To Ease Housing Shortage, Worcester Approves Zoning Change for ADUs
To increase affordable housing in Worcester, the City Council on December 12 amended the zoning ordinance to allow construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right. A proposed ordinance was unanimously approved [...]
If You Have Young Children, You Need a Will
You might think a will is necessary only if you have significant net worth, but that’s not true. A will can serve not only to distribute all your property according to your [...]
In Memoriam: Judge Charles Brown Swartwood III
Retired U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Charles Brown Swartwood III, known to all as Brownie, died on November 16, 2023. Brownie devoted his working career to public service and the law. After being [...]
Prenups: What to Know Before You Sign One
Congratulations! You’ve found your life partner, and you’re engaged. The last thing you want to think about is what will happen if your marriage ends. Nonetheless, it may be worthwhile to consider [...]
Estate Tax Threshold Raised in Massachusetts
A major tax relief package signed by Governor Maura Healey on October 4 doubles the Massachusetts estate tax threshold to $2 million. The higher estate tax threshold is retroactive to January 1, [...]
New Zoning Guidelines for MBTA Communities Encourage Affordable Housing
Finding affordable housing here in Worcester is a serious challenge. Soaring property values and limited housing stock have made it harder for first-time buyers to get their feet in the door [...]
Use a Good Estate Plan to Preserve Assets for Your Heirs
It’s still true: The only sure things in life are death and taxes. You can’t avoid the former, but you can minimize the latter. A good estate plan can preserve assets for [...]
OUI Conviction in Massachusetts? You May Have Right to a New Trial
If you are one of 27,000 Massachusetts defendants convicted of Operating Under the Influence (OUI) of alcohol between 2011 and 2019, you might have a right to a retrial. A recent decision [...]
Sierra J. Smarra Joins Mountain Dearborn
Mountain Dearborn welcomes Trusts and Estates attorney Sierra J. Smarra as an Associate. Sierra brings to the firm extensive experience with drafting legal documents and administering estates and trusts, as well as [...]
Police Accountability vs. Individual Privacy: Tradeoffs of Body Worn Cameras
After years of research and public debate, the Worcester Police Department now requires officers to use body-worn cameras (BWCs). The WPD’s new policy follows a nationwide trend to increase police accountability by [...]
