Massachusetts: What Happens When a Will Is Not Properly Signed?
Detailed Answer Short answer: If a will is not executed according to Massachusetts formalities — for example, the testator did not sign it in the required way or the required witnesses did not sign — the Probate Court will generally refuse to admit that document for probate. When that happens, the estate is typically administered […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Do You Need to Attend a Court Hearing to Approve a Minor's Settlement?
What Happens at a Massachusetts Court Hearing to Approve a Minor’s Settlement? Detailed Answer This section explains, in plain language, how Massachusetts handles settlement approvals when a person under 18 (a minor) receives money from a lawsuit or settlement. It covers whether you must attend court, who usually appears, what the judge looks for, and […]
Read article →Guardian ad Litem for Minor Injury Settlements in Massachusetts
Understanding the Role of a Guardian ad Litem in a Minor Injury Settlement in Massachusetts Short answer: A guardian ad litem (GAL) is a court-appointed person who investigates and protects a minor’s legal interests in a lawsuit or a settlement. In Massachusetts, courts commonly require independent review or court approval before a minor’s personal-injury settlement […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Getting Court Approval for a Minor’s Personal Injury Settlement
Detailed Answer: How to get court approval for a minor’s personal injury settlement in Massachusetts Short answer: In Massachusetts, most personal injury settlements for a minor require court review and approval through the Probate and Family Court or the court handling the minor’s interests. The process exists to protect the minor, resolve medical and government […]
Read article →Medical Liens and How They Affect Your Settlement — Massachusetts
Detailed Answer What a medical lien is: A medical lien is a legal claim a medical provider, hospital, or insurer can assert against money you recover from a third party (for example, in a personal injury settlement or jury award). The lien says: if you get paid by someone else for your injuries, the provider […]
Read article →Massachusetts: How Lump-Sum Personal Injury Settlement Negotiations Work
Understanding the Lump-Sum Personal Injury Settlement Negotiation Process in Massachusetts Short answer: In Massachusetts, negotiating a lump-sum personal injury settlement is a multi-step process that moves from investigation and demand to offers and counteroffers, then to documentation and payment. Negotiations seek to convert your claim for damages (past and future medical costs, lost income, pain […]
Read article →Massachusetts: How to Get a Diminished Value Quote After a Car Accident
Disclaimer: This is general information only and is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about your specific situation, consult a Massachusetts attorney or contact the Massachusetts Division of Insurance. Detailed Answer What is diminished value? Diminished value is the loss in a vehicle's market value after it has been damaged in […]
Read article →Massachusetts: Options When an Insurer’s Offer Won’t Cover Medical Treatment and Lost Wages
Next steps when an insurer’s settlement offer falls short of covering medical care and lost wages This guide explains practical options under Massachusetts law, what to document, and when to consider arbitration, litigation, or other remedies. This is educational only; it is not legal advice. Detailed Answer — what you can do right now When […]
Read article →How to Get a Realtor Approved by All Parties Before Marketing Property in Massachusetts
Detailed answer Getting every owner and authorized party to approve a realtor before you market a Massachusetts property requires a clear, document-driven process. Below are the practical legal steps to follow, with notes on common issues and links to Massachusetts statutes and resources that often apply. 1. Identify who has the legal authority to approve […]
Read article →Claiming Loss-of-Use Damages for Your Car After an Accident in Massachusetts
How to claim loss-of-use damages for your car after an accident in Massachusetts Quick answer: Under Massachusetts law you can seek loss-of-use damages (the reasonable cost to rent a comparable vehicle or the reasonable rental value for the time your car was unusable) from the at-fault driver or that driver’s insurer. To succeed you must […]
Read article →