Corporate Liability: An Introduction to Causes of Action
This is the second article in a series on the circumstances that can give rise to a civil lawsuit. The first article in the series can be found on Fletcher Tilton’s website under ARTICLES. Corporate Liability Generally Before diving into a discussion of the most common causes of action – which are the combination of…
WBJ’s Webcast: The Future of Commercial Real Estate
FT Shareholder attorney Mark L. Donahue participated in the Worcester Business Journal’s October 2, 2020 Webcast regarding the future of Commercial Real Estate. Click here to watch the webcast. Attorney Donahue’s portion begins at 40:09.
Under What Circumstances Can a Civil Lawsuit Be Filed? An Introduction to Causes of Action
Despite references in popular culture to the contrary, one cannot sue another, or be sued for that matter, for any reason at all. To be more precise, a person could file a civil lawsuit against another for any reason under the sun, but unless that individual’s lawsuit is based on an appropriate cause of action,…
Guardianship and Alternatives
In Massachusetts, the law dictates that all individuals are presumed legally competent to make their own decisions upon reaching adulthood at age 18. All adults are afforded the right to privacy relative to their medical information, the right to enter into legal contracts, and the right to make their own life choices. If an individual…
Why You Should Have An Estate Plan
We are often asked “Why do I need an estate plan?” If you have assets, are married, or have children, any of these is a reason to have an estate plan. An estate plan enables you to distribute your assets to the people you choose, in the manner you want them to be received, and…
Does It Matter Who I Choose For My Trustee?
Choosing the right trustee to serve now or on trusts that may be created in the future is extremely important. In fact, choosing the right trustee may be one of the most important decisions you will make in your estate plan. The following details the trustee’s responsibilities and discusses the pros and cons of different…
Virtual Estate Planning in Massachusetts During COVID-19
Thanks to technology, estate planning can often be done virtually for those who are concerned about in-person meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pursuant to Governor Charlie Baker’s April 27, 2020 order, Massachusetts temporarily allows for virtual notarization of certain documents, which includes estate planning documents. The act requires that the clients, the witnesses and the…
Can the IRS Take My Home?
The Internal Revenue Code allows the government to use federal and state courts to collect unpaid taxes and enforce liens. This collection power includes instituting foreclosure proceedings and obtaining administrative seizure of a taxpayer’s home or other property under certain circumstances. The IRS is unlikely to pursue foreclosure actions against most taxpayers, especially if the…
Dealing With IRS Penalties
Taxpayers who fail to file their tax returns on time or fail to pay the full amount due are automatically hit with hefty charges for interest and penalties. When this happens, taxpayers should expect to receive a bill in the mail a few months after filing. The best way to deal with interest and penalties…