SederLaw

05/21/2026

The sale price is only part of the story.

For Massachusetts business owners, the structure of a sale can significantly affect what they ultimately keep. Asset sales, stock or ownership interest sales, purchase price allocation, installment payments, and entity structure can all create very different tax outcomes.

Seder Law’s latest blog explains what sellers should understand before negotiating a business sale.

Read the full alert on our website: https://sederlaw.com/massachusetts-tax-implications-of-selling-your-business/

05/20/2026

Fair does not always mean 50/50.

In Massachusetts divorce, equitable distribution gives courts broad discretion to divide assets and debts based on the circumstances of the marriage, including income, contributions, future financial needs, and earning capacity.

Seder Law’s latest blog explains how marital property is evaluated, what factors judges consider, and why preparation matters.

Read the full alert on our website: https://sederlaw.com/what-is-equitable-distribution-in-massachusetts-divorce/

Learn how equitable distribution works in Massachusetts divorce, including how courts divide assets, debts, and property fairly.

05/18/2026

When a business files for bankruptcy, creditors still have rights, but timing matters.

From filing proofs of claim to protecting collateral and evaluating Chapter 11 plan terms, early action can make a meaningful difference in recovery.

Seder Law’s latest alert outlines what secured and unsecured creditors should know when a business enters bankruptcy.

Read the full alert on our website: https://sederlaw.com/creditor-rights-in-business-bankruptcy/

04/16/2026

Massachusetts estate tax planning has changed, and many families have not revisited their plans since the updates.

A few points worth knowing:

• The Massachusetts estate tax exemption increased to $2 million (retroactive to January 1, 2023), and includes a $99,600 tax credit.
• The former “cliff effect” is gone, only the amount above $2 million is taxed.
• Out-of-state property can reduce the taxable Massachusetts estate on a proportional basis.
• Proven planning tools still matter, including annual gifting, charitable giving, and trusts that align tax strategy with family goals.

Read the full insight on our website.

04/15/2026

Short-term rentals in Massachusetts are regulated like a business, not a hobby.

Before you list a property for stays under 31 days, confirm you are covered on:

• State registration requirements
• Local zoning and permitting, which can restrict or ban STRs
• Occupancy tax obligations, even if a platform collects some taxes
• HOA or condominium rules, which may be stricter than state or local law
• Liability and safety exposure, from guest injuries to enforcement issues
• Insurance coverage, since many homeowner policies do not cover STR activity

Read the full insight : https://bit.ly/41EcSBd

04/13/2026

Attorney Spotlight: Todd Rodman

Todd Rodman is a Partner in Seder Law’s Real Estate and Land Use practice group and a go-to advisor for clients navigating complex deals, challenging sites, and high-stakes approvals across Central Massachusetts and beyond.

Todd represents a wide range of real estate stakeholders, including individuals, development companies, pension funds, REITs, financial institutions, and nonprofits, in matters involving the acquisition, development, leasing, permitting, construction, and financing of commercial and residential properties.

With an M.S. from MIT in Real Estate Development and Finance, Todd brings a practical, finance-forward approach to every transaction, helping clients align strategy, risk, and results. His experience also includes serving as General Counsel to a regional supermarket and shopping center company, giving him an owner-operator perspective that resonates with business leaders and developers.

Todd’s impact extends well beyond the closing table. He has chaired the Mayor of Worcester’s Ad Hoc Zoning Committee and continues to serve on the Mayor’s Brownfields Committee, alongside leadership and board roles supporting organizations that strengthen the region, including the Worcester Regional Research Bureau, Inc. Bureau and Community Legal Aid.

Connect with Todd: https://lnkd.in/e-h_JaEJ

04/09/2026

If your business receives an IRS audit notice, the outcome often turns on one thing, how well your records support what you filed.

In our latest insight, we break down:

Why businesses get selected for audit (common triggers and inconsistencies)
The three audit types, correspondence, office, and field audits
What documents the IRS typically requests, from bank records to payroll filings and accounting software reports
The most common outcomes, and what to do if you disagree with the findings

Read the full insight on our website: https://sederlaw.com/what-to-expect-from-an-irs-business-audit/

03/26/2026

Attorney Spotlight: Elena Despotopulos

Elena is an associate in Seder & Chandler’s Trusts and Estates Practice Group, where she helps individuals and families plan with confidence through wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and thoughtful guidance on estate and trust administration.

Her practice also brings valuable depth in commercial lending and real estate, supporting both lenders and borrowers in complex financing transactions, and advising clients on commercial and residential purchases, leases, and acquisitions. Elena frequently represents clients before local boards, including Planning Boards, Zoning Boards of Appeals, and Historical Commissions, securing outcomes such as variances, special permits, and zoning changes.

Elena’s connection to the firm started early, first as a legal intern at Seder & Chandler while at Northeastern University School of Law. She remains active in the legal community as a member of the Worcester County Bar Association, where she previously served as Young Lawyers Division Co-Chair (2021–2022).

Connect with Elena: https://bit.ly/4sJ6XGl

03/24/2026

Massachusetts land use regulations can pose significant challenges for property owners, developers, and investors, particularly when conservation protections, historical preservation rules, and zoning requirements intersect.

In our latest legal insight, we offer a clear, strategic overview of these limitations and outlines practical pathways for addressing them, including variances, Certificates of Appropriateness, environmental impact studies, and zoning relief: https://lnkd.in/eY2WjvTt

03/19/2026

Estate planning is not only about passing wealth to family. For high net worth individuals without heirs, it is about defining a legacy.

Without a clear plan, Massachusetts law determines how assets are distributed, often in ways that do not reflect personal values or charitable goals. Strategic estate planning allows individuals to direct wealth intentionally, manage tax exposure, and protect financial and healthcare decisions during life.

Read the full legal insight on estate planning for high net worth individuals without heirs: https://bit.ly/3LcAsjZ

03/18/2026

Attorney Spotlight: James Vevone

As a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, Jim Vevone helps closely-held businesses and real estate clients move complex deals forward with clear governance, strong documentation, and practical judgment.

Jim practices in Business Law, Intellectual Property, and Real Estate, advising on commercial transactions including joint ventures, licensing, and day-to-day corporate matters. He is also a trusted resource for trademark, copyright, and patent licensing, regularly securing state and federal trademark registrations and helping clients both enforce IP rights and respond to infringement claims.

On the real estate side, Jim counsels commercial owners, developers, and investors on projects ranging from shopping centers to mixed-use developments, handling acquisitions, leasing, land use and zoning, title insurance, financing, and tax-deferred exchanges. His practice also includes a specialized focus in transportation law, including transloading and related matters.

Jim brings a distinctive global perspective as well, having worked in Tokyo as an American consultant to a Japanese intellectual property attorney.

Connect with Jim: https://bit.ly/4biZLtq