Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Civil Litigation legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
Florida Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: Is it civil or criminal law when a landscape company adds charges such as equipment not used to my invoice.
Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jan 23, 2025

It's at least civil, and usually this kind of issue is civil only, including potential issues of breach of contract and/or unfair and deceptive trade practices. However, in some cases, a fraudulent act could be a criminal act, and that would be an issue for a law enforcement agency.

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Contracts, Business Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Do I need to first submit a complaint and wait for an investigation by the Florida Department of Highway Safety?

I am pursuing a claim against a used car dealership in Florida and would like to file a claim against their surety bond. Do I need to first submit a complaint and wait for an investigation by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) before filing the claim with the bond... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Civil Litigation and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: I filed to a foreign custody order from Virginia to Florida with a motion to amend custody and visitation.

Respondent filed a motion to dismiss, and quash for lack of personal and home jurisdiction. I filed a counterclaim stating that Florida remains home state under UCCJEA from previous filings and custody orders, child primary residence 2015-2020, continuing jurisdiction due to my domicile and... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Florida on
Q: Sending a request for production of documents. Does the certificate of service need to be sent to attorneys receiving?

I understand the court needs it but unsure if receiving attorneys do

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jan 21, 2025

As Mr. Kaufman alluded to, the fact that you have asked this question means you have not read the applicable Rules of Court, much of which a layperson can understand, and the rules regarding documents that must be served and method of service are definitely understandable. Your inquiry category is... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Sexual Harassment for Florida on
Q: In case law, what is the origin of the class action lawsuit as a concept? (How/when was it first devised and used)

Lawsuits are typically filed as class actions becuase plaintiffs (and potential plaintiffs) advance similar theories of liability. The plaitniffs' injuries and the context of the alleged injuries are also factors. Further, they are practical, and allow plaintiffs to enhance political power... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jan 19, 2025

Start by reading this:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_action

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Florida on
Q: Yes I own and operate a junk removal business in Florida. Woman calls me to come estimate. a Junk Removal Job Heres the

Yes I own and operate a junk removal business in Florida. Woman calls me to come estimate. a Junk Removal Job Heres the rub Its ALL her mothers (Husband's) stuff. He has NO IDEA the women are moving against him to clear this out. I offered to assist in clearing out space to decide whats junk... View More

Erik A. Perez
Erik A. Perez
answered on Jan 14, 2025

I would recommend you have a waiver prepared and signed by the clients. The waiver should specifically waive all liability for you and the company for the specific issues that may arise. This will not give you 100% protection against a lawsuit, but will certainly put you in a better position to... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Gov & Administrative Law, DUI / DWI and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Are you a Florida lawyer I was arrested on a charge of driving while license suspended which the DMV vacated

Before the arrest officer's still arrested me on suspension which was vacated just to do a illegal search

Michael Rubin
Michael Rubin
answered on Jan 8, 2025

if the officer relied in good faith on information provided to him by dispatch, the stop is probably okay, if the DMV information had not caught up, but, if you now have a valid license, the case will likely be dismissed by the State or something similar. The second issue you raise concerning the... View More

View More Answers

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: If a judge ignores an emergency injunction petition, how do I escalate it to get it heard?

I submitted an emergency injunction against an entity Sept '24. The court has sat on it. Originally filed Sept 3rd, judges assistant called to tell me Respondent had to be served first. I filed amended injunction along with a Void Judgement motion. Which was the actionable item at play.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Can I move out of state with my open DCF case?

My case was opened in 2023, and my children have been removed from the home. My daughter is living with her maternal grandparents, and my son is in foster care. Since the DCF case was opened my husband and I have been dealing with homelessness, and lack of income. My husband has been completing all... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Jan 6, 2025

The question that you need to decide is are you opposing the TPR. You can move wherever you choose so long as you are complying with any court orders issued. If there is a court order that says you cannot move then you need to return to court to get permission. Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Florida on
Q: What are the potential consequences for someone threatening and harassing you claiming to own a property they don’t own?

What are the potential consequences for an individual who engages in harassment and threats against a long-time resident of a property, falsely claiming ownership and serving them with an unlawful detainer, despite being aware of their identity? In a scenario where the property was quitclaimed in... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: There is a Florida Statue Law 1.140-Defense (a) and Rule 1.170(b) Counter Claim that state a Counter Claim must serve an

answer within 20 days. The answer was not served by the registered Attorney who served the Summons. Instead the Plaintiff responded to the counter claim. I am dealing with a judge who only wants to deal attorneys and not with Pro Se who want to defend themselves as quoted by the judge in the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: My arm entirely bruised after heart catheterization last week. Not small bruise and bump like their brochure says.

I wish I could upload a photo. Doctor office sent me home with post procedure instructions. Within the instructions it says I may have a small bruise and/or a bump at the site of cath insertion. The bruising i have starts at the lower part of my thumb and extends all the way up to my armpit on the... View More

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Jan 2, 2025

Everyone's body is different. You may have an abnormal reaction. It does not mean the doctor should have done something to avoid it. The sole abnormal bruise is not proof of a doctor's negligence.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Civil Litigation, Construction Law and Contracts for Florida on
Q: How do we get out of a contract with ServPro and not pay the balance due, because they did the work wrong, needs redoing

They want us to pay off the original bill, even though the job isn’t done.

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

Just refuse to pay. If they sue you, respond with the defense you have indicated.

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Contracts for Florida on
Q: Me and my business partner own a bar together. She changed the password to our cameras and removed me from the account.

Is she allowed to do this while we both own the bar? She did it for personal reasons. A bad break up.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Dec 20, 2024

No, unless you had an agreement providing she has exclusive rights to do whatever she did. In any event, if you are getting a business divorce, consult a lawyer who handles business formation and dissolution issues.

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: My exboyfriend wont give me my keys to my car could I call pop a lock to make a key if I have the title in my name

The car is next door at his neighbors house

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Dec 12, 2024

I assume you mean that you not only wish to change the vehicle lock, but you also wish to take exclusive possession of the vehicle. Whether you can lawfully do that depends on the facts surrounding the vehicle not currently being in your possession, and you did not provide any of those facts here.... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Collections for Florida on
Q: Sued someone for personal damages more than $5000 and they never returned informational sheet

How am I able to collect on this judgement? They never showed up to court and the judgment is completely unpaid, info sheet never returned. Im in South Florida Broward County.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Dec 10, 2024

Any time a defendant does not submit something that's required, the first step is to reach out to the defendant to determine if he/she will comply, and if so, by when. If no cooperation, the next step is to file an appropriate motion with the Court to request issuance of an Order addressing... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: For the USA Constitution 9th Amendment, it should allow an individual person the right to privacy if possible?

Privacy If Possible as an individual right is not mentioned in the other amendments. All aspects of privacy should be mentioned as a way to allow an individual person to choose who or what to associate with. The first amendment addresses consent to join a group or organization. I am wondering if... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Dec 10, 2024

Are you asking just an academic question, or you have a real-life situation that you need assistance with? If it's the latter, you'd need to provide some factual context to obtain any meaningful information. As a purely academic matter, it is the First Amendment that provides freedom of... View More

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Dealer won’t give me refund of my down payment even though I never took possession of the car

Hello, I went to a dealership and made a deal on the car they said I could pick it up the next day that next day turned to a week, the car still wasn’t ready. So I decided I didn’t want the car anymore and now they’re refusing to give me back the money I put down is there anything I can do?

Jacqueline Alicia Salcines
PREMIUM
Jacqueline Alicia Salcines pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 5, 2024

Hire a lawyer to assist you and get your money back.

View More Answers

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Could I argue lack of subject matter jurisdiction to get a case from a debt collection agency dismissed?

In the claim, they listed Count 1 $6935, Count 2 and 3 $7586 for a total of $14,521. Both Count 2 and 3 (unjust enrichment claim) list that amount, so the total of the claim is really $22,107. The increased total means the case was opened in the wrong court. Florida, case opened in civil, when it... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Nov 27, 2024

Thr unjust enrichment claim is separate and distinct from any other claims. You don't add them. Even if they made an error, the case was properly brought in county court. The limit in county court is $50,000. Subject matter jurisdiction is not in play.

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Florida on
Q: Can I take an individual to small claims court if they agreed via text message to pay for a concert ticket

I took an individual to a concert and paid for a ticket for them, offering to pay for this ticket. This person verbally agreed to pay me back, and was unaware of the ticket price when being bought. A week later we ended things between us and I demanded the payment back, to which over text message... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Nov 19, 2024

You'd have a valid claim if "offering to pay for this ticket" means that from the git-go, it was an agreement for you to obtain the ticket on the condition he/she pay you back for it. If "offering to pay for this ticket" means making a gift of the ticket, you would not... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.