Zoning Update: Is Your Lot “Grandfathered” or Just Old?
It is no secret that during the past few years, the value of a parcel of real estate suitable for single family home development in Massachusetts has increased at a pace which is unparalleled in modern history. The demand for new residential housing has continued unabated, largely due to reasonable mortgage interest rates. Shortages in…
Considering Converting Your Multifamily House to Condominiums?
Every time the housing market booms, owners or purchasers of multifamily houses contemplate whether they should keep the steady stream of rental income or if they can make more money by converting the property into condominium units and selling the units individually. We saw this in the 1980s and in the early 2000s, and it’s…
My Adult Child is Getting Divorced, So Why Am I Being Asked About My Assets?
When their child is getting divorced, most parents are appalled to learn that the state of Massachusetts, unlike other states, allows the court to consider the future inheritance of a divorcing spouse when determining how to divide the marital estate. Although a future expectancy of an inheritance is not divisible in a divorce, “the opportunity…
Condominiums 101
Condominiums are peculiar “creatures.” They are often thought of as a lifestyle choice, but they are actually a special legal form of property ownership under which an individual purchases and owns a unit in a multi-unit complex. What follows is a legal explanation of what a residential condominium is, how it functions, and some of…
Beware of the ABAS
Over the last couple of months, we have been noticing denialsfor adult DDS services on the basis of scores on the AdaptiveBehavior Assessment System (ABAS). To be eligible for adultservices, an applicant must have an IQ score of approximately70 or below and deficits in adaptive behaviors. To determinewhether an applicant has deficits in adaptive behavior,…
Understanding the SSI “One-Third Reduction Rule”
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will decrease theamount of your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefitby one-third if it is determined that you are receiving “in-kindsupport” from your parents or a friend or relative. If you live inthe home of another individual and s/he does not charge you forthe cost of room and board, then SSA…
The Spirit of Giving at Fletcher Tilton
Thanks to Maura Jacobs and Kristina Horgan for again organizing this year’s Fletcher Tilton Holiday Giving Tree for Pernet Family Health Services.
Attorney Frederick M. Misilo Named Worcester Business Journal Champions of Healthcare
Last night, Fletcher Tilton PC – Attorneys at Law‘s Fred Misilo, Jr. was honored at the Worcester Business Journal‘s Healthcare Awards as “Healthcare Leader – Professional Services”! This recognition celebrates Mr. Misilo’s outstanding commitment to healthcare equity through Fletcher Tilton’s free Special Needs Planning webinar series. By making vital healthcare and benefits information accessible to…
Short Sales Provide Relief for Struggling Massachusetts Homeowners
In the early and mid 2000’s, home values throughout the UnitedStates appreciated at an unprecedented pace. During this time,buyers commonly borrowed in excess of 90% of the cost of theirnew home purchase, and many homeowners refinanced theirexisting mortgages in order to cash out newfound equity. When thereal estate bubble finally burst and home values began…