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Questions Answered by Terrence H Thorgaard
2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: In my civil case the attorney didn’t show up in the Plaintiffs behalf and the judge ruled a dismissal without prejudice

I have received court papers stating that. Can I stop making good faith payments?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 20, 2024

You don't HAVE to make payments at all. But since the dismissal was without prejudice, the plaintiff may, if it chooses, re-file the case and get a judgment. If so, it could attempt to collect by garnishment and by other means.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: Can I sue an auto body shop for unauthorized use of my vehicle?

After I picked up my car at the body shop, I checked the video recording of the installed dashcam and found out that some employees took a joyride during working hours, on my car and were trying to teach another employee how to drive a manual transmission.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 17, 2024

A civil lawsuit normally requires money damages. Unless there is a statute imposing punitive damages, such a suit for using your car would bring you pennies, at least, so it probably wouldn't be worth your time and expense. Also, the body shop might well contend that it was necessary to see... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Can owner of surrounding land refuse access to purchased land because an easement was not granted at time of purchase?

When I purchased my property over 20 years ago I was not given a legal easement. The owner of the property surrounding my property has now decided they no longer want to allow access to my property and chases anyone who enters the property away Is there any legal recourse I can seek to force the... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 14, 2024

It appears that you would have what is called an easement by implication or by necessity. So no, the person who sold you your land doesn't have the right to refuse access and you could probably bring a successful lawsuit to establish your right to access your property.

2 Answers | Asked in Insurance Defense, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation and Insurance Bad Faith for Florida on
Q: Could we be held financially liable if our adult son is on our insurance policy?

We have a 19-year old son who has his own insurance on a paid off car that is titled to a trust that solely has the vehicle in the trust (vehicle trust). However, he lost his job is now not able to pay for insurance. We would like to know if we add our son to our insurance policy and the car... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 14, 2024

No, it is unlikely that you could be held liable for having him on your insurance. Liability normally results from negligent action on the part of a driver, not co-insured such as you would be.

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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Florida on
Q: Hi. When my dad passed away his he didn’t leave a will and his only assets were life insurance and a small (see below)

Bank account left to me and my sister. I found out recently through the Florida Treasure Hunt that there are $300 in funds left to my father from a foreclosure of a home from about 15 years ago. Problem is, my sister had(s) power of attorney so her name is attached as owner of the funds. However, I... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 11, 2024

The power of attorney doesn't make her the owner of the money; but it's probably the reason she is named as the "owner". You should be able to get your share of the money through what is called "Disposition without administration", pursuant to Florida Statute 735.304.

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Will my soon to be ex-husband be responsible for my house loan if not on the note or deed but mortgage?

We are in process of divorce, I close on a house before it is finalized. He is required to sign mortgage but not note or deed. Will he have any rights to my home?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 11, 2024

Mr. Frick is substantially correct, although in Florida what he calls "widow's rights" is referred to as "homestead". The mortgagee can foreclose (as is normally provided in the mortgage), but the person who asked this question would have to be named as a defendant in the foreclosure action.

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1 Answer | Asked in Collections for Florida on
Q: I'm getting letters from lawyers to represent me from midland credit management but haven't cc received no court day is

Is this legitimate or a scare tactic to try get me to pay

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 7, 2024

Apparently, the letters are from attorneys seeking to represent you, and such letters are not from Midland. If that's the case, no it wouldn't be a "scare tactic". Until you have been served with a summons, by the way, the case cannot proceed. You can check with the clerk of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: Is it Legal in the state of Florida for a 16 year old to open carry a rifle when fishing
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 28, 2024

Yes.

Florida Statute 790.25 provides that "(2) ... Notwithstanding ss. 790.01, 790.053, and 790.06, the following persons may own, possess, and lawfully use firearms and other weapons, ammunition, and supplies for lawful purposes if they are not otherwise prohibited from owning or...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Hi there! Question: if there is an outstanding motion for default for filing an untimely answer, can the complaint amend

A court issued an order denying motion to dismiss and did not dismiss 2 counts, legal malpractice and tortious interference w/ co. They filed answer 3 days late. I filed motion for default. The court allowed me to freely amend. And did not prescribe time for either party to respond or amend. So the... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 20, 2024

If the defendant doesn't file an answer in a timely manner, a motion for default can be filed, but generally, an answer can be filed any time before default is entered. If you move to amend, you can't expect a default until the time to answer the again-amended complaint again runs.

2 Answers | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: We are looking at purchasing a piece of land in FL. My question is on road extension to get to the property.

There are so many similar pieces of land for sale that appear to be in the middle of nowhere, some are somewhat near an existing road. My question is, who’s responsible for extending a road to reach a property? When I asked about the cost of 1000 feet of road, I was told 25k for architect and... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 19, 2024

Assuming that there is a publicly dedicated right-of-way, the local government may or may not have a plan to build a road. Or, when the property was subdivided, they might have required the developer to build a road. As indicated, you should check with the county or other local government.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for Florida on
Q: 'Grandfathered in' legally what does this mean. It's zoning problem.

'Grandfathered in' my house was bought in1961.My mom combined 4 lots into 1 in 1988. The zoning person said that if she had did that after 1989 then I could claim that it is grandfathered in and sell two lots separately. Sounds backwards to me. Re-separating them back like before 1988... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 13, 2024

It is not clear how your mother "combined 4 lots into 1 in 1988". Did she build a single house on all four lots, or did she convey the four lots by a deed in which she used a metes and bounds description (instead of "lots __, ___, ___ and ___ of such-and-such subdivision")?... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Collections for Florida on
Q: If a debt collector cannot provide an itemization of where they are getting their figures from, do they have a case?
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 8, 2024

The phrase "an itemization of where they are getting their figures from" apparently means the amount owed. This is normally proved with periodic statements sent to the debtor. They also must be able to prove that they bought the debt from the original creditor and that they notified the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: What motion can I file if the defendant is avoiding service in Florida?

I have tried a sheriff and a private process server and both have filed affidavits that state the defendant is avoiding service.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 6, 2024

If the suit is "... arising out of any transaction or operation connected with or incidental to any business or business venture carried on in this state by such [defendant]", you might be able to effect service on the secretary of State pursuant to Florida Statute 48.181 (4).

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Probate and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: How do I evict my fathers live in girlfriend of 2-3 years since my father did not leave a will?

My father passed on May 26. He had recently sold a property so he should've had funds to cover his funeral cost. His live in girlfriend says that he only had $1 in the bank. The week before he died they argued about $150,000 he had at home that suddenly disappeared. My father had cameras at... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on May 30, 2024

In order to evict, you would have to file a probate petition and become his personal representative. You will need an attorney to do that. When you are appointed personal representative, you would be able to stop her from selling what remains of his property.

It would be very strange if...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Florida on
Q: Can u sell parent's home while they are in nursing home, father only on deed, was told one sibling on title as and/or?

Four birth children and two adopted from his second marriage, all in our 50s and 60s. While my father was alive I kept asking one sibling if my father had a will, legal documents and what he wanted to have done with his house. My sibling refused to answer me every time. My father was in a... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on May 28, 2024

It appears that your father transferred title to one of your siblings. If you can prove that your father didn't have the requisite mental capacity, you may be able to sue to set the deed aside or recover your intestate share of the estate.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: I'm trying to find the appellate law referring to not just an atty appearing in mediation but also the client.

per rule 1.710 Fl rule civil procedure, not only atty but also the client MUST appear, but my opponents atty say they only will appear.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Apr 29, 2024

I believe you are mis-reading Florida Civil Rule 1.720 (b). The phrase "deemed to appear" doesn't REQUIRE both the client AND the attorney to appear. The filing of a confirmation of authority required under subdivision (e) would solve any problem; see subdivision (f).

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Under ‘Hearsay’, can the State use the testimony/transcripts of a deceased person in a retrial?

And if so, why and what are the requirements necessary for the State to be able to use the testimony/transcripts of a deceased person in a retrial?

*This question is in regards to a criminal case that was vacated, and a retrial was ordered due to fundamental error in jury instructions.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Apr 14, 2024

Yes. Florida Statute 90.804 (2) (a) provides that testimony "given as a witness at another hearing of the same or a different proceeding, [is admissible] ... if the party against whom the testimony is now offered, ... had an opportunity and similar motive to develop the testimony by direct,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Car Accidents for Florida on
Q: Leaving accident without getting info just tag number and later find damage.

I was at a red light when a car changed lanes diagonally on my right side attempting to get in front of me when a red light changed and collided with my right front bumper. We were in heavy traffic and it wasn’t safe, therefore upon my first glance it appeared no damage, as other driver asked to... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Apr 3, 2024

When you file your claim with your insurance company, give them the tag number and the circumstances you have related. Using that number, the insurance company may be able to identify them, and choose to file a civil court claim against them. They might be able to recover a judgment, including a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Florida on
Q: estate

My boyfriends will is in his family possesion. I believe its on his phone. He commited suicide this month and the family wont share the will with me. Is there anything i can do?

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Mar 22, 2024

It's almost impossible that such a document, on a cell phone, would stand up in court. A will has a number of requirements, including the requirement that it be signed by the testator, signed by witnesses, and be notarized. So, it is very doubtful that you can inherit anything unless a... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Circumcision Consent Form did not specify risk of death.

My mother consented to have me circumcised as a baby, later down the line at age 24 I realize I was circumcised, an entire 24 years not knowing that I was circumcised, can I file a lawsuit against the doctor or hospital? The consent form did not specify "risk of death," had my mother... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Mar 16, 2024

Did you die from the operation? Did your mother know that there is a risk of death in any operation? If the answer to the first question is no, and the answer to the second question is yes, there are no damages and you don't have a right to sue, whether or not the SOL has tolled.

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