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Corporate Transparency Act Faces Legal Challenge

March 12, 2024

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) that went into effect on January 1, 2024 is already facing pushback. Only two months after the Act went into effect, a federal district court in Alabama declared the Act "unconstitutional because it cannot be justified as exercising Congress's enumerated powers." For a deeper dive into the CTA's origin and requirements, please see Richard P. Breed, IV's article, Corporate Transparency Act Overview. The below summary gives some information on the Alabama case and its practical implications for the Act.

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Employee Noncompetes in California Become Hotter Potatoes

March 1, 2024

New laws in California on noncompete clauses will have very broad implications and are part of a growing trend against employee restrictive covenants. It has long been the rule that noncompete provisions in employment agreements are unenforceable in California under that state's general prohibition against restraints of trade (CA Bus. and Prof. Code Sec. 16600). As of January 1, 2024, two new California Business and Professions Code sections make such agreements unenforceable (CA B&P Code Section 16600.5) and illegal, allowing employees to sue if they are subject to such noncompetes.

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The Role of Life Insurance in Estate Planning

February 28, 2024

Life insurance is an important tool that can be used to protect your legacy and family in the event of your death. It can provide liquidity to pay for estate taxes, funeral expenses, and other debts, and it can also be used to leave a financial legacy to your loved ones. Business owners often use life insurance to fund buy-out agreements with their co-owners or to insure against the untimely death of a key employee. CLICK BELOW TO READ MORE.

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Fiduciary Duties of Executors and Trustees

February 2, 2024

eir fiduciary duty. A fiduciary duty is a legal obligation to act in the best interests of another person. Executors and trustees are both fiduciaries, which means that they have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of beneficiaries of the estate or trust. READ THE FULL ARTICLE BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW.

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Corporate Transparency Act Overview

January 9, 2024

The Corporate Transparency Act will affect 32 million businesses in 2024. Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers summarizes the key issues you need to be aware of in the article linked below.

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Legal Challenges to Your Estate Plan

January 3, 2024

Estate planning is the process of creating a plan for how your assets will be distributed after your death. It is an important component of your overall financial planning, and it can help to ensure that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones are taken care of after you die. However, even the most carefully drafted estate plan can be challenged. There are several reasons why someone might challenge an estate plan. Read about them by clicking below.

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Estate Planning Issues Facing Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

December 7, 2023

In the dynamic world of business ownership, entrepreneurship often intertwines personal aspirations with the pursuit of business success. With the day-to-day demands of starting, building and managing a venture, a business owner is often forced to place their estate planning in the backseat, leaving the owner vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances and potential disputes. However, a well-structured estate plan is not just about planning for an unexpected death or incapacity. Estate planning goes beyond the mere transfer of assets upon your death. It's about preserving the continuity of your business, mitigating tax implications, providing for the well-being of your loved ones, and ensuring the continued success of your venture. A comprehensive estate plan serves as a roadmap, guiding your business through transitions, safeguarding its future, and preserving the legacy you have worked hard to create.

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Using Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) in Estate Planning

November 14, 2023

The proper management and transfer of wealth are central concerns in estate planning. With a myriad of instruments at one's disposal, it is critical to choose the right tools to achieve specific financial objectives. Among the most versatile and effective instruments is the Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT), especially useful for high net worth individuals aiming to transfer significant assets to beneficiaries while minimizing estate and gift taxes. This article will briefly highlight the mechanics, benefits, and considerations using GRATs in estate planning.

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Massachusetts' New Estate Tax Exclusion Amount Impacts Estate Planning

October 26, 2023

Massachusetts recently made a substantial change to its estate tax laws by increasing the estate tax exclusion amount from $1.0 million to $2.0 million, effective as of January 1, 2023. It is essential to understand how this change could impact you. Residents of Massachusetts, non-residents with Massachusetts property, and those administering estates in Massachusetts should pay close attention to the details and its potential ramifications for estate planning purposes. CLICK BELOW TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

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The Importance of Regular Estate Plan Reviews in Ensuring Effective Asset Distribution

October 24 2023

Estate planning is not a one-and-done affair; rather, it is an evolving process that requires periodic attention and updates. For evidence of the need for reviewing and revising an estate plan one need look no further than the recent changes to the Massachusetts tax laws, which include an increase in the estate tax threshold from $1 million to $2 million. This single change opens up an opportunity for significant tax savings for a wide range of people, but requires a new look at existing estate plans. One cannot overstate the importance of regular estate plan reviews in ensuring effective asset distribution. Once thought of as a concern reserved for the ultra-wealthy, estate planning has now become a crucial activity for everyone, regardless of the size of their estate or age. With the complexities of modern family dynamics, volatile economic conditions, and ever-changing laws, keeping your estate plan up to date becomes critical to avoid unnecessary headaches, legal complications, and most importantly, to ensure your assets are distributed according to your current wishes. CLICK BELOW TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

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Estate Planning for Blended Families

September 20, 2023

Blended families, those comprising divorced and remarried individuals as well as multiple step-siblings, often face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Traditional estate planning approaches may not be suitable or fair for everyone involved. This article delves into some estate planning strategies specifically tailored to the needs of blended families. These aim to provide peace of mind, protect assets, and ensure that each family member is taken care of.

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Avoiding Probate: How Trusts Can Simplify the Estate Settlement Process

August 29, 2023

As a seasoned trust and estate attorney, I have often encountered the apprehensions and confusion that surround estate planning. This frequently revolves around the often daunting term, "probate." Understanding the intricacies of probate and the advantages of alternative methods, such as trusts, can significantly streamline the estate settlement process.

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Charitable Trusts: Leaving a Lasting Legacy While Maximizing Tax Benefits

July 25, 2023

Charitable trusts offer high net worth individuals, business owners, and entrepreneurs a powerful tool for strategic philanthropy. By establishing such a trust, you can not only support the causes you care about but also enjoy significant tax benefits. A charitable trust is an arrangement where one donates money or property in trust to benefit nonprofits – organizations established generally for educational, religious, scientific, or medical purposes. In addition to furthering your charitable intentions, incorporating philanthropy into your estate plan through charitable trusts can lead to reduced estate taxes for your heirs. But it is important that you select competent trustees who can effectively manage your charitable trust's assets and responsibilities.

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How the "Millionaires Tax" Impacts Estate Planning in Massachusetts

June 12, 2023

The new Massachusetts "Millionaires Tax" will have a significant impact on estate planning for high-income residents of the state. The tax (officially an amendment to Article 44 of the state's Constitution) was approved by voters in November 2022, and imposes an additional 4% income tax on the portion of annual taxable income in excess of $1 million. This is on top of the 5% state income tax already in place. For example, a couple with a combined taxable income of $2 million could eventually pay an additional $80,000 in state income tax. The tax will be phased in over time, starting with a 1% surcharge in 2023, increasing to 2% in 2024, and reaching 4% in 2025. The tax is also indexed for inflation, so it will increase over time as well. The Millionaires Tax will likely lead to changes in estate planning strategies for high-income Massachusetts residents. The impact of the Millionaires Tax on estate planning will vary depending on individual circumstances. However, the tax will have a significant impact on how high-income Massachusetts residents plan for their estates.

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Retiring Early Without Early Retirement Penalties

January 28, 2022

Accessing retirement funds while avoiding the 10% penalty using an exception for distributions that are part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments ("SEPPs") is the topic of an article written by Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers' David Valente and published in the American Bar Association's Fall 2021 E-Report. You can read the full article by clicking the link below.

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Protect Your Assets for Future Generations with a SLAT

July 1, 2021

With the Baby Boomers passing on their wealth to the next generation, the most significant transfer of wealth is currently occurring. Although the current federal estate and gift tax exemption offers a generous opportunity to transfer wealth (i.e., currently $11.7 million per individual and $23.4 million per couple), there is no guarantee that this exemption will remain in place in the current political climate. Even if left untouched, the federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption is scheduled to revert back to approximately $5.5 million per individual on January 1, 2026. This realization makes estate planning even more important for anyone who wants to pass on generational wealth right now. There are a number of tools and techniques that we use in developing an estate plan that can be effective in minimizing the tax burden associated with these transfers. Which planning tools and techniques you choose to include within your personal estate plan will depend on many factors, one of which is how much control you wish to retain over your wealth when it passes onto your designated heirs.

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Take These Four Steps to Avoid Probate

June 3, 2021

The prospect of probate, when left unconsidered during one's lifetime, can unintentionally lead to a costly and time-consuming process for loved ones. You have the ability to control this situation and ensure your estate, and your loved ones, avoid this onerous process.

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Gift Tax Reporting Explained

April 30, 2021

This time of year, many people are focused on gathering their income information and filing their annual income tax returns. But people often overlook the need to file gift tax returns, which share the same due date. With high federal exemption amounts and the ability to transfer up to $15,000 ($30,000 for married couples) each year to any number of individuals tax free, it's unusual for even very wealthy clients to have to pay a gift tax. So why does the IRS require you to report taxable gifts on an annual gift tax return (Form 709) even if no tax will be due? And what constitutes a taxable gift?

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How the "99.5 Percent Act" Could Impact Your Estate Plan

April 15, 2021

While still a long way from becoming law, the far-reaching "For the 99.5 Percent Act" introduced into the U.S. Senate could have a considerable impact on generational wealth transfer, and thus on estate planning. The legislation includes a number of provisions that would affect everything from estate tax exemptions, to gift tax rates, to how trusts are structured. The name of the Act, according to one of its sponsors, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, is in reference to the estimated 99.5 percent of Americans who would not be affected by changes to the estate tax system. But what about the 0.5 percent who would be impacted?

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What You Should Know About Opportunity Zone Funds

April 2, 2021

In an effort to encourage private investment in certain economically depressed areas, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created the concept of "opportunity zones." To date, the IRS has designated approximately 8,500 areas throughout all 50 states as opportunity zones. The good news? The Act also included a tax incentive for certain investments in these new opportunity zones, presenting yet another "opportunity" for savvy investors. You can read the full article by clicking the link below.

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5 Takeaways from Larry King's Estate Plan

February 16, 2021

The recent death of legendary broadcaster Larry King elicited scores of laudatory messages celebrating his lengthy career. But King, who often bragged of never preparing in advance for his estimated 60,000 interviews, also did not do a great job of preparing his estate. In fact, he did just about everything wrong. Here are five lessons we can learn from Larry King's less than exemplary disposition of his estate, which is estimated to be $2 million.

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Landlord Prevented from Seizing Restaurant Liquor License Over Back Rent

August 18, 2020

Falling behind on the rent will not force a Boston area restaurant to give up its liquor license to the landlord – at least not during a public health crisis. In a Memorandum of Decision and Order issued in the case of NFLSRE 51 Sleeper, LLC, vs. Hopster's LLC, et al., the Suffolk Superior Court denied the landlord's request to enjoin the use of its liquor licenses by the restaurant tenant after it had missed rent payments in March and April. The court also limited the landlord to an attachment solely for back owed base rent and not holdover charges because it is not clear that the lease was actually terminated and also because the state's moratorium on evictions during the COVID-19 emergency prohibited late fees.

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New Normal, Same Old Rules: A Look Into Business Contracts

June 29, 2020

While we may be in a "new normal," the "old" rules still apply to your business's relationships governed by contracts. Whether you are looking to hold the other party to its bargain or seeking a way out, the terms of the contract will determine what options are available to you. For example, while the seller of Victoria's Secret anticipated that the prospective buyer might seek to use the pandemic as a grounds to back out of the deal, the buyer nevertheless found a hook in the contract which it sought to use to free itself from the deal. That case both demonstrates not only the need to think broadly and creatively about all the potential "what ifs" to address in a contract, but also the need to examine and understand the terms of your existing contracts to identify the risks and opportunities within them. In the end, it often comes down to one question: What does the contract say? This series will explore considerations your business should give to the agreements which govern its various relationships, including internal relationships between or among business partners; relationships with your employees; and external relationships with your customers and vendors. Now more than ever, closely examining the agreements which manage your business's various relationships is critical to protecting your interests and making informed decisions about whether to seek to avoid or pursue litigation.

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Important Insurance Coverage Issues for Construction Projects from COVID-19

June 11, 2020

Project developers and managers, along with general and subcontractors, are finding that construction insurers are rejecting COVID-19 claims against policies written pre-pandemic. Insurers also are opposing any legislative effort to broaden the scope of already written coverage. Notwithstanding, the construction industry needs lawsuit protection from liability exposure and depends on insurers to stand behind those policies. There are four main areas of concern for owners and those in the construction industry: Workers Compensation, Subcontractor Default, Surety and Performance Bonds, and General Liability.

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If No Force Majeure Protects a Tenant, What are Other Defenses to Performance under Leases in the Age of Coronavirus?

May 11, 2020

In addressing the respective rights and obligations of commercial landlords and tenants under a lease during the time of coronavirus, most of the focus has been on the force majeure provision in the lease and whether the coronavirus would, in fact, be identified as a force majeure. There are, however, other defenses available to tenants under contract law, which exist mostly outside of the concept of force majeure and which could be applied by tenants under a lease. These are the two related concepts of "impossibility of performance" and its cousins "frustration of purpose" and "commercial impracticability". Click the link below to learn more.

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Contracts in the Age of Coronavirus

April 29, 2020

Companies face a rapidly shifting global economy due to the coronavirus pandemic and various government responses. Planning may seem impossible, but we need to look forward for what may come next. While much of the country remains under government orders mandating that non-essential services close, states are looking at what re-opening will look like. As businesses consider and plan the process of re-opening, it is sensible to review important agreements. Most businesses will face a critical question of how they – or a contract counterparty – can or will be able to perform under contracts entered into prior to this crisis. Some will have to decide whether to assert that it should be excused from performing its part of an agreement due to force majeure. Without a proper force majeure or other applicable excuse, a party will breach its agreement if it does not perform on time. There are three basic defenses to non-performance under a contract: (1) force majeure, (2) impossibility/impracticability, and (3) frustration of purpose. This article provides an overview of each.

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A Different Take for Claims under Business Interruption Insurance Policies

April 29 2020

Most businesses have basic property and casualty insurance to cover the cost of repairing or replacing property damaged by a casualty, catastrophe or other hazard. Many prudent businesses choose to extend their property insurance to additionally guard against the financial losses that might accompany these insured events. Known as business interruption (BI) insurance, such policies insure a business against the loss of profits and the added expenses that an interruption might cause its operations. In recent weeks, policy holders have been outraged to learn that insurance companies have been routinely denying BI claims for losses associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more about this emerging issue by clicking the link below.

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Virtual Notarization Act Passed

April 28, 2020

On April 23, 2020, after over a month of intense lobbying and several revisions to the original bill, the Massachusetts Legislature passed the Virtual Notarization Act, which will allow remote notarization (via video conference) of estate planning documents like wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care proxies and HIPAA authorizations, as well as mortgages and other documents transferring title to real estate, during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Governor Baker signed the Act into law on April 27, 2020. The Act provides a means for front line workers, hospitalized individuals and other contemplating their own mortality during these extraordinary times, to execute documents that will allow their final wishes to be carried out should the worst happen, and also permits real estate transactions that may have been months in the making to proceed to completion. With remote notarization, the principal, the witnesses and the notary do not have to be present in the same place as long as they are visible to each other via video-conferencing technology, such as Zoom or FaceTime. You can read more about it by clicking the link below.

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Landlords and a Claim of Force Majeure in the Age of Coronavirus

April 13, 2020

Almost all commercial landlord leases will contain a force majeure ("Delays") provision. While the terms "Act of God" and "force majeure" are sometimes used interchangeably, the term force majeure is usually defined more broadly than simply an Act of God. The litigation regarding force majeure provisions in a lease is limited nationally, and even more sparse in Massachusetts. Most of the cases are in fact commercial contract cases which do not involve a lease, but rather a commercial contract of some kind. You can learn more about force majeure and how it can affect lease contracts by reading the full article by clicking below.

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CARES Act Payroll Protection Program Guidance Released

April 2, 2020

On March 27, 2020, the President signed The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") into law. One of the central features of the CARES Act is the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP"). Under PPP, the class of borrowers eligible to receive Small Business Administration ("SBA") backed loans is significantly expanded and includes most employers with 500 or fewer employees, sole proprietors, independent contractors, self-employed individuals, "gig economy" workers and certain non-profit organizations. Applications for small businesses and sole proprietors may be submitted to SBA approved lenders starting Friday April 3.

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Emergency Notarization Bill

April 1, 2020

Under current Massachusetts law, estate planning documents require in-person notarization and two (2) in-person witnesses. With social distancing, individuals are prevented from signing estate planning documents during the COVID-19 state of emergency. A bill, referred to as the "Notary Bill," is in development within the Massachusetts legislature. This bill allows for remote notarization of conveyancing and estate planning documents during the COVID-19 state of emergency. A copy of the original bill filed by Senator Tarr on Friday, March 20, is on the legislature's website (https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/SD2882). Some changes have been made to the bill. We will provide more details once we have confirmation of the final text of the bill as filed. If enacted as published, the bill will grant powers to Massachusetts notaries public who are either licensed attorneys or a paralegal under direct supervision by a Massachusetts licensed attorney, to notarize documents utilizing electronic video conferencing in real time, to supervise signings with virtual witnesses as though they are physically present, and to execute documents in counterparts. These powers can only be used if everyone participating in the signing conference are physically present in Massachusetts. We ask for your help in appealing to your representatives in Massachusetts legislature to consider the urgency of the bill. To search for your representatives and senators, go to: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

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Lease Issues During the Covid-19 Crisis

March 31, 2020

April 1st (and the first day of the next several months) will bring a new kind of anxiety for landlords and tenants, as the gravity of the current events surrounding the ongoing coronavirus crisis plays out. Inevitably, the economic fallout from the pandemic will make it impossible for many tenants to pay their normal rent, or even a portion of the amount due. Until the funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) arrives, any changes to the ordinary payments will quickly flow upstream to landlords, their lenders and their investors. Moving forward, here are some critical things landlords and tenants should do to avoid surprises.

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Funding Matters During the Coronavirus Crisis

March 25, 2020

What a difference a few weeks makes. The longest bull market in U.S. history has come to an abrupt end – at whiplash speed. It ended on the back of a novel coronavirus – COVID -19. Here are a few things you can do now relating to your funding matters to help manage the uncertainty that currently exists with no clear end in sight.

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Insurance Coverage Under Covid-19

March 25, 2020

Beyond the terrible human and social cost of the coronavirus pandemic, Covid-19 is causing enormous business losses from disrupted workforces and supply chains, social distancing practices, travel restrictions, cancelled events and, more recently, government ordered shelter-in-place/stay-home orders. Some business owners may be wondering whether they can blunt the effect of Covid-19 related losses by filing claims under their insurance policies – perhaps their business interruption coverage. We highly advise business owners to do a quick review of the fine print in their insurance coverage to prepare for what might come next

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Massachusetts' New Noncompete Laws: Critical Compliance Requirements Starting October 1, 2018

October 3, 2018

On August 10, 2018 Governor Charlie Baker signed into law Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act of 2018 (G.L. ch. 149, s. 24L) which limits the use of noncompetition agreements in Massachusetts. The new law applies to all post-termination noncompetition agreements between employers and certain employees and independent contractors entered into on or after October 1, 2018.

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Tax Update 2018

March 29, 2018

On December 22, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("TCJA") was signed into law. The TCJA is billed as the largest overhaul of the Internal Revenue Code since the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and it will affect almost every individual and business in the United States. Generally, the new law goes into effect on January 1, 2018, with many of the provisions relating to individuals expiring at the end of 2025. The following is a summary of the TCJA's more salient aspects:

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Employers Should Amend Company Policy Documents in Light Of First-Ever Federal Trade Secrets Law

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

In May 2016, President Obama signed the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“DTSA”) into law. This is the first federal law that regulates trade secrets, a critical type of intellectual property that, until now, has been regulated solely by the states - often in inconsistent ways.

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The Resurgence of Sales by Collector’s Deed and Tax Lien Assignments in the Commonwealth: Authority, Mechanics and Challenges

Friday, January 09, 2015

Despite signs of economic recovery, many municipalities in the Commonwealth are continuing to deal with lingering effects of the collapse of housing prices, prolonged high unemployment and ensuing declines in revenue and local aid. They are confronting soaring demands for spending on public workers’ pensions and retirees’ health care resulting in slashed services, payroll cuts and municipal employee layoffs.

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Richard P. Breed, III quoted in the Boston Business Journal's article "Checked Out But Still Logged On"

Monday, July 02, 2012

Richard P. Breed, III was quoted in the June 29th issue of the Boston Business Journal in the article "Checked Out But Still Logged On."

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Lessons from Turner to Protect Against IRS Challenge to FLP By Richard P. Breed, III, Esq, and Jennifer A. Civitella Hilario, Esq.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Within an estate planner’s bag of tricks, lays the much beloved, yet much feared, family limited partnership (or more recently, the limited liability company). On its face, FLP planning can provide our clients significant transfer tax savings as wealth is transferred to the next generation, while allowing our clients to retain somecontrol over gifted assets. However, these tax savings may be illusory if an FLP is implemented for the “wrong”client.

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Planning for Dispute When Things Are Going Well By Edward D. Tarlow, Esq.

Friday, June 22, 2012

There is always the risk of conflict in business. But when family is involved the risk of dispute is even greater. Family business disputes generally center around governance, business management, ownership and succession (transition) and can be exacerbated by the personal dynamics and history among family members.

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A Short Primer On Using Risk Analysis Techniques To Help Clients Evaluate Disputes

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Increasing numbers of business ownersand in-house counsel are requesting, in addition to a budget for the rendering of legal services, some evaluation of the uncertainties and exposure of a case even at the early stages of litigation.[1] Counsel defending a lawsuit are well aware that the process of dismissing a complaint or complying with discovery are costs which cannot often be recovered absent a showing that the matter was frivolous. This article addresses the risk/cost evaluative process.

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Because I Said So! A Practitioner's Guide to Preserving the Client's Intent when Disposing of the Family Business to an Irrevocable Trust By Richard P. Breed, III, Esq.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Joseph was a successful businessman during his lifetime and died owning a majority stake in a newspaper empire. Joseph provided for his estate to be held in trust for the benefit of his sons and then the remainder to be distributed among his descendants.

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2011: A Year of Change at the FDA? By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Each year the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") receives over four thousand applications are submitted for approval of medical devices. For thirty years, under the U.S. Food and Drug Cosmetic Act ("F.D.C.A."), medical device manufacturers have been required to demonstrate to the FDA that new medical devices are safe and effective.

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Cloud Computing: Do the Risks Outweigh the Rewards? By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq. and John D. Finnegan, Esq.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

"Cloud Computing" has recently become the catchphrase of those who look to this evolving area to assist their businesses in lowering technology budgets and operating costs. All manner of business is being conducted. Even recording studios are operating in the cloud. Indaba Music, a music social network company, recently launched a web based media recording studio.

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The Days of Short Term GRATs May Be Limited By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) are among the most popular and powerful estate planning strategies. But they may soon lose some of their power. Legislation to restrict the use of GRATs has been passed by the House of Representatives in two separate bills, most recently on June 15, 2010 in the Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act of 2010.

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Recovering and Preserving Public Records in the Age of Electronic Documents By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq.

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

The Legislature long ago established that government records must be preserved, maintained and made available to the public in accordance with state law (M.G.L. Ch. 66, Sect. 8). The state’s Supervisor of Public Records, meanwhile, has required municipalities to implement policies governing the backup and archiving of electronic public records (SPR Bulletin No. 1-99).

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Espinosa Bankruptcy Decision Offers Insight on Standards for Void Orders By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

On March 24, 2010, the United States Supreme Court in United Student Aid Funds, Inc. vs. Espinosa, 559 U.S. ___ (2010) unanimously affirmed the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal"s decision to let stand an erroneous Order of a U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

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The Green Recession? Why Environmental Zeal Is Choking The Bay State Economy By Greg D. Peterson, Esq.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

One of the icons of the early Earth Days was the Pogo poster: “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Forty years on, the time has come to face frankly whether we have moved from environmental renaissance to a baroque, self-defeating era of regulation.

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Clearing The Air: Massachusetts DEP Program Has Become An "Indoor Air Jihad" By Greg D. Peterson, Esq.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

It’s hard to beat the ancient Greeks at turning a phase. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, once said “Man is an obligate aerobe.” In modern terms, no breath, no life. So the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection should care, and care deeply, about the quality of the air we all must breathe to live.

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Strictly Business, Except When It’s Not – Dealing With Disputes Within Family Businesses By Emily C. Shanahan, Esq.

Monday, November 30, 2009

A business dispute is a business dispute, at least until it becomes an intra-family dispute. As owners of family-owned businesses know, a business dispute between owners or shareholders can spill over into family relationships. Conversely, the breakdown of family relationships can precipitate disputes on the business side.

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"When is an irrevocable trust not really irrevocable?" By Jennifer Civitella Hilario, Esq.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

At the time, it was an appropriate estate planning strategy for your family to establish an irrevocable trust. You named your trusted friend, John, as trustee and purchased life insurance. At your death, the trust property would be distributed outright to your children at age 30.

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Sometimes best business bet is to avoid litigation By Mark S. Furman, Esq.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

It goes without saying that costs associated with litigation can really add up. For some small businesses, even if they are in the right, a lawsuit can literally put them out of business. Having represented clients on both sides of the litigation table, what comes across loud and clear is that many of these lawsuits could have been avoided

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State Death Taxes – Often an Afterthought – Often Big Bucks By Richard P. Breed, III, Esq. and Jennifer Civitella Hilario, Esq.

Monday, June 09, 2008

As the federal estate tax exemption climbs, and as the 2010 repeal approaches, many families and their advisors are relieved that $2 million to $7 million of assets can be inherited federal estate tax-free. However, residents of most states must still plan for looming, and often substantial, state death taxes.

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Pass along your family business through gifting By Jennifer Civitella Hilario, Esq.

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Owning and operating a family business presents many challenges, perhaps none more daunting than planning for succession to the next generation. This challenge may become particularly complicated when not every member of the succeeding generation is or wants to be an active part of the business.

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Understanding the mediation 'process' By Kerry T. Ryan, Esq.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The mediation is on for next week. Your attorney explains in detail the cost benefit analysis you will want to consider to prepare for the mediation. But did he explain the nuts and bolts of the mediation process itself? It's the process that may determine whether the experience is a great success or a colossal waste of time.

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Supreme Judicial Court to address “injury or loss” requirement of G.L. c. 93A

Thursday, February 21, 2008

“[W]hat constitutes an injury or loss for purposes of a G.L. c. 93A claim, where the plaintiffs had purchased automobiles with allegedly defective door latches, were nonetheless able to use the vehicles, and had not suffered any direct personal injury or economic injury?”

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Arbitration Clauses: Will They Work for You? By Albert A. DeNapoli, Esq.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

To avoid costly and many times slower proceedings in our court systems, alternative dispute resolution provisions in contracts and sometimes as independent agreements have become very popular. Unfortunately, however, as these provisions have become more popular, they have become more complicated

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Borrower Beware: Manage Your Exposure in an Uncertain Real Estate Market By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Given the uncertainty of the 2007 real estate market, now might be a good time for business owners and developers with real estate mortgages to double check their mortgage covenants to see what obligations they might face should property values deteriorate. In a strong market

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Strategies for Brand Protection During Retraction (PDF) By Albert A. DeNapoli, Esq. and Michael J. Radin, Esq.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Strategies for Brand Protection During Retraction (PDF)

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When "irrevocable" doesn't really mean irrevocable By Perry Ganz, Esq.

Monday, September 04, 2006

At the time, it seemed an appropriate estate planning strategy: purchase life insurance; set up an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust ("ILIT"); name trusted friends and advisors, John and Jane, as co-Trustees; and following the insured's death, authorize the Trustees to make outright distributions of principal to the children at ages 25, 30 and 35. But that was 1986 and this is 2006.

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Liquidated Damages: Protecting Your Franchise's Good Name (PDF) By Albert A. DeNapoli, Esq. and Michael J. Radin, Esq.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Liquidated Damages: Protecting Your Franchise's Good Name (PDF)

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Electronic Document Retention: The Basics By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq.and Michael J. Radin, Esq.

Saturday, April 29, 2006

A good document retention policy will save your business time and money. After the Arthur Andersen meltdown, Congress and the Securities Exchange Commission created laws making it a crime (including obstruction of justice) for public companies to destroy records, even if there are no pending proceedings.

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Deferred Executive Compensation Faces Accelerated Taxes By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq. and Perry Ganz, Esq.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Nobody wants to pay income taxes on compensation they have not yet received. But many executives who are entitled to receive deferred compensation from their employers may soon have to do just that. The problem was created by new Section 409A which was added to the tax law by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

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Family Businesses (PDF) An Interview with Edward D. Tarlow, Esq.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Family Businesses (PDF)

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Use of Condominium Form of Ownership can Facilitate Creative Development By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Use of the condominium form of ownership can be a creative solution for problematic real estate development. A typical condominium regime vests ownership of a "unit" in the owner, and the places ownership of the common elements in a unit owners association. This arrangement can, in some cases, be employed when developing real estate by subdivision is problematic.

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Review Lease Provisions to Make Sure They Address Big-Box Retail Issues By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

The trend in retail toward big-box retainers presents several particular concerns for landlords in crafting leases. The size and configuration of a big-box retailers' space require the landlord to pay special attention to the lease provisions dealing with the tenant's operations and tenant turnover.

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By Addressing Third-Party Concerns Early On in Your Lease Negotiations, You Will Minimize Delays By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Friday, June 24, 2005

When negotiating a lease, due consideration must be given to a prospective lender's and purchaser's objectives regarding the lease. Whether the lease is for retail, office or industrial space, at some point during the course of financing the property, or upon the ultimate disposition of the property, a third-party will want to hear from your lessee.

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Five Things You Need to Know about Buying or Selling an RFID System By Michael J. Radin, Es

Monday, June 13, 2005

RFID systems offer tremendous opportunities for businesses that have a clearly defined mission for the system. It is vital to have clear and realistic targets for the system, as well as a detailed understanding of its larger operating environment as it may evolve over time.

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Winds of Change are Blowing in the Banking Industry: Check Processing Overhaul Expected By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Friday, February 11, 2005

As we hunker down to ride-out the winter doldrums, now might be a good time to review your banking cash management procedures, especially in light of a recent changes to the banking system intended to overhaul the way paper checks are processed.

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Reading the Fine Print: Standardized contracts ease purchase agreements By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq. and John D. Finnegan, Esq.

Thursday, December 16, 2004

Using standardized contracts in business is not a new concept. Although this notion is not a particularly innovative one, contract standardization has proved an invaluable resource in streamlining transactions while maximizing the legal protection for all parties involved.

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Estate Planning for Family Owned Businesses and LLCs (PDF) By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq. and Karen L. McKenna, Esq.

Thursday, September 16, 2004

Estate Planning for Family Owned Businesses and LLCs (PDF)

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Is Repeal Real? (And What To Do In The Meantime) By Richard P. Breed, III

Monday, August 16, 2004

By Richard P. Breed, III The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 ("EGTRRA"), in addition to its well-publicized income tax relief for many taxpayers, repeals the federal estate tax for persons dying in 2010.

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New Tax Bill Enhances Section 529 College Savings Plans By Richard P. Breed, III, Esq.

Monday, August 16, 2004

The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), signed by the President earlier this summer, received much fanfare for its income tax rate reductions, marriage penalty relief and phased-out elimination of the estate tax.

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Protect Your Real Estate Project in a Rising Interest Rate Environment By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Wednesday, June 16, 2004

With the expected rise in interest rates looming, the cost of real estate projects will be more closely scrutinized. Perhaps the most critical factor in the cost equation with respect to interest rates is time. Identifying possible sources of delays and working to minimize the risks of delays maximizes the project proponent's chances of taking advantage of lower interest rates.

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Avoid Lender-Contractor Conflicts in the Construction Process By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Friday, December 12, 2003

Financing a construction project presents a myriad of issues for the owner. In fact, it requires the owner to negotiate separate contracts with two parties that have differing, and possibly conflicting, objectives.

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Trusts as Real Estate Holding Entities in Estate Planning Can Yield Benefits During a Lifetime By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq

Friday, May 30, 2003

When property owners turn their attention to estate planning, a review of their real estate holdings and the manner in which title to their properties is held can yield beneficial results not only in terms of avoiding probate or succession planning, but also in terms of a present benefit from changing the manner in which title is held to a more advantageous form.

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Realizing Value out of Business Conflict By Mark S. Furman, Esq. and William R. Rodgers, Esq.

Monday, December 16, 2002

For as long as there has been business, there has been conflict between owners. While a robust conflict of ideas can lead to constant improvement, systemic conflict can be destructive to an operating business.

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New Tax Strategy Can Eliminate 10.5% Mass Financial Institution Excise Tax By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq

Wednesday, October 16, 2002

A tax ruling was just released in Massachusetts that accepts an innovative tax strategy that can eliminate the 10.5% financial institution excise tax now imposed on many mortgage companies.

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Planning to avoid the Massachusetts "Sting Tax" on Large S Corporations By Jeffrey Hart, Esq.

Tuesday, July 16, 2002

Massachusetts imposes a corporate tax at a rate of 3% - 4.5% on taxable income of S corporations such as XYZ with more than $6 million of gross receipts. Under Massachusetts regulations, a Massachusetts Business Trust (or corporate trust) that is an S corporation for federal income tax purposes does not qualify for treatment as an S corporation in Massachusetts and is, therefore, not subject to the special Massachusetts tax on large corporations.

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R.E. Orgs. Become Active in Lobbying Legislatures to Avoid Cutting Budgets (PDF) By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Friday, June 21, 2002

R.E. Orgs. Become Active in Lobbying Legislatures to Avoid Cutting Budgets (PDF)

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You, Your Estate Plan, and Your Pet (PDF) By Edward Tarlow, Esq

Monday, April 15, 2002

You, Your Estate Plan, and Your Pet (PDF)

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New Chapter 14 Rules Affect Buy-Sell Agreements By Richard P. Breed, III, Esq.

Friday, November 16, 2001

On November 5, 1990 Congress enacted the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 ("OBRA"). Included within the myriad provisions of OBRA was Section 11601 which retroactively repealed the "estate freeze" provisions of Section 2036(c) of the Code which, of course, had caused great concern to estate planners and their closely-held business clients since its introduction in late 1987.

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Creative Succession Planning for Managing and Owning the Family Business By Edward D. Tarlow, Esq., Richard P. Breed, III, Esq., Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq.

Tuesday, October 16, 2001

Owners of closely-held businesses require guidance from their business advisors to ensure continuity of management and ownership in succeeding generations during the life cycle of the business. Entrusting the management of the business to the proper person(s) may determine the ultimate success or failure of the enterprise.

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Estate Planning 101: Wills, Trusts and Estate Tax Planning - Two Case Studies By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq.

Sunday, September 16, 2001

Thinking about updating your estate plan? Whether due to the birth of a child, the death of a friend, reaching retirement, the sale of your business, reaching a certain age, or hitting the lottery, whatever the reason, most people eventually decide to see a lawyer about preparing a Will or updating their old one.

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SERP Swaps - Tipping the Scale in Favor of Tax Savings by Integrating a Split-Dollar Policy with a SERP By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq.

Thursday, August 16, 2001

With the surging growth of our economy, many executives are now finding themselves in a position of having either fully funded, or over funded, their anticipated retirement needs using various retirement vehicles, including qualified defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans, individual retirement accounts, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans.

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Useful Techniques in the Governance of Family Businesses By Edward D. Tarlow, Esq.

Monday, July 16, 2001

All corporations experience development cycles that are affected not only by their market area and the prevailing economic climate, but also by the personalities of the directors, officers and shareholders. This is especially true for closely-held corporations and, in particular, for family businesses. In the family business setting, the level of formality is often dictated by what stage of development the business has reached.

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Strengthening the Underwriter-Agent Relationship By John R. Blake, Esq.

Friday, June 22, 2001

This year has brought much economic uncertainty. Lenders and borrowers alike struggle to determine whether the real estate market is weakening. Curiously, however, mortgage rates are low, encouraging a large amount of refinancing. In a similar fashion, the title insurance market has been in flux.

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Registered Land Owners Find Relief in New Legislation By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Wednesday, May 16, 2001

On January 12, 2001, Acting Governor Jane Swift signed into law legislation supported by both lawyers and Land Court judges which can provide significant economic relief for the owners of registered land, by allowing them to withdraw their property from the registered land system (also known as the Torrens system).

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