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Massachusetts Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Does Massachusetts use an Executor's Deed or a Deed of Distribution to transfer real estate bequeathed under a will?

If the will was probated outside of Massachusetts (or internationally), do additional steps need to be taken in Massachusetts before submitting the new deed and probate documents to the Registry Office?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Sep 21, 2023

There would be an Ancillary proceeding usually since Massachusetts real estate was involved apparently from what is understood of the question posed.

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: I was served a Summons in a Civil Action by my deceased parents mortgage company. What specialized attorney should Icall

My brother and I do not want this house. It had a mortgage on it. Both parents are deceased. I called my probate attorney in the county the house is in and because it the document we were served is for the United States District Court in Northern District of Texas, he does not handle federal (?)... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Aug 23, 2023

I suggest you ask the probate attorney to give you his thoughts on what relief the plaintiff bank is seeking in the complaint. He/she should be able to do that just by reading it. Then you can start looking around for an attorney who handles that sort of case. I represent lenders in foreclosures... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: If a quitclaim to add spouse to the title of the house is not registered, do I still need his signature to sell?

I am married, but the house and mortgage are in my name only. If I add my spouse to the title through a quitclaim deed but don't register it, would the spouse be a legal co-owner of the house? If I die, how would the unregistered quitclaim affect the spouse's ownership of the property?

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Aug 18, 2023

If you convey property to another, whether you record the deed or not, the grantee owns the property and in order to convey to a third party, both of you must sign the deed. How the property is disposed on your death depends on how you and the grantee take title. If you convey to the grantee as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure, Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: My ex has end stage dementia-I am his POA/HCP-hold mortgage on 1/2 house he shares-Can I get lieu deed before he dies?

I have never been paid any interest & want to keep family property safe. I have already paid off one other foreclosure on the property to keep it safe. It is shared (TIC) with his niece. I do not want to force sale of the property when he dies to get my money, so would like to deal with this... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Aug 1, 2023

So I understand correctly, your ex owns the house as tenants in common with his niece and you have a mortgage on his interest in the property only. You propose to accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure of his interest in the house. Following such a transfer, you will be tenants in common with the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I am a homeowner living in Marlborough, MA in Middlesex County . My parents(now both deceased) bought the home in 1965.

In 1994 we had a detached garage built on our property. Our new neighbors told me they were going to have their property surveyed. They did, and according to their surveyors, a corner of our garage is encroaching their property by one foot. Nothing further has developed either by them or by me. My... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 13, 2023

To claim adverse possession you would need an adjudication of same from the Land Court and should involve real estate counsel in order for good title to your property to be passed, unless you want to adhere to the official meter and bounds as stated in the Deed and remove the garage or offending... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Elder Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Beneficiary of a Trust . Trust being challenged to change beneficiaries other party claims person who passed wasnt well

I was not present when the Trust was signed did not know i was a beneficiary but a family member was present witnessed this as Trustee and the settlor signed it . If for some odd reason this doesnt go in my favor do I have a lawsuit against the attorney who notarized the Trust as a benificary.

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jul 12, 2023

Is the Settlor lacking competence or under duress or undue influence in the transfer into Trust? These are the issues.

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Does a trust protect my home purchased before marriage if I am to get divorced?
Michael M Marques
Michael M Marques
answered on Jun 21, 2023

There are a couple of factors to review. a) Was the home placed in a trust prior to or after the marriage? b) Is the trust revocable or irrevocable? c) Whose benefit was the trust intended for? Until recently, trusts were seen as assets when a court decided how assets were to be distributed upon... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My father had 3 or 4 strokes less than a month before signing to sell his house now they are taking him to court for it
Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Jun 2, 2023

Assuming that your father is a Massachusetts resident for his thumbnail response: Your father may well have been infirm and not competent to enter into the sale agreement in which case an Equity case on his behalf should be commenced along with a Guardianship and Conservatorship petition... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for Massachusetts on
Q: No Tittle No Registration.

My Grandmother left 2 lands in PR to 4 siblings more then 50 years ago. My mother was leaving in one of the land and my uncle build a house in the second land. All siblings has deceased. I went to PR to find out under who's name was both lands. Theres no record of registration couldn't... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on May 15, 2023

It sounds like the first step would be to contact a real estate attorney In Puerto Rico to see if there is real estate still owned by your grandmother. If there is, then the next step would be to determine where your grandmother was a resident at the time of her death as the law of the State of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: As a cash buyer is it required to have a title V inspection to close on a home in Massachusetts
Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on May 1, 2023

If the property is a single family residence served by an onsite sewage disposal system you have to comply with Title V regardless of how you pay for the home.

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: Lived in parents house for 10yrs after parent passed away; Executor; sold for 150K; how much should I give sibling

97K mortgage was paid from 150K; utility, and home maintenance fees.

Mass probate

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 22, 2023

From your question, I assume you and one sibling inherited the home, that you continued living in the home for ten years while your sibling did not, that you are the only one who made the payments mentioned, and that you have been an adult for the full ten years.

Determine the fair rental...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Massachusetts on
Q: How do I get a redemption for a real estate tax taking in Massachusetts?

My local tax collectors office filed a tax taking back in 2008 for outstanding real estate taxes due on an investment property? The delinquent taxes were paid by my mortgage servicer from my escrow account.

A recent title search shows the 2008 tax taking lien recorded, but a redemption or... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Apr 12, 2023

If the tax title amount has been paid, the town is required to issue a redemption. The town is permitted, but not required , to request the recording fee for recording the certificate as a condition of providing the certificate, and then must record the certificate. I believe the recording fee for... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: What are steps to take with my mother's estate when she passes away with no will.

My mother and I live in Massachusetts. I have an older brother who lives in NY. My mother is 75 with failing health. My mother owns a house in NY and a house in MA. She has a couple of retirement accounts and has savings and checking accounts. She refuses to get a will. I have asked her to do this... View More

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Mar 31, 2023

Your mother appears to reside in Massachusetts and assuming that is the case she would be intestate and depending upon her marital status and whether you and your brother are the only children she has, you and brother have equal ability to file a Petition for Probate of her estate upon her death.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Massachusetts on
Q: My neighbor passed in 2016; before her passing she had a will which identified me as the executor of the will.

I did not act on the will because the daughter moved in and I didn't want to upset her. However, the daughter recently passed and now there are no living relatives. Is the mom's will still executable?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Mar 13, 2023

I agree that consulting an Estate attorney concerning this matter would be the route to take. A public forum can only provide some basic information. If you are in possession of the original will and were named the Executor now referred to as Personal Representative, you had a duty to move... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Is it possible to avoid estate or gift taxes on a house jointly owned by a father and son after father’s death?

Father and son jointly acquired a home with funds provided by the father. They memorialized an investment agreement/promissory note whereby the son was permitted to live in the house while repaying his half of the initial cost. Additionally, the son was responsible for all utilities, insurance and... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Mar 6, 2023

The issue of whether a third party's improvements to real property reduce its value for estate tax valuation purposes is not straightforward. This question should be directed to a tax professional or your estate attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Should a builder have disclosed detention pond near condo house?

I bought a new construction condo house 15 months ago that I am supposed to close on, in a few days. The plans and agreement showed that there is a wetland in the area far from my house but a vast green area beside my lot which was the main factor to choose this exact lot. For the last few months,... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Mar 6, 2023

You should review this with your attorney as soon as possible to review all the facts and documents because you may have the basis of a claim. If you do not want to go forward with the purchase you should establish a strategy and get input from your attorney on the costs and benefits of litigating... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Collections for Massachusetts on
Q: City gave notice of unpaid property taxes (2 years old) that were already paid during closing to be paid by certain date

Or they'd put a lien. I paid the dues in time with confusion from city that once I find the evidence of payment during closing, I'd get reimbursed. I did find that evidence and provided it to them. Treasurer confirmed in email to refund the amount I had paid earlier. It's been almost... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Mar 6, 2023

If you have submitted al the materials necessary to show you paid, the refund should be forthcoming. Are you otherwise current on your real property taxes? If not, that may be the hold up. Otherwise, keep after them.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Civil Litigation for Massachusetts on
Q: House owner went into property before scheduled walk thru

My ex fiancé and mother went in on a house together. When we broke up he wanted to kick my mom out, we sued him for breach of contract when he filled for evection. We won and my mom has until February 28, 2023 to vacate the property at that time we will do a walk thru of premises and then he will... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Feb 28, 2023

I assume your ex's entry into the property violated the parties' settlement agreement. However, you do not articulate any harm to you or your mother as a result of his acts and therefore you would not be entitled to damages. Therefore, it does not seem to be in your interest to reopen the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Municipal Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Why would a town restrict occupancy of my home from year round to 6 months if I sell the property? Is there a loophole?

I would like to buy the home but I fear upon purchase, the house would go into a 6 month occupancy (required by the town). I would prefer to keep the house year round. Is there a workaround? Has new legislation opened things up?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 4, 2023

The reasons for a town to restrict the occupancy of a home from year-round to 6 months may vary depending on the specific regulations and zoning laws in that area. However, it is often done to preserve the character of the community, maintain the quality of life for residents, and prevent... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I am a trustee of an HOA development where all the owners in the development jointly own a HOA amenity property. Our HOA

files its taxes as a non profit. Recently we learned the town asseses the amenity as comercially zoned eventhough its a comunity garden. is this correct?

Lillian J. LaRosa
Lillian J. LaRosa
answered on Feb 8, 2023

Your organization needs to have counsel review this issue which does not appear to be a general question suitable for a forum.

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