Attention new homeowners! BE AWARE!   The Team here at Downey Law Group LLC/DLG Closing recently learned from one of our valued clients about a new scam hitting our area involving fraud. Their recently purchased home was listed on apartment rental websites as being "VACANT" and "FOR RENT". Local law enforcement is investigating and hopefully charges will be brought against the fraudsters. If you recently bought a home, it is more important than ever to be sure to change the l

According to the American Bar Association, 64%  of Americans do not have a Last Will and Testament or a Trust.   These are pretty alarming stats. Many cite procrastination, discomfort, or the misconception that estate planning is only for the rich. Estate Planning Awareness Month is a reminder to break that cycle and to take action. It's time to shine a light on one of the most overlooked yet essential aspects of financial wellness. Whether you're 25 or 75, estate planning is

Effective November 1, 2025 The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has adopted a new withholding tax on the sale of real estate for sellers who meet the following requirements: 1)       The seller is a nonresident of Massachusetts; and 2)      The total sales price of the real estate meets or exceeds $1,000,000.00.   Massachusetts is the next to join several states with similar withholding laws. The purpose of this withholding tax is to make certain non-resident, out-of-state selle

The new Massachusetts home inspection law protects the right to have a home inspected by a licensed inspector before choosing to finalize the purchase of the home. As such, sellers and agents cannot accept or request an offer that requires a buyer to waive their right to an inspection.   This ensures the buyer has an opportunity to find and hire an inspector and then decide if they will proceed based on the results of the inspection. Even if the seller provides an inspection

When a loved one passes away, the last thing a grieving family wants to face is a drawn-out legal process. Yet for many, probate—the court-supervised process of validating a will and distributing assets—can become a costly, time-consuming ordeal. The good news? With the right planning, probate doesn’t have to be a nightmare.   What Is Probate and Why Does It Matter? Probate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s estate is administered. It involves: Validating

When preparing for a major purchase like a home, it's always best to know and understand your credit score. A credit score is a number typically between 300 (poor) and 850 (excellent) that reflects your creditworthiness, or how likely you are to repay borrowed money. It's crucial because lenders use it to decide whether to approve loans and what interest rates to offer. Your credit score is calculated based on several factors, such as payment history, amount owed, length o

Unlock peace of mind and take control of your future at our dynamic Estate Planning Seminar—where expert insights meet real-life...

Creating a will is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored after you're gone. Without a will, the distribution of your assets is left to state laws, which may not reflect your intentions or the needs of your family. A well-crafted will provides clarity, reduces potential conflicts among heirs, and may help minimize estate taxes. It's not just about money - it's about making sure sentimental items, guardia

Do you have a child who just graduated high school and is about to begin their college journey? If so, it’s important to be aware that certain legal documents should be in place to protect your child and give you the ability to step in if an emergency arises or when situations call for parental involvement while they’re away. While we hope no one ever is in the situation to need this legal protection, it's always best to have it in place just in case. At Downey Law Group LL

Choosing whether to rent or buy a home depends on your financial stability, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. Renting can...

An owner's title insurance policy protects homeowners from financial loss due to title defects or ownership disputes that existed before...

Owning a home isn't just about having a place to live; it's about building a future, growing your wealth and creating lasting memories. ...

Buying a new home is exciting, but it can quickly become overwhelming when the reality of moving sets in. Between packing, coordinating...

Secure your legacy and protect your loved ones—estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, it’s for anyone who wants peace of mind about...

Downey Law Group, with offices in Haverhill and Topsfield, is planning a free document shredding and food drive. “Shred it with DLG Day”...

Downey Law Group, LLC/DLG Closing welcomes to their growing law practice Alison Galati as its new Firm Administrator/Operations Manager. ...

Downey Law Group, LLC/DLG Closing welcomes Attorney Arianna A. Gallagher to their growing law practice based in Topsfield and Haverhill,...

Downey Law Group, LLC/DLG Closing welcomes Alana Grant to their growing law practice based in Topsfield and Haverhill, Mass.  Alana is an...

Be on the alert for unsolicited gifts with a QR Bar Code showing up on your doorsteps over the holidays.  Police are reporting an increase in these “gifts” appearing in our general area, which include a QR Bar Code you are instructed to scan for further information about the package’s sender.  But instead of providing you with that information, once the Code is scanned, con artists will have access to all the information on your cell phone.  If you were sent a package you did

The US Postal Service has issued a warning about a new text message scam.  A new type of scam called “smishing” combines phishing with short messages or texts.  The most common message is one informing the recipient that one of their purported packages can’t be delivered until the sender of the text message gets more information from you.  Do NOT click on the link as it’s fake.  Scammers may also ask for account numbers or passwords.  The US Postal Service reminds everyone th