Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Common Legal Questions
At the Law Offices of John E. Mahoney, we understand that legal matters often come with important questions and concerns. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive regarding our practice areas. If you need additional information or personalized legal advice, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Have Questions About Your Legal Matter?
Real Estate FAQs
Yes. An attorney can help protect your interests throughout the transaction by reviewing contracts, addressing title issues, preparing legal documents, and ensuring the closing process runs smoothly.
Yes. We represent clients in both residential and commercial real estate matters, including purchases, sales, refinancing, and related transactions.
A title review helps identify any issues that could affect ownership rights, such as liens, unpaid taxes, or legal claims against the property.
Absolutely. We help clients review and complete refinancing transactions while ensuring all legal documents are properly prepared and executed.
Yes. We assist clients in exploring legal options that may help prevent foreclosure and protect their property interests.
Estate Planning FAQs
Estate planning helps ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and can provide important protections for your loved ones and future medical or financial decisions.
An estate plan may include a will, trust, power of attorney, health care proxy, and advance directives depending on your needs and goals.
Not everyone needs a trust, but trusts can provide additional control, privacy, and asset protection in certain situations. We can help determine whether a trust is right for you.
You should review your estate plan periodically and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial changes.
In some cases, yes. Certain estate planning strategies, including trusts, may help minimize or avoid probate proceedings.
Estate Administration FAQs
Estate administration is the legal process of managing and distributing a deceased person’s estate according to their will or applicable law.
The length of probate varies depending on the complexity of the estate, outstanding debts, and other legal factors.
An executor is responsible for managing estate assets, paying debts and taxes, filing required court documents, and distributing assets to beneficiaries.
Yes. We provide legal guidance and support to executors and family members throughout the estate administration process.
Bankruptcy FAQs
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy allows certain debts to be discharged, usually with only one meeting, while Chapter 13 Bankruptcy requires a repayment plan to pay a percentage of the total debt every month over 3 to 5 years, then the rest of the debts may be discharged.
In many cases, yes. Filing for bankruptcy can trigger an automatic stay that temporarily stops collection actions and creditor communications.
Bankruptcy may help delay or prevent foreclosure depending on your specific circumstances.
Some debts may be discharged through bankruptcy, while others may not be eligible. We can help evaluate your situation and explain your options.
Not always. We work with clients to explore all available options and determine the best path forward for their financial situation.
Landlord / Tenant FAQs
Yes. We represent both landlords and tenants in residential and commercial property matters.
It is important to review the lease agreement carefully and seek legal guidance as early as possible to protect your rights.
No. Landlords must follow specific legal procedures before evicting a tenant.
Common disputes include unpaid rent, lease violations, security deposits, maintenance issues, and eviction proceedings.
Yes. We assist clients with both residential and commercial landlord-tenant matters.
Small Business Law FAQs
It is beneficial to consult an attorney when starting a business, drafting contracts, handling disputes, or making important business decisions.
The best structure depends on your goals, liability concerns, and tax considerations. We can help you evaluate your options.
Yes. We review, draft, and negotiate contracts to help protect your business interests.
Many businesses benefit from ongoing legal guidance to help manage contracts, transactions, compliance issues, and disputes.
Yes. We represent business owners in a variety of legal disputes and civil litigation matters.