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Real estate matters can encompass a variety of events – buying and selling of property, estate planning transfers, obtaining variances or special permits from a town or city, subdivision approval, leases, and commercial property development to name a few. Proper handling of real estate matters requires an understanding of state regulations, local zoning and building codes, real estate bar association standards, and underwriting title standards. Representation is also avaliable to both lenders and borrowers with residential or commercial closings. Lastly, initiating litigation in the Superior or Land Court may be required to resolve land disputes, clear title defects or appeals of permit denials by a city or town.
Probate administration is the collection and distribution of an individual’s probate assets in accordance with the wishes of the decedent. While the growth in lifetime transfers and estate planning has reduced the volume of estates requiring administration in the Probate & Family Courts of Massachusetts, this area of law remains one in which an attorney must recognize and comply with often arcane legal standards while addressing the various issues that arise with locating heirs, locating and valuing property and addressing estate taxes.
Estate planning involves the drafting and execution of legal documents that will determine how your property, financial decisions, and medical care will be handled during your lifetime and after your death. This area of the law has become more complex with the various alternatives available to seniors and their families seeking assistance with long-term care and Medicaid benefits. Furthermore, the use of asset transfers, trusts, and lifetime gifts allow an individual to legitimately address his or her care while passing on an estate to friends, charities and family.
Divorce and Family matters, including contempt and modification actions, are generally handled in the Probate and Family Court of Massachusetts. Family court has its own set of rules and procedures that make representation of clients in these matters unique and require a solid understanding of asset, child support and alimony, and visitation issues. Also, matters of divorce or family issues can be complex and require a great deal of time, whether in court or not, to resolve the highly emotional issues confronting the parties.
- Commercial Representation
Commercial representation is available for a variety of legal issues faced by small businesses – business formation and registration, employment and non-competition agreements, drafting and reviewing contracts and leases, site development, collections and liens, partnership disputes, succession planning, and the buying and selling of corporate assets. Understanding your business, and its present and future needs, is crucial to proper business formation, compliance with local and state law and regulations, and sustainable growth.
Landlord/Tenant matters, handled in the District Court and Housing Court, are disputes between the owners and tenants of real property and include evictions, rental arrears, repairs and services, and foreclosures events. Representation of a property owner and representation of a tenant require an understanding of the circumstances facing each and how those circumstances may be addressed by law or under equity. Furthermore, owners of commercial property have different rights and obligations than residential property owners.
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- Will and Trust Litigation
Will and trust litigation encompasses those actions brought in the Family & Probate Court in which one person objects to the terms of a decedent’s will or trust, objects to the ability of a person to execute a will, trust, or property transfer, or objects to the appointment of an executor or administrator of a probate estate or a trustee of a trust. Practice and procedure involved with these matters are complex and require a party to meet specialized standards of law and fact.
Filing for bankruptcy protection, in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Boston, Massachusetts, is an alternative legal solution for any individual or business facing financial distress. The ability to file for relief from this situation is available to any individual or business that qualifies pursuant to the provisions of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Knowledge of the bankruptcy code and the various state and federal property exemptions is crucial in representing a client in this forum.
Personal injury matters arise when you, a friend or family member are injured as a result of the negligence of another person. Whether it is a motor vehicle collision or slip-and-fall, the injured party must move quickly to understand his or her medical treatment and costs, insurance coverage, and resolution of their liability claims. Furthermore, the medical or insurance benefits received by an individual injured can have a substantial impact on other state or federal benefits and special attention is required when addressing these situations.
In the event a legal matter results in an unfavorable decision, an individual or business may take a appeal to the Massachusetts Appeals Court. An appeal of any lower court determination requires a superior effort to learn not only the law and evidence presented, but also the potential grounds and procedure required for an appeal.
Our office is constantly aware of the legal and non-legal circumstances surrounding your matter and strives to assist you and your family or business in a diligent and honest manner.
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