Attorneys in Somerville

Massachusetts bankruptcy automatic stay (11 U.S.C. § 362) immediately halts most collection actions, lawsuits, foreclosures, and wage garnishments the moment a bankruptcy is filed.

Massachusetts businesses can use Chapter 11 to reorganize debt while continuing operations. Subchapter V (small-business) streamlines for businesses with debt under ~$7.5M.

Massachusetts arbitration clauses are widely enforced under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) — but unconscionability, class-action waiver issues, and the 2022 EFAA (sexual-harassment carve-out) limit some clauses.

Massachusetts breach-of-contract claims require valid contract + breach + damages — but most cases turn on what damages can be proved, not whether breach occurred.

Your federal constitutional rights apply if you're arrested in Massachusetts — Miranda, right to remain silent, right to counsel. Phone-call rule: 1 phone call within 1 hour of booking.

Massachusetts assault charges: simple assault is typically Misdemeanor up to 2.5 yrs; aggravated forms can reach Felony up to 20 yrs (depending on facts).

Massachusetts DUI breath-test results can be challenged on calibration, maintenance, operator error, mouth alcohol, and machine reliability — successful challenges have led to thousands of dismissals nationally.

Massachusetts commercial driver's license (CDL) holders face stricter DUI rules — 0.04% BAC limit (half of regular drivers) plus career-ending consequences for ANY DUI in any vehicle.

Massachusetts disabled employees are protected by the federal ADA (15+ employees) + state law — employers must engage in interactive process + provide reasonable accommodations unless undue hardship.

Massachusetts workers age 40+ are protected by the federal ADEA + state law from age discrimination — but the Supreme Court's Gross v. FBL standard requires "but-for" causation, making cases harder than other discrimination claims.

Massachusetts asset protection involves layering — exemption planning, business entities, retirement accounts, and (for some) Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs) in DAPT-friendly states.

Massachusetts blended families need careful estate planning to avoid disinheriting biological children when surviving spouse remarries — QTIP trusts, life insurance, and specific structures address the conflict.

Massachusetts adoption involves consent rules, a court-supervised home study, and (for newborn adoptions) a state-specific revocation window. 4 days after signing for revocation.

Massachusetts calls it alimony. MA's 2011 reform created statutory durational caps tied to marriage length: marriages of 5 years or less = 50% of months married; 5-10 years = 60%; 10-15 years = 70%; 15-20 years = 80%; 20+ years = indefinite.

Asylum is governed by federal law but cases are heard in the immigration court closest to where the applicant lives. Boston Immigration Court.

Massachusetts immigrants in removal proceedings may qualify for cancellation of removal — relief that allows long-term residents (LPRs and certain non-LPRs) to avoid deportation and obtain green cards.

Copyright is purely federal — registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, enforced through federal district courts. Massachusetts infringement cases are filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.

Massachusetts creators using copyrighted material need fair-use analysis — four-factor test (purpose, nature, amount, market effect) determines whether use is lawful without permission.

Massachusetts amusement park / ride / water park injuries can lead to negligence, premises liability, and product-liability claims — but liability waivers and federal CPSC reporting create complications.

Massachusetts aviation-accident claims involve federal aviation law, FAA / NTSB investigations, multiple potential defendants, and (for international flights) treaties like the Montreal Convention.

Massachusetts 1031 like-kind exchanges defer capital gains tax on real-estate sales when proceeds reinvest in similar property — strict 45/180-day deadlines + qualified intermediary required.

Massachusetts adverse possession requires 20 years of continuous, open, hostile, exclusive, and notorious possession.

Massachusetts spouses who filed joint returns can escape responsibility for tax debts caused by the other spouse — through innocent spouse, separation of liability, or equitable relief.

Massachusetts taxpayers facing IRS audits should know — most audits are correspondence (mail-only), 3-year SOL is standard, and you have appeal + Tax Court rights at every step.