Key Points: Secured and unsecured creditors are treated very differently when a debtor defaults or files for bankruptcy. Secured creditors generally have priority because their claims are tied to specific collateral, while unsecured creditors rely on the debtor’s remaining assets. Understanding these differences helps creditors assess risk, protect their interests, and improve recovery outcomes when…
Key Points: Whether you need a trust for Massachusetts real estate depends on your goals. A trust can help you avoid probate, maintain privacy, prepare for incapacity, and provide structure for how your property is inherited. However, homeowners with simple estates or straightforward beneficiaries may not need a trust. The best choice depends on your…
As AI tools become more common in business for content creation, marketing, design, or automation, company owners need to understand how copyright law treats AI-generated content. Under current U.S. law, works created solely by AI generally cannot be copyrighted. However, content that combines meaningful human creativity with AI assistance may still qualify for protection. Massachusetts…
Tracy A. Craig was quoted in WSJ Buy Side in an article focused on how to choose a life insurance beneficiary, and what to consider when naming an individual, a trust, an estate, or a charity. The piece highlights how beneficiary decisions can affect control, timing, and administration, especially when family circumstances or planning goals…
A personal guarantee makes an individual personally responsible for a business loan if the business cannot repay it. This means the lender may pursue personal assets such as bank accounts, wages, or property to satisfy the debt. Before signing, business owners should understand how guarantees affect liability, how they can be limited through negotiation, and…
Picture this: a Massachusetts-based startup has developed a new software tool that automates customer service responses using proprietary algorithms. A larger tech company wants to integrate the tool into its own platform. Instead of selling the technology outright, the startup decides to license it. That decision could shape the company’s growth—and its long-term control over…
Tracy A. Craig was quoted in WSJ Buy Side in an article examining how life insurance can be used as a strategic estate-planning tool. The piece discusses common planning objectives such as providing liquidity, supporting long-term family goals, and integrating policy design into a broader wealth and legacy plan. “You’re creating a tax-free pool of…
Key Legal Takeaways: When parents separate or divorce, shared parenting arrangements can be challenging to navigate even under the best of circumstances. But when conflict between parents is frequent and intense, co-parenting can become overwhelming and emotionally draining. We help clients throughout Massachusetts understand their rights and options when facing high-conflict co-parenting challenges. By learning…
Key Takeaways: When it comes to business contracts in Massachusetts, restrictive covenants are often a key consideration. These legal provisions can protect a company’s interests by limiting certain activities of employees, contractors, and business partners after their relationship with the company ends. However, while restrictive covenants can help prevent competitors from gaining access to proprietary…
Key Takeaways: Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals Without Heirs Why Estate Planning Matters for Singles For individuals without close family or heirs, estate planning is more than just dividing assets—it is about crafting a plan that aligns with personal goals and long-term intentions. Without a valid will or trust in place, Massachusetts intestacy laws dictate…
