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,...
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....
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...
What are Shareholders Agreements in Massachusetts?
Shareholders agreements are an important part of any business, big or small, that has more than one shareholder. Shareholders agreements exist to establish the rights and responsibilities of shareholders in...
What are the Types of Tenancy in Massachusetts?
Around 35% of Massachusetts residents rent somewhere to live. This figure is about average for the whole of the United States, although it hides differences based on age, socio-economic group...
What happens during the Discovery Stage of a Lawsuit?
Lawsuits are civil actions taken by one party against another because of a perceived wrong against them. Many civil actions are settled without having to use a court, i.e. without...
Restraining Orders in Massachusetts
What are restraining orders? Restraining orders, also called abuse protection orders in Massachusetts, are court orders that are aimed at preventing someone from potentially harming, actually harming, or harassing someone...
Alimony Law in Massachusetts
Alimony, also called spousal support, is a regular payment made by the better off spouse after a divorce to the less better off one. Not all divorces result in alimony...
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....
How Long Do You Have to Be Married In Massachusetts to Get Half?
If you have heard that the assets of you and your spouse could be split 50/50 by a Massachusetts court, then you are only partly correct. Of the 50 states,...
