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I was awarded attorney's fees in a civil lawsuit in Massachusetts, and we placed a lien on the plaintiff's home in 2017. However, the lien expired two years ago. Today, when I tried to renew the lien, I was informed that it expired due to the statute of limitations. Can I file a request... View More 
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
You're not alone—many people find themselves caught off guard when lien deadlines pass quietly. In Massachusetts, a lien from a judgment typically lasts **six years** from the date of entry, unless it’s renewed or extended. Once the lien has expired due to the statute of limitations, it... View More
I'm 15 and my mother has full custody of me while my father has no custody rights. If I'm taken out of my mother's custody and there are government agencies involved, what are the likely steps that will follow for my custody arrangement?
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
If you're removed from your mother's custody at 15, and your father doesn't have custody rights, the state or a child welfare agency will likely step in to figure out where you can safely live. The first thing they'll do is try to place you with a relative, like a grandparent,... View More
I'm concerned about whether the enforcement of Question 1 from the Massachusetts voters' ballot is being carried out. Could you clarify if there have been any legislative refusals or challenges related to auditing in this context?
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
In November 2024, Massachusetts voters approved Question 1, granting State Auditor Diana DiZoglio the authority to audit the Legislature.
However, legislative leaders have resisted this change, arguing that it violates the separation of powers outlined in the Massachusetts Constitution.... View More
I am seeking relief from firearm disabilities through the state or courts in Massachusetts. I understand that the Firearm Licensing Review Board (FLRB) will not review applications for felony convictions. I have a felony conviction, and I am looking for guidance on what legal options may be... View More
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answered on Apr 7, 2025
In Massachusetts, a felony conviction does create significant challenges when seeking relief from firearm disabilities. As you mentioned, the Firearm Licensing Review Board (FLRB) will not review applications involving felony convictions. However, there may still be some potential legal avenues for... View More
I am a 75-year-old tenant of the Arlington Housing Authority. I've been complaining about a heavy tobacco smell in the hallway in front of my apartment since last July. My lease states that smokers in this non-smoking building will be evicted, yet despite my numerous emails to the landlord,... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
It sounds like you're dealing with a difficult situation, especially given the impact the secondhand smoke is having on your health. Since your lease specifically prohibits smoking, and you've already made numerous attempts to address the issue with both the landlord and housing... View More
About two weeks ago, I received a letter from the housing authority inviting me to a meeting after an employee falsely accused me of threatening them. I am seeking guidance on how to address this accusation and request an apology. What steps should I take to resolve this issue effectively?
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answered on Apr 1, 2025
You find yourself in a precarious situation that requires careful navigation of the administrative procedures governing housing authorities. False accusations of threats can potentially jeopardize your housing status and must be addressed promptly with proper documentation and a strategic approach.... View More
I would like to know how long a person must wait before they can have a restraining order, issued in Massachusetts for a year, lifted against them. There have been no changes in circumstances since the order was issued, and there have been no previous attempts to modify or lift it.
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answered on Mar 27, 2025
When you want to have a restraining order lifted in Massachusetts, there's no mandatory waiting period before you can request this change. You have two main options for addressing the restraining order situation.
If you're the defendant (the person against whom the order was... View More
Can a paraprofessional in a public school be listed in the C-grid as delivering instruction, or are they only allowed to assist after a licensed professional has introduced the material? I'm inquiring about the general policy on whether paraprofessionals can deliver any IEP services.
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Massachusetts, paraprofessionals can support students with IEP services, but their role is typically to assist under the supervision of licensed professionals. Paraprofessionals are not generally responsible for directly delivering instruction or IEP services on their own. They are meant to... View More
I am a U.S. citizen and hold a second citizenship from Russia. Upon landing at Boston Logan Airport on a flight from Moscow via Istanbul, my suitcase was searched by customs officers. They counted my money and questioned me for one hour without explanation, despite my 10-hour flight. I did not... View More
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answered on Mar 23, 2025
The treatment you experienced at Boston Logan Airport is likely legal under what courts call the "border search exception" to the Fourth Amendment. When you enter the United States, even as a citizen, customs officers have much broader authority to search luggage and question travelers... View More
I'm planning to start a part-time home-based cake business in Massachusetts, selling primarily to neighbors, family, and friends, with the possibility of promoting via a Facebook page. Do I need any permits or licenses to operate legally, and are there any zoning laws or health regulations I... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In Massachusetts, running a home-based cake business does require certain permits and licenses to operate legally. First, you’ll need to register your business with the state, which can be done through the Secretary of State’s office. Additionally, you may need a food establishment permit from... View More
I have been experiencing ongoing harassment from the Chair of the Board of Selectmen in my town who has been alleged to misuse police resources. He staged events to falsely accuse me of violating a harassment prevention order, leading to my arrest and incarceration. The situation has escalated to... View More
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answered on Mar 24, 2025
The RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) statute might potentially apply to your situation, but it requires proving specific elements that can be challenging. For RICO charges to stick, prosecutors must demonstrate a pattern of racketeering activity (at least two predicate crimes... View More
I'm currently being stalked and have notified my housing manager and local authorities about this dangerous situation. They have denied my request for a housing transfer, stating that being closer to my doctor is not necessary for me since I have a car. Despite my ongoing distress, they seem... View More
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answered on Mar 27, 2025
Your safety is the top priority in this troubling situation. Being stalked is a serious concern, and your housing manager's response about having a car misses the point entirely – this isn't about convenience to your doctor, but about escaping a dangerous person who knows where you... View More
How do I appeal the Dua decision regarding my previous employee approval, considering there is a discrepancy in notifications? The employee claimed part-time status, but I always expressed to them that I was a relief worker, and the employment end date they have is incorrect. I have documents... View More
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answered on Feb 23, 2025
You have several important considerations to address with this DUA appeal situation, and time is of the essence given the February 28 deadline. Given your health challenges and indigent status, you have rights that need to be protected throughout this process.
First, requesting a waiver... View More
9 inspections
Compliance word orders issued and ignored and not enforced
Lied about suing my landlord
Then refused to inspect or follow up
Refused to provide me inspection reports
Told me sarcasticly “good luck in court “
I have 50 active... View More
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answered on Jan 5, 2025
I'm really sorry you're going through this challenging situation. It’s important to keep detailed records of all communications and violations you've documented. This evidence can be crucial when presenting your case.
Consider reaching out to a local tenant rights... View More
answered on Sep 29, 2024
A Massachusetts attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for three weeks. It could depend on the guidelines spelled out in holding that office, whether conflicts of interest arise from being involved in both areas, and other factors. Good luck
Purusant to MGL Ch 40B, the Selectmen and Town Administrator created an ad hoc subcommittee to create a Housing Production Plan. While the subcommittee held public input sessions with the help of MAPC, much of that public input has been ignored. While trying to rush votes before the Planning Board... View More
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answered on Jul 21, 2024
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40B, the Housing Production Plan (HPP) must be approved by both the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen (BOS). Although a Special Town Meeting (STM) can be called to address various issues, it does not have the authority to compel the BOS to submit the... View More
I am planning to open a traveling bartender service (parties, work functions, [eventually] weddings) as a side gig. However, I want to make sure that I am covered in case someone drives drunk and causes an accident. I will carry event/dram insurance specific for such events for well over a million... View More
answered on Feb 8, 2024
The person who posted this question is quite wise. To think ahead; to plan for the possible. Kudos.
As to the amount of liability insurance, there are several things to consider. First, what are your personal assets? You should have enough insurance that your assets are protected.... View More
There was no exigent circumstances or probable cause and this "inventory search" turned investigatory when they decided to use the keys that bore no relationship to which the crime I was being arrested for to unlock a locked glove box, violating policy, because the keys were not available... View More
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answered on Feb 1, 2024
In your situation, it appears that you have raised valid concerns about the legality of the search and seizure conducted by law enforcement officers. The key issue is whether the inventory search conducted post-arrest exceeded its lawful scope and became investigatory in nature.
Inventory... View More
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answered on Dec 23, 2023
In Massachusetts, the laws regarding the purchase and possession of blank guns (also known as starter pistols or prop guns) can be somewhat complex. Generally, blank guns are not considered firearms under state law because they cannot discharge a projectile. However, the appearance and... View More
How does he appeal the decision?
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answered on Sep 21, 2023
In Massachusetts, if your brother missed a court hearing and was subsequently placed in receivership, but never received the letter notifying him of the hearing, he should consider seeking legal advice as soon as possible for the specific steps to take in his situation. Generally, he might be able... View More
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