Can a Landlord Do Renovations While the Property Is Occupied?
If you're renting a place in Massachusetts, you might wonder what happens when your landlord wants to renovate, especially if you're still living there. On the other hand, if you own rental property, you may be thinking about upgrading your unit mid-lease. Either way, it’s not as simple as just picking up...
Divorce During Incarceration
When one spouse is incarcerated, life doesn’t pause—and neither do major life decisions like divorce. Whether you're the one in prison or the one outside, ending a marriage while a spouse is incarcerated is absolutely possible in Massachusetts. It may feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. We’ll help you understand the process...
Summer Recess and Child Custody
Summer break is a time kids look forward to, but for parents sharing custody, it can come with added stress. When school’s out, routines shift, vacations come up, and schedules may no longer follow the same weekday patterns. If you're co-parenting, you might already be wondering how to handle all the changes...
Can I File for a Divorce Online?
Divorce isn’t easy, but with more court services going digital, many people wonder: Can you file for divorce online in Massachusetts? The short answer is yes—in certain situations, it’s possible. That said, online filing doesn’t necessarily mean the entire divorce process happens with a few clicks.
What Does...Wills vs. Trusts: Which Estate Planning Tool Is Right for You?
When you’re planning for the future, one of the first decisions you may face is whether to create a will, a trust, or both. It’s a common question—and a good one. Both wills and trusts are tools that help you control what happens to your assets and your loved ones after you...
When Should a Landlord Hire a Lawyer?
Not every rental issue requires legal help, but some problems are too big—or too risky—to handle on your own. As a Massachusetts landlord, you may be dealing with a variety of situations that range from routine maintenance requests to serious legal disputes. When a problem affects your rights, your finances, or your...
The Dos and Don’ts of Real Estate Transactions: A Buyer’s Guide
Buying a home is a big step—whether it’s your first or your fifth. From putting in an offer to closing day, there are a lot of moving parts. And while no two transactions are the same, some best practices can make your experience smoother and less stressful. At LaFountain & Wollman P.C.,...
What Is the HUD-1 Settlement Statement?
Buying or refinancing a home involves a lot of moving parts—and a fair amount of paperwork. One document that may show up at your closing is the HUD-1 Settlement Statement. If you’re not familiar with it, you’re not alone. It’s long, it’s detailed, and it can be confusing if you’re seeing it...
Should I Update My Will?
Most of us create a will with good intentions, then tuck it away and forget about it. But a lot can change in just a few years—your family, your finances, even the law. If you haven’t looked at your will lately, now might be a good time. In this post, we’ll explain...
How to Avoid Sibling Conflicts During Probate
Probate has a way of bringing long-standing family tensions to the surface. The loss of a parent is emotional enough, and when legal and financial matters come into play, things can get messy fast. Siblings may find themselves disagreeing over what’s fair, who should be in charge, or how to interpret a...