How do I go about getting a liquor license in Framingham, MA?

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I’m considering buying a small restaurant in Framingham, MA.  It seats no more than 30 people and has a small bar that seats 6.  I’d like to be sure I can serve alcoholic beverages (beer & wine).  What are the eligibility requirements and what do I need to consider to obtain the proper liquor license in Framingham?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

The first consideration in the purchase of a restaurant that has a small seating capacity is whether the cost of obtaining a liquor license makes financial sense because the demand for alcoholic beverage licenses in most communities is much greater than the supply.  In many cities and towns, the starting purchase price starts at $100,000 and can be much higher, depending upon the location.
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What are the guidelines for divorce in Massachusetts?

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I left my husband in 1997 and we have been separated since. Do I still have to file for divorce or after so many years?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

You can file for divorce in Massachusetts at any time.  The fact that 14 years has elapsed since the separation does not change that.  The primary issues that need consideration are child support, alimony and division of the marital estate, which simply means a division of joint assets and liabilities.  If you had children, then child support must be considered, if they are still minors.  Child support must be paid by the non-custodial spouse until the children are emanicipated, which is defined in Massachusetts as when the children reach the age of 18 and are out of the house and working, or after they have completed a full-time, accredited college and graduated, or reached the age of 23, whichever happens first. [Read more...]

A guest at a home I rented this summer tripped and injured herself.

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She has medical bills and lost wages. As the home renter, am I liable for her injury claims, or is it the homeowners liability?

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

That depends upon a number of factors.  Did you enter into a lease with the landlord?  If you did, does the lease state whether the landlord or the tenant is liable for the injuries to a guest of the tenant?  Did the landlord carry homeowner’s insurance?  Did you, as the tenant, carry renter’s insurance?  The lease creates contractual obligations between the landlord and tenant which may govern where there is liability.  In the absence of a lease, the landlord is still required to provide a safe, habitable environment and if the landlord does not, he may be liable for negligence.  Each situation is fact specific.

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Is my IRA safe in a personal injury lawsuit?

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I was in a motor vehicle accident in MA, likely at fault, and will be sued.

ATTORNEY ANSWER:

Your IRA will be safe as long as you are insured.  The key point to consider is whether you have adequate coverage.  If you have a minimum policy, carrying limits of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident, for instance, and you hurt someone in a serious accident, your personal assets could be at risk if the value of the injured party’s bodily injury claim is greater than the coverage available.  Speak to your insurance agent, or me, about having sufficient coverage to protect yourself and your family. [Read more...]

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