Law Office of Cathy A. Marino

12/25/2023

09/07/2022

With the historic rise in real estate values, I am seeing more and more people having to real with owing Massachusetts Estate taxes when a loved one dies. Because the threshold is $1,00,000.00, even if there are few other assets, the family home could easily meet that threshold.

As the attached article says, the Legislature failed to act on the issue, dispute bipartisan support. So what can you do? Write and call your Senator and Representative

[email protected]
State House

24 Beacon St.
Room 26
Boston, MA, 02133
Phone: (617) 722-2080

[email protected]
State House

24 Beacon St.
Room 520
Boston, MA, 02133
Phone: (617) 722-1634

In a stunning about-face, after missing their July 31, 2022 midnight deadline, in the early morning hours of August 1, 2022, the Massachusetts legislature announced that they had failed to pass an economic development plan that just days before had the support of both the Democratic Senate and House...

06/08/2021

It’s not enough to find a qualified and good lawyer, it’s important to be a good client as well

How to be effective moving through divorce.Take responsibility.Do not place responsibility for your experience in the hands of your spouse or the attorneys

04/06/2021

Watch out for these sophisticated scams. If you have older family members, check in with them about unusual expenses

The latest online scam targeting seniors is almost too ingenious not to work. That’s what makes it so devious — and its victims so vulnerable.

03/08/2021

Watching the most recent episode of Dr. Phil. A wife and her mother-in-law are at odds with how to care for their husband/son’s end of life care.

This conflict is the reason that everyone must have an properly prepared medical durable power of attorney. Sometimes called a Living Will, or Advanced Medical Directive. (Depending on your state.

When considering your Estate Plans, don’t ignore this important planning tool

01/01/2021

Wishing you all a prosperous and healthy new year. Stay safe and smart

12/24/2020

Merry Christmas from The Law Office of Cathy A Marino

08/07/2020

Re: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance -PUA

I’ve had several of my clients make this mistake, If you were or are collecting Pandemic Unemployment Assistance because you are an independent contractor, self-employed or gig worker please read the following:

If you’ve gone back to work you can still collect your PUA benefits so long as your net income does not exceed your weekly benefit amount. Many people have made a mistake thinking they have to report that they have been working but also that they have to report their gross earnings for the week. That is not the case, you should report your gross earnings less your weekly expenses (your net income)

In order to determine your weekly expenses you should take your actual weekly expenses (gas, stock, salaries) along with other expenses that you may pay on a monthly bi- monthly or yearly basis. For example rent, credit card payments, excise tax, water/sewer and other utilities.

Reach out to your accountant or bookkeeper for assistance if you’re not certain of your net expenses. Many people have left significant amounts of money on the table because they did not realize that it is the net income for their weekly employment that is to be considered. Further, if your hours or ability to do jobs has been greatly reduced you are not working full-time any longer you are working part time.

I hope this is helpful to those who have been struggling and although the $600 benefit is no longer a part of your weekly claim it may be in the future

When filing for your weekly benefit (those you may have not claimed as of yet) make sure that you claim them in chronological order from the earliest date to the latest, otherwise you will waive your right to claim for those weeks that you have skipped.

06/23/2020

Scam Alert

A client reported a very sophisticated scam. The caller claims you have won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes. The representative advises the victim must pay a percentage of the winnings to the IRS. They even had a fake attorney call her.
Fortunately, my client contacted me, and I called the number provided to complete the transaction. The “Federal Gambling Authority”

Please, if you receive a call, email or letter about winning a prize, talk to a trusted attorney before you make a very expensive mistake.

Do you think you have really won a prize from Publishers Clearing House? Here's how to recognize PCH scams and differentiate them from real wins.