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Massachusetts Consumer Law Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Insurance Bad Faith and Insurance Defense for Massachusetts on
Q: Why don't life insurance prices vary by state?

Do different states not have different regulations or business costs? Is it because life insurance companies cannot discriminate on geography?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 8, 2022

This is something an insurance professional would know better than an attorney. The industry relies more on individual factors such as age, gender, health factors (history of disease, smoking, alcohol, etc.), and activities/line of work, etc. An insurance professional could offer a more... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Lemon Law and Consumer Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I sue a well reputable bmw dealership for selling me a car for lemon law back around 2018?

I purchased pre-certified 2015 bmw 535xi when it has 55k miles on it and now the car only has 62k miles on it in 2022. it broke down on me yesterday. It's barely driven for all these years and it breaks down (possibly the drivetrain).

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Apr 4, 2022

I think you may be out of luck. From the Massachusetts Lemon Law website:

Your Vehicle's Term of Protection

Your used vehicle has a set time frame during which it is eligible for repairs!

You vehicle is eligible for mandatory repairs if the defects occur during your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Small Claims for Massachusetts on
Q: can i sue a well reputable debt collector for saying a credit card company is going to file a lawsuit against me?

MCM contacted me saying one of the debts i owe to a credit card company is now in collections but the guy threatening me that the credit card company is going to file a lawsuit against me, he didn't say if he had proof or anything and made me pay fast.

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Apr 1, 2022

Debt collectors are not supposed to threaten to file suit unless they actually intend to do so. However, if you owe the money and you are inclined to pay you may want to treat this as an opportunity to make a settlement favorable to you.

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts and International Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Marriott hotel sublet the event hosting time slot paid my me to another party. Want to sue Marriott.

Marriott hotel in Kolkata, India was booked by us for a day to host my brother's marriage. Marriott sneaked in two more parties in our time slot before our events began and hence we could not decorate our event properly since other parties were still present. The time slot assigned to us was... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Feb 7, 2022

Where did you sign the contract, in the US or in India? What does the contract say, (the terms and conditions may be online) do Indian or US laws apply? You can always write a demand letter to Marriott in the US. he worst they can do is say no.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Collections and Lemon Law for Massachusetts on
Q: If I have a duplicate title to my vehicle and the spot for lien holder is empty could there still be a lien on my car?

The rmv website says no lien holder and on my title it only says my name and information nothing about a lien holder could there still be a lien holder on my vehicle?

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Jan 28, 2022

If this is a passenger vehicle, according to Massachusetts law, if there is no lienholder on the title, the secured party's interest, if any , has not been properly perfected and there is no lien on the vehicle.

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Massachusetts on
Q: Hello, I'm have an issue with a landlord that is not returning a deposit and it has been well over 30 days.

It was a month to month lease. No Damages. She has retained a lawyer. I have reached out to him, given him details last week via a text, he has not not responded to my calls or messages.

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Oct 14, 2021

Massachusetts security deposit (if that is what you are talking about) law is very favorable to the tenant, but there are very particular aspects to the law. Go to masslegalhelp and read up on a landlord's obligation to return a security deposit (if that is what you are talking about) If... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What steps should I take if being sued by debt collector? I received letter to appear in court. I owe a portion of debt.

I do not have means to pay amount owed. May I offer settlement to be paid over time?

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Sep 20, 2021

Certain forms of income are exempt from collection. If you only have exempt income, the debt collector cannot collect funds from you. Exempt income includes, but is not limited to Federal old-age, survivors and disability payments, Supplementary Security Income (SSI) for the Aged, blind and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Massachusetts on
Q: I've been served papers re a credit card debt by mail with no date of service. Wondering how to calculate the 20 days.

I'm also confused about how to properly file the answer. I would appreciate some direction. Thank you.

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Sep 7, 2021

What is the date of the complaint you received? I would count the 20 days from that date. Your answer should contain numbered paragraphs corresponding to the numbered paragraphs of the complaint. You should also insert any affirmative defenses, such as, this is not my debt, I paid this in full,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Lemon Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Hi, I like know about consumer law. I want to know about my rights.

I bought a used car from dealership and during my purchase I was not told about the Defects that involve the actual operation of the car. Examples include the brakes, tires, and Blind Spot Detection system. I replaced the tires and brakes and pay to dealership worth($500) and they told me to go to... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Jan 22, 2021

You may be entitled to relief under the Massachusetts Lemon Law. I suggest you review the requirements here: https://www.mass.gov/guides/guide-to-used-vehicle-warranty-law. You should also visit: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/consumer-services-at-the-attorney-generals-officer The dealer has... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Consumer Law, Contracts and Entertainment / Sports for Massachusetts on
Q: Fitness training company charging me for services that were not provided. What are my options?

I signed up for personal fitness training with a company for 6 months from Dec-2019 to May-2020 ($600 for each month & 10 sessions each month). No services were provided between Mar 2020 to May 2020 due to COVID. The company was not reachable on phone during that time for cancellation enquiry.... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Oct 9, 2020

Most lawyers' rates would make legal representation impractical. Look carefully at your contract and see what your options are. Contact your credit card company and have them stop the automatic payments. I suggest you consider filing a small claims suit yourself. If nothing else, it will get... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Massachusetts on
Q: My father passed away & left properties - if he for some reason still owes a mortgage - am I as a heir responsible?

I never co-signed for any loans! The properties are in Puerto Rico!

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Oct 6, 2020

If you did not sign for the loans, you cannot be held personally responsible. I assume the Puerto Rico mortgages, if any, are like Massachusetts mortgages, that empower the lender to sell the property to satisfy the debt, and in most cases if you wanted to stop the foreclosure sales payment... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law and Juvenile Law for Massachusetts on
Q: At a private business can photos be taken without the consent of the employee's

At a private business in MA, a neighbor who has been harassing the employees continues to come down every weekend to take pictures of minors while they work. She says it is for going after the owner for tax reasons however, the minors have stated to her that they do not consent to being filmed. Is... View More

Lissa McKinney
Lissa McKinney
answered on Oct 2, 2020

There are a few issues here, so the answer rather depends. IF a neighbor can see from her property or a public street and take pictures it is probably legal. If she must trespass to take pictures then it may be a criminal trespass. It also sounds like harassment that may or may not fit the law on... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Business Law and Civil Litigation for Massachusetts on
Q: The plumber who is fixing my boiler has been in and out over 3 weeks. If i hire someone else instead, do I have to pay?

It's been 3 weeks without hot water, the plumber I called keeps not showing up, or he will just suddenly show up at 8pm. He hasn't fixed my boiler in three attempts. No paperwork has been signed, and he hasn't really communicated the problem. If i hire someone else to fix my boiler,... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Jul 16, 2020

If you have not agreed on the work he is to perform and what you are required to pay him, you do not have a contract. He may have a right to compensation for his visits but it would be up to him to show what he did and the basis for any compensation he claims to be entitled to. I suggest you hire a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Divorce, Employment Law and Family Law for Massachusetts on
Q: What can I do to recover damages? Anything?

My now ex wife worked with me in my business. She ended up having an affair with one of our employees. During her deposition she did not admit to a relationship with the employee but as soon as our divorce was final he moved in and made it public through social media. She has posted damaging... View More

Tanesha R Wright
Tanesha R Wright
answered on Jun 14, 2020

As counsel has already stated if she's making defamatory statements about your business that is an issue outside your divorce. However, I do think there are issues you could address in your divorce on other matters. First, would be a potential modification if you are unable to make payments... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation and Constitutional Law for Massachusetts on
Q: Does the Governor of Massachusetts have the legal authority to order me to wear a mask because of the coronavirus?

Doesn't this order infringe on my constitutional rights?

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 17, 2020

Constitutional rights are balanced with public health interests in these settings. Good luck

Tim Akpinar

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Bankruptcy, Consumer Law and Contracts for Massachusetts on
Q: Can I reopen a CH 13 BK from years ago as its related to CURRENT litigation?

This CH 13 BK and adversary proceeding was handled by an attorney I hired (and who is now deceased). I ONLY started digging into the facts because the opposing attorney brought it up There are strong possibilities that not only was FOTC committed, but also, the judge's order was not complied... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on May 5, 2020

You can try. The reopening fee is $260.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Massachusetts on
Q: In MA if you receive a notice to appear in court to mark docket satisfied is it important that I go?

It was for a debt paid off very difficult for me to get there. Thank you

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Mar 6, 2020

I do not see why you have to go to court in order to have the debt marked satisfied in full.Normally my office just sends the paperwork to the court indicating the debt has been paid. I suggest you call the clerk's office to get clarification as to the necessity of your appearance. You could... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Collections for Massachusetts on
Q: Judgement against me from 2007 for credit card debt.

Had no idea I had this against me, my husband use to take care of our finances and now he is deceased. A collection agency wants $7400 for a $2900 judgement. What can I do? Would like to clear this up but don't have $7000.

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Jan 29, 2020

If you want to respond aggressively, go into the court and file a motion to have the judgment vacated because did not receive notice of the case in 2007 (if that is true).

If you are willing and able to pay, tell the collection agency what you said above, that your husband handled your...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for Massachusetts on
Q: How do I RENEW a Massachusetts civil capias warrant issued in a home contractor award case that will expire in 2 months.

The warrant is evidently good for 1 year during daylight hours only. I have proof of defendant's continued address occupancy (signatures on USPS postal receipts within last 2 months), but is otherwise very good at dodging the sheriff. Person would be greatly happy when this expires, as could... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Dec 13, 2019

You have to file a written motion for a new capias, mark it for hearing, give notice to the debtor, and surrender the old capias.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Massachusetts on
Q: purchased 4 shoes for $1650 and shipped to a friend for $2235, all 4 are fake, I got refunded for 1, what should I do?

The seller is based out of California, I live in Massachusetts, my friend who these were shipped to lives in New York, I bought the 4 pairs mid August, after getting in the shipment we found out 1 was fake right away, I refunded my friend $950, after waiting 3 weeks the seller sent a compensation... View More

Christopher Tolley
Christopher Tolley
answered on Sep 30, 2019

Keep after the seller online and by text, but if he/she does not respond, file a small claims complaint and seek multiple damages under G.L. c. 93A, the Massachusetts unfair and deceptive acts statute. The clerk may be willing to help you fill out the small claims form. If/when you get a judgment,... View More

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