Ligris & Associates, P.C. Announces the Expansion of Its Real Estate Practice 11 Apr 2025, 1:15 pm

BOSTON, April 10, 2025 – Ligris & Associates, P.C., has welcomed Attorneys Anthony Troiano and Georgia Zisimopoulos of Anthony Troiano, III, P.C., a Boston law firm specializing in residential real estate conveyancing and related practice areas. Founded in 1996 by Troiano, the firm has provided exceptional services to buyers, sellers, lenders, and borrowers in all of their real estate transactions.

Ligris’ Co-Managing Partner Christos Viores said, “Anthony’s reputation for delivering effective and individualized legal counsel to clients in the Boston area aligns seamlessly with our firm’s culture. His team’s market knowledge and legal experience will be valuable to our clients, and we’re excited to welcome them to the firm.”

Troiano and Zisimopoulos each bring 30 years of experience, expanding Ligris’ residential real estate practice. Commenting on the news, Troiano said, “Ligris was an ideal fit for us. We share a similar client service philosophy and believe in conducting highly efficient real estate transactions. We’re excited to leverage Ligris’ innovative technology to streamline real estate transactions for our clients.”

In the past year, Dean Plakias of Hill & Plakias P.C., Clair Carlson and Kristina Yee of Mason & Martin, LLP and Tracy E. Hoeger have also joined Ligris. These additions have strengthened Ligris’ residential and commercial real estate, business law transactions, creditors’ rights – default servicing and trusts and estates practices.

About Ligris + Associates PC

Ligris + Associates PC is a Boston boutique law firm focused on commercial and residential real estate transactions, including title and settlement services, leasing and condominium law. The firm also offers a range of complementary legal services focused on business law, trusts & estates and tax services. With a team-oriented approach, attorneys, support staff and paralegals work together smoothly to provide outstanding client services. In 2022, 2023 and 2024, Ligris was named by Boston Business Journal as one of the “Best Places to Work” in the Small Company Category. In 2018, Ligris was included in Inc.’s Fast 5000 list as one of the fastest growing innovators in the U.S.

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Cybersecurity and Real Estate Transactions: Protecting Your Investment 3 Mar 2025, 3:35 pm

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it’s important to be aware of the risks involved during a real estate transaction. The transfer of large sums of money and sensitive personal information makes real estate transactions a prime target for fraudsters. Cybercriminals exploit urgency, social engineering, and weak security practices to intercept funds and steal data.

One word of advice for buyers and sellers is to slow down—fraudsters thrive on rushed decisions. Taking your time and staying vigilant can help you spot red flags and avoid falling for scams. This article outlines key strategies to protect yourself throughout the process.

The Growing Threat of Real Estate Fraud

According to the FBI’s latest Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) report, there were $1.6 billion in losses from January to May 2024, nearly $300 million more than the same period in the previous year.

As wire transfers increase, criminals are investing more time and resources in intercepting transactions. Their tactics are constantly evolving, making cybersecurity awareness critical.

Common Fraud Tactics and How to Protect Yourself

1. Phishing Attacks

Phishing is a form of social engineering where fraudsters use emails, text messages, or social media messages to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or opening infected attachments.

• Key advice: Do NOT click on links from unknown senders.
  For example, if you receive an email that appears to be from your real estate agent instructing you to click a link to wire funds to a specific bank account–pause. Double-check the sender’s email address, and verify wire instructions by calling your agent using a known phone number.

Often, clicking the link will install malware on your device, giving criminals access to your computer and any personal information stored there. You can find more examples of phishing attacks in this blog post.

2. Password Security

Passwords are the weakest link in most security breaches. Cybercriminals often target email credentials, which can give them access to financial accounts and transaction details.

• How to strengthen your passwords:
  • Use long passphrases instead of simple words + numbers (e.g., a line from your favorite song with symbols and numbers).
  • Avoid personal details (pet names, children’s names, birthdays—fraudsters check social media for clues).
  • Use a password manager to generate and store strong passwords securely.

3. Protecting Personal and Financial Data

Buyers must share sensitive data (e.g., tax returns, bank statements) with mortgage lenders, but legitimate lenders will never request documents via regular email.

• Best practices:
  • Use only your lender’s secure document portal for uploads.
  • If you receive an email requesting sensitive data, call your lender directly to verify.
  • The same rule applies to real estate attorneys—no legitimate firm should request sensitive data over unencrypted email.

As a precaution, if you ever receive a data request via email, call your real estate attorney to verify. If it’s fraudulent, it’s important to take immediate action.

4. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective ways to secure accounts. Even if a hacker steals your password, they won’t be able to log in without the secondary authentication code (usually sent to your phone or authenticator app).

• Recommended:
  • Enable 2FA on email accounts, social media, and financial platforms.
  • Avoid SMS-based 2FA (SIM swapping is a risk); use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy.

While 2FA can occasionally be bypassed, it significantly increases security and reduces the chances of unauthorized access.

5. Wire Fraud Prevention: The #1 Real Estate Cyber Threat

Wire fraud is the biggest financial risk in real estate transactions. Hackers target home buyers and sellers by impersonating attorneys, real estate agents, or title companies to trick them into wiring money to fraudulent accounts.

How to protect yourself:

• For Sellers:
  • Never send financial information via email.
  • If you want funds wired, visit the attorney’s office in person to complete a secure wire transfer form.
• For Buyers:
  • Only receive wire instructions via encrypted email.
  • Verify by phone—call your real estate attorney directly, using a known phone number (not one from an email).
  • Wire instructions will never change. If you receive an update claiming otherwise, assume it’s fraud.

Fraudsters create fake email addresses that look nearly identical to your attorney’s or title company’s email. Taking a three-step verification approach (encrypted email, phone verification, and consistency in instructions) is essential.

Choosing a Cyber-Savvy Real Estate Attorney

A good real estate attorney doesn’t just handle paperwork—they proactively protect clients from fraud. Buyers and sellers should ask their attorney:

• Do you have cyber insurance?
• Do you use encrypted email for sensitive information?
• What cybersecurity protocols does your firm follow?
• How do you handle wire transfers and document security?
• Do you have a breach response plan?

If an attorney cannot confidently answer “yes” to these questions, consider finding one with stronger cybersecurity practices.

Final Thoughts: Stay Vigilant, Stay Secure

Cyber threats in real estate transactions are a serious risk, but with awareness and the right precautions, buyers and sellers can protect themselves.

Key takeaways:

• Slow down—fraudsters use urgency to trick victims.
• Never click suspicious links or open unexpected attachments.
• Use strong passwords & enable two-factor authentication.
• Never send personal or financial data over unencrypted email.
• Always verify wire instructions by phone before sending money.

The best defense against cyber fraud is a combination of education, vigilance, and working with professionals who prioritize security. Taking the time to implement these practices can save you from financial loss and identity theft. If you are interested in learning more about how you can stay vigilant against cybercriminals contact Stefan Nathanson at Ligris + Associates PC.

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Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Features Stefan Nathanson in Article, “Newton Attorney Creates Foundation that Transforms Bedrooms for Chronically Ill Children” 3 Feb 2025, 9:11 pm

Attorney Stefan Nathanson sat down with Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly reporter Pat Murphy to discuss his nonprofit, the Room To Dream Foundation. The organization, which Stefan founded and chairs, designs and transforms bedrooms to provide healing environments for children. Ligris + Associates is a longtime supporter of the Foundation.

Read the full article here (subscription required).

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Title Insurance: A Game-Winning Strategy for Protecting Your Property 3 Feb 2025, 9:08 pm

Super Bowl LIX is just around the corner and the Chiefs and Eagles will soon face off in the Big Game. The road to the Super Bowl has taken months of hard work, commitment, preparation, and strategizing by both organizations. Neither team could have made it this far without a solid game plan or a strong offensive line. Like a quarterback playing in a championship football game, your real estate purchases need protection, and title insurance is a winning decision in a “game” where the stakes are just as high as in the Super Bowl.

What is a title?

A title is a legal document that establishes ownership of a property. It proves that you, the owner, has the right to use, sell, or modify the property, and that nobody else can claim legal ownership.

What is title insurance and how is it different from other insurance?

Think of title insurance as the offensive line for your team, which consists of you, as the buyer, and your lender. Title insurance will protect the “team” from financial losses due to defects in the title, which could become apparent either before or after the purchase of the property.

Other types of insurance, such as homeowners insurance, protect against future risks, while title insurance covers against past events that might impact your ownership – such as undisclosed liens, invalid or unrecorded documents and/or fraud.

Common risks covered by title insurance

Title insurance is a safeguard against hidden risks that could threaten your ownership of a property. It typically protects:

1. Forgeries and Fraud: Fake signatures, falsified documents, or fraudulent ownership claims
2. Undisclosed or missing heirs: Claims from heirs who were unaware of their inheritance or left out during a previous transaction
3. Unpaid debts: Debts such as unpaid property taxes or assessments left by a prior owner, or debts and liens (e.g. from contractors or lawsuits) tied to the property

Owner’s Title Insurance

Owner’s title insurance is optional, but not having it is like leaving your quarterback unprotected and at risk of taking a sack and a loss of yardage. It provides personal protection and covers legal fees or financial losses from issues such as – forged documents, identity theft, boundary disputes, undisclosed heirs, mishandled probates or foreclosures. Owner’s title insurance protects the buyer’s equity and ownership rights. Coverage is typically equal to the purchase price of the property and depending on the policy, the coverage can increase over time.

Owner’s title insurance can be purchased during the closing process, often through the title company or the attorney handling your transaction. However, you can always shop around independently for other title insurance providers.

Costs vary by state and property value, but an owner’s policy in Massachusetts typically ranges from $3.65 to $4.00 per thousand dollars of the purchase price (e.g., $1,200 for a $400,000 home), with discounts built in for homes purchased for a million dollars and over. It’s a one-time cost that’s good for as long as you own the property.

Lender’s Title Insurance

Lender’s title insurance policies are required by mortgage lenders to protect their financial interest in the property. This ensures that the lender’s investment is secure if any issues with the title arise, including: title defects, unpaid debts, or claims challenging the validity of the mortgage lien. Lender’s title insurance protects the mortgage lender’s investment in the property and their ability to foreclose, should they need to. Lender’s title insurance will never cover the buyer.

Lender’s title insurance typically covers the amount of the mortgage, rather than the full value of the property. The lender selects the title insurance provider, but you can inquire about costs to ensure you’re not overcharged. A typical policy costs $2.50 per thousand dollars of the loan amount, with large discount(s) available, if purchased along with the owner’s policy.

Achieving Victory With a Game-Winning Strategy

When purchasing property, a well-thought-out game plan is essential to success and victory. If you are interested in learning more about how title insurance could protect you and your property, contact Rick Payne or any of our other talented and knowledgeable attorneys here at Ligris + Associates PC.

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Hon. Randy Kaplan, (Ret.) and Ligris + Associates Attorney Receives Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2025 Excellence in the Law Honor for ADR 30 Jan 2025, 3:14 pm

BOSTON, January 30, 2025 – Ligris + Associates PC, a Boston boutique law firm specializing in commercial and residential real estate transactions, announces that the Hon. Randy Kaplan, (Ret.) has been named a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 2025 Excellence in the Law honoree in the category of “Alternative Dispute Resolution.” She was recognized for her work as a certified Mediator/Conciliator focused on divorce mediation, conciliation and arbitration. Excellence in the Law is an annual award that recognizes and celebrates lawyers in the Massachusetts legal community who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their practice areas, highlighting individuals who exemplify excellence within the legal field.

Judge Kaplan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and legal expertise throughout her distinguished career. Appointed as an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court in 2001 by Governor Jane M. Swift, she served until 2019, primarily in Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, and Nantucket Counties. During her tenure, Judge Kaplan was instrumental in adjudicating complex family and probate matters, earning a reputation for fairness and deep legal acumen. After nearly 20 years of service, she now serves as a certified Mediator/Conciliator and focuses her practice on divorce mediation, conciliation and arbitration. Judge Kaplan is admitted to the Massachusetts Bar, U.S. District Court for Massachusetts and the U.S. Supreme Court. She also lectures extensively in all areas of family and probate law, and her wealth of experience is sought-after by colleagues and clients.

“Randy has demonstrated exceptional leadership and legal expertise throughout her career,” said Ligris + Associates Co-Managing Partner Christos Viores. “Her unwavering commitment to her clients makes her an invaluable asset to our firm. Congratulations, Randy!”

The full list of honorees can be found here.

About Ligris + Associates PC

Ligris + Associates PC is a Boston boutique law firm focused on commercial and residential real estate transactions, including title and settlement services, leasing and condominium law. The firm also offers a range of complementary legal services focused on business law, trusts & estates and tax services. With a team-oriented approach, attorneys, support staff and paralegals work together seamlessly to provide outstanding client service. In 2023 and 2022, Ligris was named by Boston Business Journal as the “Best Place to Work” in the Small Company category. In 2018, Ligris was named to Inc.’s Fast 5000 list as one of the fastest growing innovators in the U.S.

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Ligris + Associates Attorney Jo-Ann M. Marzullo Named a 2025 “Outstanding Women of Real Estate” by Boston Real Estate Times 27 Jan 2025, 5:46 pm

BOSTON, January 27, 2025 – Ligris + Associates PC, a Boston boutique law firm specializing in commercial and residential real estate transactions, announces that Jo-Ann M. Marzullo has been named a 2025 “Outstanding Women of Real Estate” by Boston Real Estate Times. This annual spotlight showcases women who have played an important role in shaping their business, organization, or society in the New England real estate industry. Marzullo was recognized for driving legal innovation and advocacy with the American Bar Association, leading efforts on remote notarization, rent relief, social justice in real estate law, and drone privacy protections. Marzullo and fellow honorees will be honored ​​at an award ceremony on March 12.

With over 40 years of experience, Marzullo focuses her practice on the complexity of commercial real estate matters and represents parties in retail, construction, healthcare and corporations across the country. Marzullo supports her clients by managing a wide variety of commercial real estate matters such as buying or selling commercial buildings, leasing retail space, completing construction, dealing with zoning issues and managing real estate development law.

“This is a well-deserved honor that reflects Jo-Ann’s extraordinary impact on the industry and her commitment to advancing real estate law,” said Ligris + Associates Co-Managing Partner Christos Viores. “Her dedication to her clients and the broader community is truly inspiring, and we are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with her.”

The full list of honorees can be found here.

About Ligris + Associates PC

Ligris + Associates PC is a Boston boutique law firm focused on commercial and residential real estate transactions, including title and settlement services, leasing and condominium law. The firm also offers a range of complementary legal services focused on business law, trusts & estates and tax services. With a team-oriented approach, attorneys, support staff and paralegals work together seamlessly to provide outstanding client service. In 2023 and 2022, Ligris was named by Boston Business Journal as the “Best Place to Work” in the Small Company category. In 2018, Ligris was named to Inc.’s Fast 5000 list as one of the fastest growing innovators in the U.S.

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It Can Be Easy Being Green: 12 Ideas For A More Sustainable Home In 2025 13 Jan 2025, 10:02 pm

As we step into a new year, many of us look for ways to make positive changes in our lives—and what better place to start than at home? Small, affordable changes can make a significant impact on the sustainability of your home. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on utility bills, or create a healthier environment for your family, there are simple and effective ways to integrate sustainability into your daily routines. In this blog, we’ll explore 12 easy-to-implement ideas, one for each month of the year, that can help you make your home more eco-friendly without breaking the bank. Think of them as mini resolutions for a greener, more sustainable lifestyle!

1. Be A Star

We’ve all seen the distinctive yellow, or blue-and-white Energy Star labels on appliances of all types, including dishwashers, fridges, washers, and dryers. The Energy Star designation, backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by the inefficient use of energy. Certified appliances use up to 50% less energy than those without—for example, an Energy Star certified dishwasher can save almost 5,000 gallons of water annually. If you’re in the market for a new appliance this year, look for these stickers to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but save on your electricity bill while you’re at it.

2. Go With The (Low) Flow

According to the EPA, the average American household uses about 300 gallons of water per day. Making a simple switch to low-flow fixtures can save a surprising amount: a low-flow toilet uses 1.6 gallons per flush compared to 7 gallons for a standard toilet, and a more efficient showerhead can decrease water consumption by 40% without affecting water pressure or performance. If you want to try a smaller change to start, replace your old faucets or aerators with WaterSense-labeled ones that can help cut down on your water consumption by as much as 700 gallons per year. That’s enough to take about 45 showers!

3. Lighten Up

Replacing the traditional incandescent lightbulbs throughout your home with LED ones is one bright idea: LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy and last 25 times longer. LEDs have a typical lifespan of 25,000 hours, compared to 1,200 hours for incandescent and 2,000 for halogen. Now, as for how many people it will take to change those lightbulbs, we can’t help you with that.

4. Take A Top-Down Approach

Hot air rises. If your home always seems to be cold, it could be that your heat is escaping through your attic. In fact, the average home loses up to 50% of its heat through the top of the house. If you have an attic in your home, make sure it is well insulated. And it might not just be your attic – many older homes have small holes and cracks in places we can’t see, letting heat escape, and in turn, running up your energy bills. Improving your home’s insulation can reduce the need for heating and cooling, lowering energy consumption. You’d be amazed at how much energy you can conserve when you add insulation to attics, walls, and floors.

5. Mind The Gaps

If a big insulating project is not in the budget, there is a DIY alternative. Walk around your house and hold your hand up to your windows and doors to feel for drafts. Drafty windows can account for 25% to 30% of heating and cooling costs, but doors, electrical outlets, attic hatches and ductwork are other places where heat can escape. Replace leaky weatherstripping and use foam tape or caulking to cover cracks for an easy fix. Eliminating gaps around the house that leak heat and cool air improves efficiency.

6. Make A Material Change

The very materials we use to build, renovate, or update our homes can also have an impact on the environment. Consider reusing materials such as reclaimed timbers from older buildings or barns, or old brick from homes that have seen better days. These upcycled materials can add interest to your home while also improving its sustainability. Try using products such as bamboo or cork for flooring—bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet, while cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees and is harvested without harming the tree itself. On the walls, opt for paints or wallcoverings that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and emit fewer toxins, thereby reducing indoor air pollution. Natural products are better for the health of the environment and the health of your family.

7. Smarten Up

A smart home is one that has a whole-home system to connect with your appliances, allowing you to control all of your devices in one place, even remotely. And it’s not just the familiar doorbells and security systems. You can use a smart home system to program your sprinklers, control appliances like your refrigerator (it can even generate your shopping list for you!), and regulate your air conditioning and heating via smart thermostats. A smart thermostat learns your heating and cooling preferences and adjusts the temperature accordingly, optimizing energy use and helping you save on utility bills. Some can even track your energy consumption so you stay consistent throughout the year.

8. Relaunch Windows To Update

Replacing single-pane windows with more energy-efficient options, such as double-pane or triple-pane windows can be a wise choice. Single-pane windows provide little insulation, allowing heat to escape in the winter and letting it in during the summer. This makes your heating and cooling systems work harder, leading to higher energy bills. Double- or triple-pane windows, on the other hand, have insulating layers of air or gas (like argon or krypton) between the panes, which helps to maintain a more stable indoor temperature year-round. High-performing windows can reduce the amount of heat escaping by up to 50%. This means your home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing your overall energy consumption—and increasing your comfort. For an extra environmentally-friendly touch, add sustainable blinds made from hemp or bamboo, or cotton curtains for a cozy and quiet bedroom.

9. Get A Filter

According to the World Economic Forum, thirsty Americans toss out 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour, and only about one quarter are recycled. And those that aren’t can take up to 450 years to degrade! That means millions of tons of plastic waste end up in landfills and the oceans every year. Drinking tap water significantly reduces our plastic trash burden, but many people simply think bottled water is better. Add a water filtration system to your home—whether it’s a simple Brita jug, a faucet attachment, or a whole-house system—to reduce waste from plastics.

10. Ward Off The Vampires

There’s a simple way to ward off vampires without the need to sport a garlic necklace. Many of our everyday appliances drain electricity even in standby mode and hitting the power button doesn’t always mean an appliance is completely off, which means they continue to drain power in the background. Some appliances use as much “standby power,” spent just waiting as they do performing their designed function. These so-called “vampire loads” can account for 5% to 10% of your home’s energy use. Cable boxes, TVs, game consoles, and computers are some of the worst offenders. To avoid wasting this energy, you can either unplug the device altogether (which can be inconvenient) or choose a type of power strip that uses a mix of “control,” “always on,” and “switched” outlets so that the only devices pulling power are those in use.

11. Keep Your Cool

The U.S. Department of Energy tells us that we can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling bills by simply adjusting the thermostat by 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting. A perfect time to do this is while you’re out of the house at work, and/or overnight. Bundle up and save even more by keeping your thermostat set at 68 in winter and using ceiling fans instead of air conditioners in summer. With a programmable thermostat, you can program your home’s HVAC systems to provide specific temperatures at different times of the day to match your family’s activities.

12. Be Aggressively Passive

Why not work with the environment instead of against it? If you have the opportunity to build your own home or even do some renovations, consider using the principles of passive design, which takes advantage of natural and free resources to enhance efficiency. This approach to home design looks at the orientation of the home itself, shading, and cross-flow ventilation through efficient window placement. Maximize south-facing windows in colder climates to increase direct sunlight in the winter to help heat your home and reduce your reliance on artificial light. Plant a tree that loses its leaves in the winter on the south side of your house, which will block the sun from streaming into your home in the summer and allow light through in the winter.

These simple, sustainable steps can help create a greener, more efficient home without expensive upgrades, while contributing to a healthier planet and checking at least one resolution off your list for 2025. If you are interested in learning more about how you can help your home go green, contact Christos Viores, Esquire at Ligris + Associates PC today.

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Trusts & Estates Planning: The Ultimate Holiday Gift for Your Family 18 Dec 2024, 3:12 pm

The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and giving. As you wrap gifts and plan gatherings, consider giving your loved ones something truly invaluable this year: the gift of security and peace of mind. An estate plan is much more than a collection of legal documents—it’s a heartfelt expression of care and responsibility that protects your family’s future.

Why Estate Planning Matters for Families

Life is unpredictable, but with an estate plan, you can ensure that your wishes about your assets, health decisions, and legacy are honored. A comprehensive estate plan provides clarity and guidance to your heirs, sparing them the emotional and financial stress of making critical decisions without your input. It’s an enduring gift that safeguards your family’s well-being and upholds your legacy.

At its core, an estate plan typically includes:

• Last Will and Testament: Outlines your wishes for asset distribution and guardianship of minor children.
• Durable Power of Attorney: Designates someone to manage your financial affairs if you’re unable to do so.
• Health Care Proxy: Appoints a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf.

For many families, an Estate Planning Trust offers additional benefits, enhancing both protection and flexibility. Here’s why incorporating a trust into your estate plan might be the perfect gift this holiday season:

Benefits of an Estate Planning Trust

There are a number of reasons to have an Estate Planning Trust for your loved ones:

• Avoid probate. Assets held in a trust pass directly to beneficiaries, bypassing probate court. This means faster asset distribution and less administrative burden for your family.
• Privacy Protection: Unlike a will, which becomes part of the public probate record, a trust remains private. This keeps the details of your estate and asset distribution confidential.
• Maximize estate tax savings. Certain types of trusts reduce estate taxes by taking advantage of tax laws and exemptions, preserving more wealth for beneficiaries. Estate taxes can be a hefty financial burden, especially for larger properties. If you structure your trust in a way that minimizes the total taxes owed upon the individual’s death, you can preserve more of the estate for heirs and beneficiaries.
• Control over asset distribution: A trust allows you to dictate how and when assets are distributed. This is particularly helpful for:
  • Minor children
  • Family members with special needs
  • Beneficiaries who may lack financial experience.

• Planning for incapacity: In the event the trust grantor becomes incapacitated, a successor trustee can be appointed to manage your assets according to your wishes without the need for a court-appointed guardian. Wills only take effect after death and don’t offer incapacity planning
• Flexibility: Creating a revocable trust allows the grantor to retain control over their lifetime, enabling the grantor to modify the terms of their trust as their circumstances change or evolve over time.

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

This holiday season, give your family a gift that transcends time: an estate plan. It’s more than a legal safeguard; it’s a thoughtful way to protect your loved ones and honor their future. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing plan, taking action now demonstrates a commitment to your family’s well-being.

Ready to create a lasting legacy? Contact real estate attorney Kristina Yee at Ligris + Associates. Let us help you turn this season of giving into a lifetime of security and peace for your family.

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Ligris + Associates Attorney Randy Kaston Named a “2024 Ones to Watch Industry Leader” By New England Real Estate Journal 2 Dec 2024, 4:26 pm

BOSTON, December 2, 2024 – Ligris + Associates PC, a Boston boutique law firm focused on commercial and residential real estate transactions, is pleased to announce that Randy Kaston has been named a “2024 Ones to Watch Industry Leader” by New England Real Estate Journal (NEREJ). This annual spotlight showcases accomplishments, challenges, advice and other key insights of New England’s top commercial real estate (CRE) industry leaders. Kaston was featured in a leadership profile in NEREJ’s November 29th issue.

Kaston is the Director of Ligris’ Business Law Group. Her practice concentrates on all aspects of commercial and residential transactions, including representing lenders in closing complex commercial, asset-based, real estate, construction, and SBA loans, as well as business lines of credit. Kaston also has extensive experience representing individuals and entities in purchase, sale, and business transactions. Her practice also includes commercial leasing, representing both landlords and tenants.

Ligris + Associates Co-Managing Partner Christos Viores said, “This well-deserved recognition highlights Randy’s exceptional contributions to the CRE sector and her dedication to navigating complex challenges with expertise and integrity. We are proud to see her leadership celebrated among New England’s top industry professionals.”

To be selected as a “Ones to Watch Industry Leader,” nominees should be individuals who lead their company or division at a CRE firm or a firm that supports the CRE industry through its services. Ideal candidates have held a leadership role and have made significant contributions to their company in the past year. Profiles for all 2024 “Ones to Watch Industry Leaders” are published in the print and digital editions of the New England Real Estate Journal. The full list of honorees can be found here.

About Ligris + Associates PC

Ligris + Associates PC is a Boston boutique law firm focused on commercial and residential real estate transactions, including title and settlement services, leasing and condominium law. The firm also offers a range of complementary legal services focused on business law, trusts & estates and tax services. With a team-oriented approach, attorneys, support staff and paralegals work together seamlessly to provide outstanding client service. In 2023 and 2022, Ligris was named by Boston Business Journal as the “Best Place to Work” in the Small Company category. In 2018, Ligris was named to Inc.’s Fast 5000 list as one of the fastest growing innovators in the U.S.

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Ligris + Associates Named One of the Best Family-Led Law Firms by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly 25 Nov 2024, 7:10 pm

BOSTON, November 25, 2024 – Ligris + Associates PC, a Boston boutique law firm focused on commercial and residential real estate transactions, is pleased to announce that it has been named to Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s list of 2024 “Best Family-Led Law Firms.” The recognition honors family-owned law firms that demonstrate success and a commitment to serving clients and the community with the highest standard of excellence.

Co-Managing Partner Christos Viores said, “This distinction is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and values that have shaped our firm since its founding. As a family-led firm, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes client care, integrity, and innovative legal solutions.”

To be selected as a Best Family-Led Law Firm, a firm must demonstrate success in the local legal community through growth in revenue or employees; have at least four attorneys and be based in Massachusetts; be recognized as a best workplace due to employee support programs; show a high level of employee morale; and be able to demonstrate strong and consistent community engagement. The full list of honorees can be found here.

About Ligris + Associates PC

Ligris + Associates PC is a Boston boutique law firm focused on commercial and residential real estate transactions, including title and settlement services, leasing and condominium law. The firm also offers a range of complementary legal services focused on business law, trusts & estates and tax services. With a team-oriented approach, attorneys, support staff and paralegals work together seamlessly to provide outstanding client service. In 2023 and 2022, Ligris was named by Boston Business Journal as the “Best Place to Work” in the Small Company category. In 2018, Ligris was named to Inc.’s Fast 5000 list as one of the fastest growing innovators in the U.S.

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