Blog
Plain-language guidance on the questions we hear most often. General information, not legal advice.
Guidance by practice area
Long-form plain-language guidance, grouped by the area it covers.
Probate & Estate Planning
Do You Even Need Probate in Massachusetts If There's a Will?
A will does not skip probate; it directs it. Whether your family needs a full probate in Massachusetts depends less on the will and more on how the property was titled. Here are the lighter paths and what passes outside court.
What Does an Executor Actually Do in Massachusetts?
Being named to settle a loved one's estate is an honor and a real responsibility. Here is what the role, called a personal representative in Massachusetts, involves.
Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney: The Documents Everyone Needs
These two documents protect you while you are alive, not just your estate after. What each one does in Massachusetts, and why every adult should have both.
Do I Need a Will If I Don't Own Much?
A common question with a clear answer. Even modest estates benefit from a will and a few basic documents in Massachusetts.
Real Estate
How a Massachusetts Real Estate Closing Works, Start to Finish
A plain-language guide to a Massachusetts closing: the seven stages from offer to recording, what to expect on closing day, and the homestead tip worth real money.
Do I Need a Closing Attorney to Buy a Home in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts handles real estate closings differently from many states. Here is who the closing attorney represents, and why buyers often want their own counsel.
Five Things to Check Before You Sign a Purchase and Sale Agreement
The purchase and sale agreement, not the offer, sets the real terms of your home purchase. Here is what to review before you sign.