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...
Getting a Lawyer for Rental Properties: Do You Need One?
Owning rental property can be a wise investment, but it also comes with legal responsibilities that can catch you off guard. Many landlords assume they can handle everything on their own—until something goes wrong. Whether you're managing a single-family home or multiple units, having legal support can help you avoid common pitfalls...
Understanding Spousal Inheritance Rights
When a spouse passes away, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. On top of that, there are legal matters to sort out—especially when it comes to what a surviving spouse is legally entitled to inherit. Whether there’s a will in place or not, Massachusetts law provides certain protections for spouses. Understanding these...
Does a Surviving Spouse Eliminate the Need for Probate?
When someone loses their spouse, the last thing they want to think about is paperwork or court filings. Understandably, many people assume that everything simply passes to the surviving spouse without any legal steps. While that can be true in some cases, it doesn’t always work that way in Massachusetts. Whether probate...
Environmental Regulations and Real Estate
Environmental regulations shape the way properties are bought, sold, and developed. A single rule or restriction can impact construction plans, limit land use, or require costly remediation. Buyers and developers must be aware of potential environmental concerns before moving forward with a transaction. Sellers, too, need to understand their responsibilities to avoid...
The Importance of Title Insurance
Buying property is a big step, whether it’s your first home, an investment, or a commercial space. You put time, effort, and money into making sure everything goes smoothly, from securing financing to reviewing contracts. But even the most well-planned real estate transaction can come with hidden risks. Past ownership disputes, unpaid...