Author Archives: George Bourguignon
A person has made several verbal threats to me and has made me scared, am I able to obtain a harassment protection order against them under Massachusetts law?
20 February 2019 Answer: Maybe, it depends mainly on the words used and the context in which they were conveyed. It happens; a person, maybe a neighbor or a co-worker, is continuing to make verbal threats towards you and you have had enough. You have heard about a harassment protection order, (or maybe incorrectly referred […]
Do I have a claim for defamation if a newspaper reported an event inaccurately that hurt my reputation?
7 January 2019 Answer: Maybe, as it depends on just how inaccurate and how different from the truth the false statement was. In Butcher v. University of Massachusetts, the plaintiff was allegedly falsely accused of taking pictures of young women without their knowledge on a shuttle bus operated by a college with the implication they […]
Do I have an obligation to keep records that are related to the civil court case I am a party to even if they are my exclusive property?
3 January 2019 Answer: Yes, and there are ramifications for not maintaining such records. In Grieco v. Williams, a Massachusetts case litigated in the Business Litigation Session of the Superior Court, the defendant learned that there are ramifications for not maintaining relevant records. Docket Nos. 1884 CV 03064 and 1884 CV 03065, Dec. 17, 2018. […]
Are there consequences for not reading my mail?
27 September 2018 Answer: Yes, and serious ones. Some people stick their head in the sand and do not open their mail regularly or are selective in what mail they open. These are not wise practices. Some may think these practices are safe or even better for them. They may believe the idea that if […]
Can my bankruptcy lawyer represent my family member that is being sued by the chapter 7 trustee for a fraudulent transfer in my bankruptcy case?
1 December 2017 Answer: No, because the attorney cannot simultaneously perform his duty to you, the debtor, and his duty to the family member and it appears to be a conflict of interest under Rule 1.7 of the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct. Clients very often do not recognize or appreciate (or care) about their […]
If someone seeks a harassment protection order against me under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 258E and I lose, can they take my guns or my gun license?
28 October 2017 Answer: No, because that statute does not include that type of relief to be granted to a petitioner. But there are many reasons not to let your guard down because there are other threats to your gun rights to be prepared for that could be based on the same facts. In a […]
What can I do about my neighbor’s tree branch or roots entering my property?
26 October 2017 Answer: Try and work it out with your neighbor, but if you have to, you can prune the offending branch or root back to the property line under Massachusetts law. Some rules never change, at least they haven’t yet. This one is known as the “Massachusetts Rule” and goes way, way back. […]
What should I do if I am not satisfied with my attorney?
25 October 2017 Answer: Try and work it out, and if necessary, replace your attorney (only), but do not speak out to third parties about your dissatisfaction. It is more common than it should be for a client to be unhappy with his lawyer. It is hardly ever a joyful task to address the issue. […]
Can I sue for wrongful foreclosure after my property was sold to a third party buyer?
19 October 2017 Answer: Maybe, but if the foreclosure sale occurred during the Great Recession time period, unless you have already sued, you are probably too late. During the Great Recession there were many foreclosures, as we all know. Some of these foreclosures in Massachusetts were done by companies that did not have a proper […]
A harassment protection order was brought against me and it was denied because the petitioning accuser was lying, can I get the record of it expunged?
26 March 2017 Answer: Maybe, but it is unlikely due to the standard that must be met. It is a common occurrence; a harassment protection order is issued ex parte (without notice or the presence of the opposing side) and the defendant is served with it. The required hearing is scheduled in 10 days from […]