Author Archive for Phil A. Taylor

COVID-19: Debt collection restrictions ordered by Attorney General

As part of the governments efforts to help people deal with the financial impacts of dealing with COVID-19 or Coronavirus, the Massachusetts Attorney General (AG) filed an emergency regulation restricting what can be done by creditors, including debt collectors and those working for the creditors, to collect consumer debts. The emergency regulation, 940 C.M.R. 35, is effective immediately and continues for ninety (90) days or until the State of Emergency Period Expires, whichever occurs first. The State of Emergency Period ends thirty (3) days after the Governor’s lifts the state of emergency.

The emergency regulation impacts the collection of consumer debts and deems certain conduct to be an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of M.G.L. c. 93A (the Consumer Protection Act). Some of the actions a creditor cannot take at this time are:

  • File a new lawsuit to collect a consumer debt;
  • Take steps to attach to take any funds or property of a debtor, this include wage garnishment, levy of real estate, or to repossess vehicles;
  • Request or serve a capias warrant (a/k/a a civil arrest warrant);
  • Make unsolicited telephone calls to a consumer.

This is not a complete list and there are other details contained in the emergency regulation. A copy of the regulation can be found here. If you believe that a creditor has violated the regulation you can file a complaint with the Attorney General, or seek to recover any damages you may have suffered as a result.

Accounts Receivable: Importance of Cash Flow Management

Everyone knows the saying “it takes money to make money.” No truer words have been spoken. A business needs money in order to purchase materials for resale, pay its employees, and to cover all of the other expenses. The revenues collected from your customers are needed to pay the expenses and turn a profit. Read More→

Drag Racing: Not for the streets

Here in Massachusetts the weather is improving  and “those” cars that do not handle so well in New England winter start to appear on the streets.  Although drag racing, or racing of any kind on the streets, is a year round problem it is more common in the warmer months.

Regardless of the time of year, it is illegal and dangerous.  In fact, since 2008 it is a criminal offense for some drivers.

The offense of drag racing is governed by M.G.L. c. 90 sec. 17B , however, if you are cited for drag racing you will likely be facing additional charges of a criminal and civil nature as well.  Read More→

New MGL c. 258E: Harassment Prevention Orders offers protection to victims of abuse, stalking, and harassment

A new law was passed by the Massachusetts Legislature on February 9, 2010, providing more options for persons that are being harassed to obtain a restraining order.  The new law, Chapter 258E of the General Laws, provides the ability for the Superior Courts, Boston Municipal Court, District Courts, and Juvenile Court to issue Harassment Prevention Orders. Read More→

Taylor Law Office is now accepting Credit Cards

Credit Cards


  • Only accepted for the payment of legal fees.
  • Not accepted for the payments of costs required for third parties, including but not limited to court costs, service costs, and others.
  • Additional limitations and restrictions apply.
  • Contact the Taylor Law Office for additional details.

Collecting judgments in Massachusetts: Supplementary Process

Congratulations, you have won your case and now have a money judgment. Now what can be done to get paid?  There are different options available to collect your judgment depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your matter.

One option is for you, the judgment creditor (“creditor”), to file a Supplementary Process action against the defendant, now the judgment debtor (“debtor”). Read More→

I have been served. What shall I do?

If you have been served with legal process by a constable, sheriff, or other person in Massachusetts most importantly do not ignore it.  The papers you were served with should clearly indicate what you are expected to do.  Even if you do not agree with what the papers say or how they were delivered some action is required. Read More→

Can I represent myself in court? Should I?

In Massachusetts if you are an individual you have the right to represent yourself. This right is guaranteed in Article 12 of the Massachusetts Constitution. There are even many resources to assist you represent yourself. If you are not an individual, namely a corporation, LLC, trust, or some other entity, you need to retain an attorney. However, just because you have the right to represent himself should you? Read More→

Taylor Law Office webiste is live

Welcome to the internet presence of the Taylor Law Office.   I invite you to take a look around, and even tell me what you think.  Be kind please.

I have been practicing law since 2003 representing individuals and businesses in a variety of different areas.  I have worked with companies to manage their accounts receivables (collections), prosecute claims they have, and to defend various claim made against them.  I have also represented individuals who facing various claims against them of a criminal, family or domestic relations, or civil nature.  Read more about me here.

I encourage you to bookmark my site and subscribe to the RSS feed to stay up to date on firm news and events, as well as get my thoughts on various legal issues that may affect you, or those close to you.