Law Offices of Kevin S. McCarthy

09/11/2025

As an attorney, I can attest to the fact that despite the potential benefits to homeowners, solar panels can complicate a real estate transaction. Be prudent and do your research.

Realtors advise knowing what you’re getting into before making an offer.

03/22/2024

An interesting article which explains how the recent real estate agent court settlement might impact most consumers in a positive way.

A settlement by the National Realtors Association promises to change the way real estate agents are compensated. It could spell an end to 6% commissions, which are higher than people pay elsewhere.

11/15/2023

https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/15/opinions/nar-lawsuit-real-estate-commissions-brobeck/index.html

The verdict in the NAR lawsuit has made it highly likely that in the future the real estate industry will no longer be able to charge 5% to 6% commission rates across the board, writes Stephen Brobeck.

03/16/2020

In light of the Massachusetts Governor’s Declaration, Court leaders have closed the Trial Courts to the public for Monday and Tuesday, March 16th & 17th
The Trial Court uses a single, statewide, toll-free number, 1-855-MA COURT, (855-622-6878) for announcements on emergency closures. The Court will also post notices on mass.gov/courts
I encourage my clients to keep informed by reliable sources. Please be vigilant in applying social distancing and hygiene precautions to mitigate spread of the coronavirus.
Any questions about your upcoming scheduled court dates, please contact my office at 781-254-8119. Please understand that the Court will need to evaluate the situation and make considered decisions on how to proceed with rescheduling hearings.

03/14/2020

https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2020/03/13/massachusetts-new-hampshire-courts-coronavirus

“Every individual, business, and public agency has a duty to help flatten the curve of this pandemic’s growth. Criminal justice agencies are no exception."

02/19/2020

Massachusetts' new "Hands Free Phone Law" is now in effect. This article provides a detailed description of how the law works and what you "can" and "cannot" do.

Police will begin enforcing the law Sunday.

06/01/2018

An interesting article which explains how you might be affected by the diminished mortgage interest and home equity loan interest deduction in the new tax law which takes effect in 2018. https://www.wsj.com/articles/should-you-pay-off-your-mortgage-the-new-tax-law-changes-the-math-1527845403

01/23/2018

An informative article about municipal tax liens and how Massachusetts homeowners and tenants may lose their homes if they are unwary.

https://news.wgbh.org/2018/01/21/local-news/tax-lien-law-haunts-massachusetts-property-owners?utm_source=FBPAGE&utm_medium=social&utm_term=20180123&utm_content=1300024002

08/10/2017

By Kimberly A. Bielan   A recent decision issued by Chief Justice Cutler of the Land Court considered a claim by condominium unit owner...

03/18/2017

A noteworthy and important decision from the Land Court regarding the question of whether a joint tenancy can be severed by the mere recording of a judgment ex*****on against one of the joint tenants. The court held that the joint tenancy is not severed (thereby making the former joint tenants, tenants in common) until the completion of the levy of ex*****on by either sale or set-off. http://rebama.blogspot.com/2017/03/will-creditors-ex*****on-sever-joint.html

By Tucker DuLong The question of whether a joint tenancy can be severed by the mere recording of a judgment ex*****on has become a hot-...

01/10/2017

Just a friendly reminder that the default speed limit on city streets in Boston, MA will be reduced to 25 mph on Monday January 9, 2017. Be careful and stay safe while driving.

Slow down Monday if you’re driving in Boston.

04/17/2016

Massachusetts residents should keep a close eye on developments in the area of MassHealth asset recovery. A new proposal in Governor Baker's budget would subject more of a nursing home patient's assets to recovery as a means to reimburse the government for the cost of nursing home care regardless of certain estate planning techniques such as a life estate and certain trusts. If you have any questions about estate planning and wills and trusts, please feel free to contact the Law Offices of Kevin S. McCarthy.

http://m.capecodtimes.com/news/20160417/baker-proposal-targets-estates-to-pay-nursing-home-costs