

Will vs. Trust in Massachusetts: Why More Families Are Choosing Trusts
A simple will doesn't avoid probate in Massachusetts. Here's how a revocable living trust compares, and why more Newton families are choosing one.

Attorney Chris Murray
Jun 32 min read


Own a Home in Massachusetts? You Need an Estate Plan
If you own a home in Massachusetts and don't have an estate plan, the state already has one for you. You just may not like what it says. Here's what every homeowner needs to know.

Attorney Chris Murray
May 63 min read


What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Massachusetts?
Dying without a will in Massachusetts means state law decides who inherits your assets. Learn what intestate succession means for your family — and how to protect them.

Attorney Chris Murray
Apr 302 min read


How to Avoid Probate in Massachusetts
Probate is the legal process of settling someone’s estate after they pass away. In Massachusetts, it can take months—or even over a year—depending on the complexity of the estate. For many families, the goal is simple: avoid probate altogether if possible. The good news is that with proper planning, many assets can pass directly to your loved ones without going through the probate court. Here’s how. 1. Create a Revocable Living Trust A revocable living trust is one of the mos

Attorney Chris Murray
Apr 293 min read


Can You Be on the Mortgage but Not on the Note? What Homeowners Should Know
Many homeowners assume that if their name is on the mortgage, they are automatically responsible for the loan. In reality, it is possible to be on the mortgage but not on the promissory note. Understanding the difference can help clarify your legal responsibilities and protect your ownership interest in the property.

Gigi Guilarte
Mar 63 min read


Bankruptcy: What It Is, What It Is Not, and How It Can Help You Reset
Overwhelmed by credit card debt or facing collection calls? Bankruptcy may offer a legal path to eliminate or restructure debt, stop foreclosure, and regain financial control. Learn how Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy can provide real relief and a fresh start.

Gigi Guilarte
Feb 263 min read


First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes We See Again and Again
Buying your first home comes with a steep learning curve. This guide breaks down the most common first-time homebuyer mistakes and explains how the right protections, including title insurance, can help you buy with confidence.

Gigi Guilarte
Feb 33 min read


Interest Rates Are Coming Down. What That Means for Real Estate Buyers and Homeowners
Interest rates are coming down, and with them come new opportunities in real estate. The key is knowing how to navigate financing, legal protections, and timing with the right professionals in place.

Gigi Guilarte
Jan 282 min read


Overspent Over the Holidays? There Are Options for Credit Card Debt
If holiday credit card balances feel heavier than expected, understanding your options is the first step toward regaining control.

Gigi Guilarte
Jan 202 min read


I Had a Will Done at 30. And No, That’s Not Too Young.
Turning 30 didn’t make me feel old. It made me feel responsible. Having a will done by an attorney wasn’t about expecting the worst. It was about clarity, control, and making sure the people I care about are never left guessing.

Gigi Guilarte
Dec 17, 20252 min read


Palm Royale and the Quiet Power Behind Old Money: Estate Planning Is the Real Story
Palm Royale is entertainment, but its lesson is real. Without a solid estate plan, wealth becomes fragile, and families face avoidable conflict. This article breaks down what the show gets right about legacy and why planning ahead matters.

Gigi Guilarte
Dec 5, 20254 min read


Digital Estate Planning: What Happens to Your iCloud, TikTok, Crypto, and Passwords When You Die?
Your digital life holds real value. Learn what happens to your photos, passwords, crypto, and even social media earnings when you die, and how a digital estate plan protects them.

Gigi Guilarte
Dec 3, 20255 min read


A Helpful Guide to Probate After the Loss of a Loved One
Losing a loved one is never easy. This simple estate planning guide explains how probate works in Massachusetts, what families can expect, and how a probate attorney can make the process smoother during a difficult time.

Gigi Guilarte
Nov 25, 20253 min read


¿Necesitas dividir una propiedad con alguien con quien ya no te llevas bien? Aprende cómo hacerlo legalmente mediante una Petición de Partición
Cuando varios familiares heredan una misma propiedad, los desacuerdos no tardan en aparecer. Si estás pasando por una situación similar, una Petición de Partición puede ayudarte a resolver el conflicto y dividir los bienes de manera justa y legal. En este artículo, el equipo de Murray Law Firm te explica cómo funciona este proceso en Massachusetts y qué pasos seguir para proteger tus derechos.

Gigi Guilarte
Nov 11, 20253 min read


Facing Business Debt? Learn Your Legal Options Before It’s Too Late
Running a business isn’t easy. When debt starts piling up, it can feel impossible to catch up. Vendors call, loans go unpaid, and the stress becomes constant.If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. Business bankruptcy can help you regain control, protect your assets, and start over with a plan. At Murray Law Firm , we help Massachusetts business owners navigate financial challenges with strategy, experience, and compassion. Our focus is to h

Attorney Chris Murray
Oct 17, 20252 min read


What Is a Codicil? How to Update Your Will Without Starting Over
Life changes — your will should too. Learn how a codicil helps you update your will without rewriting it and why proper legal guidance matters.

Gigi Guilarte
Oct 15, 20253 min read


A Fresh Start: Wilson’s Story of Finding Freedom from Debt
Follow Wilsons journey and see how Bankruptcy can help you as well

Gigi Guilarte
Sep 19, 20253 min read


What Is a Petition to Partition? Your Quick Introduction to Property Disputes
If you co-own property in Massachusetts and can’t agree on what to do with it, you may need a Petition to Partition. Learn what it means, how the process works, and what your options are.

Gigi Guilarte
Sep 15, 20253 min read


The Massachusetts Estate Tax: What You Need to Know in 2025
Avoiding unnecessary estate tax is not just about saving money — it is about ensuring your loved ones receive the inheritance you intended.

Attorney Chris Murray
Aug 13, 20252 min read


The 5 Mistakes That Cost Massachusetts Families Their Inheritance
Planning for the future is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. A well-prepared estate plan can give your loved ones clarity, protection, and peace of mind during difficult times. Unfortunately, we often see families in Massachusetts lose part of their inheritance because of small but costly mistakes that could have been avoided with the right guidance.

Attorney Chris Murray
Aug 12, 20252 min read









