Federal Court Issues Ruling on Shareholder Buy-Sell Agreement Enforcement
February 16, 2024 – District of Connecticut Cote Law is proud to announce a significant legal victory in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut, where the firm successfully enforced a mandatory buy-sell provision on behalf of its client, Neville, Rodie and Shaw, Inc. (“NRS”), in a dispute involving the estate of […]
Second Circuit Affirms Mandatory Buyout: Cote Law Group Secures Victory in Shareholder Agreement Dispute
When a business partner passes away, what happens to their shares? For closely held corporations, the answer often lies in carefully drafted shareholder agreements. In a recent victory for our client, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed that these agreements create enforceable obligations, not optional suggestions. On March 4, 2025, […]
Massachusetts Appeals Court Expands Tenant Retaliation Defense: What Landlords Must Know
Massachusetts landlords face some of the most tenant-friendly laws in the country, and a new Appeals Court decision just made things even tougher. In Campbell v. Abdulla (2025), the court ruled that tenants can raise retaliation as a defense in all eviction cases—not just for nonpayment of rent or no-fault terminations. If you own rental […]
Easements and Home Buying in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know Before You Close
You’ve found the perfect home. The neighborhood checks all the boxes, the price is right, and the layout feels like it was made for your family. Then your attorney or real estate agent points out a line in the title report: “20-foot-wide access easement along the edge of the lot.” Now what? Before you panic—or […]
5 Must-Have Contingencies When Making an Offer on a Home
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. But what happens if something goes wrong? Without the right contingencies in your real estate contract, you could end up stuck with a home you can’t afford, costly repairs, or an unexpected financial nightmare. That’s why it’s essential to include these five […]
Mechanic’s Liens in Massachusetts: What Property Owners, Buyers, and Lenders Need to Know
Mechanic’s liens are a powerful legal tool for contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers who haven’t been paid for work they performed on a property. But while they help ensure fair payment in the construction industry, they can also create serious complications for property owners, buyers, and lenders. A mechanic’s lien can stop a property […]
Breaking Up? What Happens to the House?
Buying a home with a partner is a big commitment—but what happens when the relationship ends? Many couples assume that dealing with a jointly owned home after a breakup is as simple as “taking someone off the deed” or that the mortgage will automatically transfer to whoever stays in the house. Unfortunately, real estate law […]
Capital Gains Tax: What Every Seller Needs to Know
Thinking about selling a home this spring? The real estate market is heating up, but before you celebrate your big sale, make sure you understand capital gains tax—because the IRS might take a bigger cut than you expect. Many homeowners assume they don’t have to pay taxes if they reinvest their home sale proceeds into […]
Selling a Home for an Elderly Owner? How to Avoid Delays with a Power of Attorney, Trust, or Pocket Deed
If you’ve been in real estate long enough, you’ve likely encountered—or will encounter—a situation where a seller becomes incapacitated or passes away before closing. When this happens, deals can grind to a halt, forcing families into probate court and delaying sales for months. In hindsight, it’s easy to say: “We should have put the house […]
The Ultimate Massachusetts Home Selling Checklist
Selling your home in Massachusetts can feel like navigating an obstacle course. There are legal requirements, financial considerations, and practical preparations that can quickly overwhelm even the most seasoned seller. That’s why having a well-organized checklist can be a game-changer—one that helps you sidestep last-minute surprises and focus on securing the best possible deal. Here […]