Recent Blog Posts
Legal Mistakes Businesses Make That Increase Litigation Risk
Running a business in Florida is no small feat. It takes grit, vision, and daily decision-making. Unfortunately, many business owners don’t realize how quickly routine practices can carry legal consequences. Something as simple as how your business is structured or how you handle a deal can be the difference between smooth operations and expensive… Read More »
What Is the Difference Between Guardianship and Power of Attorney in Florida?
When a loved one can no longer handle their personal or financial matters, families often have to make difficult legal decisions. Two legal options in Florida that are frequently confused are guardianship and power of attorney (POA). Understanding the difference between the two can help families in protecting their loved ones and avoiding unnecessary… Read More »
Florida Probate Litigation: Understanding Jurisdiction and Pleading Requirements
Probate disputes can get tricky when family members or beneficiaries allege misconduct in the administration of an estate. A recent case in the Southern District of Florida highlights the importance of establishing proper jurisdiction and pleading requirements when accusing someone of misconduct in estate management. Our Tampa probate litigation attorney at Bleakley Bavol Denman… Read More »
How Do You Know When a Business Is Part of a Florida Probate Estate?
One of the key functions of a personal representative in a Florida probate estate is to identify and marshal any assets that belong to the estate. This includes any businesses where the deceased held an ownership interest. Unfortunately, many business owners fail to properly document their ownership before they die, which can lead to… Read More »
Cash or In-Kind? Distributing Shares of a Florida Business After the Owner’s Death
A key consideration in succession planning is how to distribute any shares or ownership interests you have in a Florida business. If your will simply divides your estate into percentage shares, that can leave your personal representative with a decision to make: Do I distribute those shares in-kind to the beneficiaries, or do I… Read More »
Can I Ask for a Jury Trial in a Florida Trust or Estate Dispute?
While most trust and estate disputes in Florida are resolved outside of a formal judicial proceeding, there are cases that end up going to trial. The Tampa estate litigation attorneys Bleakley Bavol Denman & Grace can advise and represent you in these contested matters and answer any questions you have about the process. For… Read More »
Establishing a Lost Will in a Florida Probate Proceeding
Handling an estate can be complicated, especially when the decedent’s original will has been lost or misplaced. In Florida, the law allows interested parties to probate lost or destroyed wills, but there are strict procedural and evidentiary requirements that must be followed. Whether you are attempting to admit a copy of a lost will… Read More »
How To Respond When a Mechanic’s Lien is Filed Against Your Property
Finding out that someone has filed a mechanic’s lien against your property can be pretty stressful. A lien can cloud your title, slow down refinancing or selling, and financially strain you. The good news is that Florida law gives property owners several tools to challenge, remove, or resolve a mechanic’s lien. Below is a… Read More »
Understanding Tortious Interference Claims in Florida
Business relationships are vital to a company’s long-term success. Whether these connections involve consumers, referrals, or even patients, any outside interference can disrupt operations and lead to significant financial damage. Florida law recognizes this risk and allows businesses to pursue claims when another party intentionally and unjustifiably interferes with those relationships. Our Tampa commercial… Read More »
When Can a Florida Court Remove the Personal Representative of an Estate?
One of the more common subjects in estate litigation are attempts to remove the personal representative (executor) of a probate estate. In many cases, family members are unhappy with how the personal representative is doing–or not doing–their job. If you are involved in such a dispute, the Tampa estate litigation attorneys at Bleakley Bavol… Read More »