Recent Blog Posts
The Most Common Mistakes Trustees Make in Florida
Serving as a trustee in Florida is a significant responsibility. While you might feel honored to be selected for this role, you should know that this is a legal obligation that you need to approach with care and diligence. As a trustee, you will be held to high standards under the trust’s terms and… Read More »
Can You Sue a Contractor for Poor Workmanship in Florida? (A 2026 Guide)
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for contractors to perform poor work. When construction work is done poorly, it can result in safety issues, code violations, or expensive damage. In such cases, it is understandable to wonder, “Can you take legal action against a contractor for poor workmanship in Florida?” In many cases, the answer… Read More »
Understanding “Less Restrictive Alternatives” in Florida Guardianship Cases
When a loved one becomes incapacitated, families often assume that guardianship is the only option. However, in Florida, a person may only be placed under the care and control of another person who functions as their legal “guardian” if specific criteria are properly established. One of the most crucial requirements is that the court… Read More »
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 »