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 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...
Making a Valid Will and Three Estate Planning Tools in Massachusetts
There is only one thing more important than making a Will in Massachusetts – it is making a valid Will. There are different sets of legal requirements for a Will...
Common Residential Home After-Purchase Problems in MA
How do you know whether a home you buy not have any major defects, apart from what the seller has already stated before the sale? The answer is to engage...
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....
What Does “Under Seal” Mean?
What is a “seal?” Seals have been around for hundreds of years, but their purpose has changed a lot during that time. The term “under seal” for instance, has little...
Does Having a Trust Avoid the Need for Probate?
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...
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...
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...