Recent Blog Posts
Protecting Vulnerable Adults: How to Prevent Financial Exploitation in Florida
Financial exploitation of vulnerable adults is a growing concern in Florida, particularly for the elderly and those with cognitive impairments. Exploiters—whether strangers, caregivers, or even family members—often take advantage of their victims through fraud, undue influence, or outright theft. Florida law provides several safeguards to protect at-risk adults, and Bleakley Bavol Denman & Grace… Read More »
From Probate to Partnership: How Children Can Legally Operate Rental Properties After a Parent’s Death
When a parent who owns rental properties passes away, their children often find themselves facing two difficult realities: grieving the loss of a loved one while also managing valuable income-generating real estate. If there is no clear estate plan, the process can feel overwhelming. However, once the estate has been settled through probate, children… Read More »
How the Death of a Silent Partner Affects Business Operations and Dissolution
In many small businesses and partnerships, there may be one or more “silent partners”—individuals who have invested capital into the business but do not actively participate in its daily operations. While silent partners are often not visible in the business’s day-to-day activities, their legal and financial roles can be significant. When a silent partner… Read More »
2024 Updates to Probate and Trust Law: Key Takeaways for Florida Families
Florida’s probate and trust laws have undergone significant changes in 2024, impacting how families plan their estates and navigate the probate process. These updates aim to modernize legal procedures, enhance protections for beneficiaries, and provide greater flexibility in estate planning. Here’s a digestible guide by our Tampa Estate Planning Attorneys at Bleakley Bavol Denman… Read More »
How to Remove a Problem Trustee in Florida: A Step-by-Step Guide
A trustee has a serious legal duty: to manage a trust’s assets for the benefit of its beneficiaries, according to the terms of the trust and in compliance with Florida law. But what happens when the trustee isn’t doing their job—or worse, is acting in bad faith? Whether due to negligence, mismanagement, or outright… Read More »
What Happens If a Beneficiary Can’t Be Found in a Florida Probate Case?
When someone passes away in Florida and their estate enters probate, one of the personal representative’s first responsibilities is to identify and notify all beneficiaries named in the will—or heirs if there is no will. But what happens if a beneficiary can’t be located? Missing beneficiaries present a unique legal challenge in Florida probate… Read More »
Minority Shareholder Rights in Florida: How to Prevent Oppression or Freeze-Outs
In closely held corporations and small businesses, minority shareholders often find themselves in a vulnerable position. Without majority control, they may have limited say in business decisions, financial distributions, or corporate governance. Worse yet, some majority shareholders engage in conduct designed to squeeze out or oppress minority owners. This behavior—often called a “freeze-out”—can cause… Read More »
What Are ‘Pay-If-Paid’ and ‘Pay-When-Paid’ Clauses in Florida Construction Contracts?
In the construction industry, payment disputes are a common challenge that contractors and subcontractors face. To manage these risks, general contractors often include “Pay-If-Paid” and “Pay-When-Paid” clauses in their contracts. These clauses determine when and how subcontractors get paid, but they carry significant legal and financial implications. Understanding the differences between them and how… Read More »
Builder’s Risk Insurance vs. General Liability: Which Does Your Construction Business Need?
In the construction industry, protecting your business from financial loss is just as important as completing a project successfully. Two of the most common types of insurance policies for construction companies are Builder’s Risk Insurance and General Liability Insurance. While both provide essential protection, they cover different risks. Understanding these differences with Bleakley Bavol… Read More »
How to Challenge a Will in Florida: Grounds for Contesting an Estate
When a loved one passes away, the distribution of their assets is usually carried out according to their will. However, in some cases, family members or other interested parties may believe the will is invalid or unfair. In Florida, contesting a will is a complex legal process that requires clear legal grounds and sufficient… Read More »