MCLE ThisWeek Podcast Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE │ New England)

Prenuptial agreements define spouses' rights in divorce or death and are crucial for estate planning. They're important for second marriages, older first-time marriages, high-risk jobs, family businesses, large inheritances, or differing statuses. These agreements minimize asset disputes. Similarly, cohabitation agreements, which set terms different from standard property co-ownership, are essential for estate planning. Estate planners must be proficient in both areas to protect clients' assets.

Your run-of-the-mill prenuptial agreement and divorce often involves ordinary assets, such as real estate or retirement accounts, but what happens when not so ordinary assets are involved? How do you protect an interest in a closely held business? Do you need to read the trust instruments when generational wealth is involved? Can that baseball card collection really have that much value? Join our experts as we answer these questions and more.

Residential tenants cannot generally obtain legal representation. The Massachusetts Trial Court, Department of Research and Planning statistics for 2023 report that over 95% of tenants in eviction cases were unrepresented. Tenants often have serious claims but cannot always obtain counsel in cases where their shelter is at risk or where they are living in seriously substandard housing.

Law firm financial statements are powerful tools you can use to manage and grow your firm effectively. By analyzing these statements and using the information they provide, you can make informed decisions to effectively manage your firm’s financial health and achieve your business goals.

When an employer receives a complaint of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or other workplace misconduct, its next steps are critical. Is an investigation warranted, and if so, what should it look like? The faculty discuss the benefits of prompt, thorough, and impartial assessments of workplace complaints, including a step-by-step review of sound investigation practices. Learn about circumstances when an outside investigation may be needed, how to map an appropriate investigation plan, and what common mistakes to avoid in the process.

Buy-sell agreements are key foundational documents in any business venture. Whether the entity is a limited liability company, partnership, or corporation, a well drafted buy-sell agreement can fill in the statutory gaps and provide a roadmap for unforeseen events.