When Can You Request Emergency Custody Orders in Massachusetts?
You may request an emergency custody order in Massachusetts when a child faces an immediate and serious risk of harm that cannot wait for the usual court process. Depending on the facts, a judge may temporarily change custody or parenting time, sometimes before the other parent has an opportunity to respond.
Can You Sue Your Real Estate Agent for Misrepresentation?
Yes, you may be able to sue a real estate agent for misrepresentation in Massachusetts if the agent made a false or misleading statement, withheld material information they had a duty to disclose, and you suffered financial harm as a result. Depending on the circumstances, claims may involve misrepresentation, breach of an...
What Is a 1031 Exchange and How Can Massachusetts Investors Use It?
A 1031 exchange allows a real estate investor to sell qualifying investment or business property and defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting the proceeds in other qualifying real estate. Massachusetts investors can use this federal tax provision when exchanging eligible property, but strict rules govern the type of property involved, how the...
Can a Co-Owner Force the Sale of Property in Massachusetts?
Yes, in many cases, a co-owner can force the sale of jointly owned property in Massachusetts by filing a partition action. If the owners cannot agree on what to do with the property, the court can end the shared ownership through a physical division, a buyout, or a sale.
How to Contest a Will in Massachusetts: Grounds and Process
You can contest a will in Massachusetts if you have a legal interest in the estate and grounds to argue that the will should not be admitted to probate. Common grounds include lack of testamentary capacity, undue influence, fraud, forgery, or failure to properly execute the will.
A will...
Caring for Aging Parents: How to Protect Their Finances and Future
Caring for aging parents often means helping them prepare for legal, financial, and healthcare decisions before a crisis occurs. By planning early, you can help protect their assets, honor their wishes, and reduce the likelihood of family disputes or court involvement.
Many adult children begin helping with everyday tasks,...
What Is the Massachusetts Estate Tax in 2026?
Massachusetts residents may owe state estate tax even if their estate is far below the federal estate tax threshold. In 2026, the federal estate tax exemption is $15 million per person, while Massachusetts continues to impose its own estate tax on estates exceeding $2 million.
That difference catches many...
Can a Personal Representative Sell Real Estate During Probate in Massachusetts?
Yes, a personal representative can sell real estate during probate in Massachusetts, but whether court approval is required depends on the authority granted under the will. If the will includes a power of sale, the personal representative can generally sell the property without obtaining a License to Sell from the Probate...
Domestic Violence and 209A Restraining Orders in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know
A 209A restraining order is a court order intended to protect people who have experienced abuse or fear they are at immediate risk of abuse from certain family or household members. Whether you are seeking protection or responding to a restraining order, understanding how the process works can help you make informed...
Lead Paint and Environmental Hazard Disclosure Failures in Massachusetts
When buying residential property in Massachusetts, sellers may be required to disclose certain environmental hazards, particularly the presence of lead paint in older homes. Failing to provide required disclosures can expose sellers to legal claims, financial liability, and disputes after the transaction closes.
Environmental hazards can affect a property's...