“I’ll get to it.” “Next month when I have some time.” “I’m just too busy this week.” We all can think of a time where we put off doing something that seemed to be a problem for “another day.” Wills, Trusts, and Estate Plans exist for a reason. When we ultimately pass on there needs…
Read moreHarassment Prevention Orders in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know About 258E and 209A Orders
Massachusetts law allows a person to seek court protection when they are being harassed, stalked, sexually assaulted, or threatened under circumstances that meet the legal standard for a Harassment Prevention Order. These orders are commonly called 258E Orders, after Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 258E. A 258E Order is different from an Abuse Prevention Order under…
Read moreHousing Court Tier 1 Status Conference: What You Need to Know
If you are a landlord bringing a summary process (eviction) case against a tenant in Massachusetts, the rules have changed. Previously, a landlord would send a Notice to Quit and, once it expired, would make legal “entry” to the apartment or tenement by serving and filing the Summons and Complaint with the local District or…
Read moreDoes a landlord have to comply with a rental assistance application in Massachusetts?
The answer is, probably, but it depends. MGL c. 151B s.4(10) states that it is illegal: “For any person furnishing credit, services or rental accommodations to discriminate against any individual who is a recipient of federal, state, or local public assistance, including medical assistance, or who is a tenant receiving federal, state, or local housing…
Read moreTransferring Your Case to Housing Court from District Court
Massachusetts law allows a landlord to file in District Court as well as Housing Court. This is because Housing Court is a relatively “new” court that was initiated in the 1970s and 80s. The result was that certain areas, like the upper and lower Cape, were not covered by Housing Court jurisdiction, leaving the District…
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