetts, to establish adverse possession, the claimant must prove continuous, open, notorious, exclusive, and adverse use of the property for at least 20 years. This means the use must be obvious to anyone, without the permission of the …
Massachusetts Blue Laws regulate business operations on Sundays and certain holidays, affecting retail, non-retail, and manufacturing sectors. Retailers can generally operate on Sundays without special permits, but some must adhere to voluntariness of employment rules, meaning employees can’t be forced to work. Non-retail and manufacturing businesses often need permits to operate on Sundays. Holiday work …
In Massachusetts, sharing the road safely and responsibly is crucial for both bicyclists and motorists. Understanding the laws that govern interactions between these two groups is essential for ensuring everyone’s safety. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has compiled a comprehensive guide outlining these laws, and we’re here to break it down for you: Laws …
As a law firm dedicated to ensuring our clients understand and adhere to Massachusetts’ laws, we believe it’s crucial to discuss the state’s Hands-Free Law. This law, enacted in 2020, has significant implications for drivers and aims to enhance road safety by reducing distractions caused by mobile devices. Here’s what you need to know: Understanding …
In a recent case that could have significant implications for individuals employed in the cannabis industry, a bankruptcy court in Massachusetts dismissed a chapter 13 bankruptcy case because the debtor was employed by a marijuana dispensary. The court’s decision highlights the complex legal landscape surrounding cannabis, which is legal for certain purposes in many states …