Get free answers to your Arbitration / Mediation Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I'm involved in a small claims case where the defendant and I have agreed to settle through mediation scheduled for April 3rd, 2025. I'm seeking legal representation for the mediation process. Can you advise on how to find a suitable lawyer?

answered on Mar 18, 2025
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for over a week, and April 3rd is right around the corner. You've probably already been searching on your own by now. You could supplement your efforts with the "Find a Lawyer" tab above or the attorney referral... View More
I have a fixed-price construction contract in Florida for a $78K renovation. We signed it several months ago, and permits were just obtained three weeks ago. Now, the contractor demands an additional $22K due to increased subcontractor costs and refuses to proceed unless I agree, despite the... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
1. Does the contractor’s refusal to proceed at the fixed price constitute a material breach under Florida law? It may, as you mentioned the price is fixed. However, the contract may contain exclusions or exceptions. The terms of the contract would have to be reviewed.
2. What... View More
I have a parenting plan with my ex where we share 50/50 custody. My ex recently informed me that he plans to move 3-4 hours away with our child, and I'm not comfortable with that decision. Our parenting plan doesn't mention relocation. What steps can I take legally to address this... View More

answered on Mar 13, 2025
There is a law that prohibits relocation more than 50 miles, Statute 61.13001
Here is the link:
http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13001.html
Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.
I was ordered to mediation with my ex regarding custody of our son within 30 days from 01/24/25, and both of us were required to file financial affidavits. I submitted my affidavit on 02/17, but my ex has not filed his yet and hasn't been in contact with our son since 2023 after moving to... View More

answered on Mar 5, 2025
If there is a court order to mediate and it is scheduled then you should appear. Tell the mediator that you cannot move forward without his financial affidavit. You can also fie a motion to compel his financial affidavit. If the facts are as you say then the court should rule in your favor... View More
When having to go to mediation with the HOA the HOA lawyer has listed mediators in his county which is 40-60 miles away, are mediators required to be in the county the property and potential suit be taking place or anywhere within the state?

answered on Jun 19, 2024
There are Florida attorneys here who do deal with HOAs who could answer your question best, but it remains open for a week. Until you speak consult with one, there is a general principle in arbitration/mediation where parties could raise the issue that a particular venue or forum is unduly... View More
I was forced to sign a quick deed to property that I own. By a Ex-prison con artist who kept threatening my and still is threatening my family. What can I do?

answered on Mar 30, 2024
If you were coerced into signing a quitclaim deed under threats, it's important to take immediate action to protect yourself and your family. The first step is to contact law enforcement to report the threats and the coercion. They can offer protection and advice on how to proceed safely.... View More
I received a lump sum settlement for disability benefits under my employer's LTD group policy last year, and I believe my claim should meet the definition of unlawful discrimination under IRC section 62 a 20 e 18 so I am likely able to deduct attorney fees and court costs on 1040 Schedule 1... View More

answered on Mar 29, 2024
Understanding the nuances of tax deductions related to attorney fees and court costs can be complex, particularly when it comes to settlements for disability benefits under an employer's LTD group policy. According to IRS Publication 525, attorney fees and court costs associated with claims... View More
I have a trail date already in place that he requested to leave for March 2024. He canceled my mediation and put in a motion to withdraw the day before my mediation. I still showed up to mediation but no one was there

answered on Feb 5, 2024
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a week. The first thing to do could be to learn about the withdrawl, whether it was with prejudice or without prejudice. Withdrawing a case with prejudice generally means no rights reserved to refile the case. Withdrawing... View More
I have already signed an arbitration agreement with a rehab facility. There was no indication or option mentioned about opting out within a certain timeframe, and I'm unsure if there are any specific terms in the agreement about how to withdraw or opt out. Can I still opt out of this agreement?

answered on Mar 10, 2025
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It sounds like a done-deal, based on the limited facts. Arbitration agreements are binding in most instances, subject to local law and the way they're drafted (some agreements make arbitration an option, some... View More
I had gotten injured sept 3rd 2023.
A box struck my eyes I had a swollen eye , pain for 2 weeks. I was told to see a doctor where the doctor send me right back to work. They denied workers comp. I took a lawyer on may that’s when they decided to not deny me and approved. I had no... View More

answered on Sep 19, 2024
Florida workers compensation law does not provide for pain and suffering. Settlement of a workers compensation matter is optional so neither party can be forced to settle. You indicated that your case was initially denied but then accepted after you hired a lawyer and she filed petitions on your... View More
I am 52 years old with 3 kids. I came to the US after marrying my husband 27 years ago in Europe, where I lived. He has a very high income and stability because he is in the tech industry. I was a stay-at-home mom for 10 years then part-time worker. Now working in administrative role for an Italian... View More

answered on Sep 7, 2024
Your question requires a more detailed financial analysis. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.
Parents want a divorce, fighting over children. Mother had children. Mother got arrested and has been in jail for over a year case not tried yet.
Courts gave Father the children. He now wants her to sign the paper for a divorce. Her attorney took herself off the case several months ago... View More

answered on Mar 29, 2024
Yes, divorce papers can be served on you if you are in jail. No, you do not have to sign for the divorce papers if you are in jail. I hope this helps. Good luck!
my father lives in an assisted living for 2+ years. The resident agreement states they can raise the rent annually and also make a cost of living adjustment annually. In addition, they can raise the rates on the nursing services. Written notice 30 days prior. We received a notice on 12/1/2023 that... View More

answered on Jan 16, 2024
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. A starting point could be to make another request for an explanation. If you contemplate disputing, you could check the agreement/contract as to any provisions for the resolution of disputes (arbitration, courts of... View More
Had a disagreement over the help he was giving me, needed a loan to help pay for a dental plan due to an emergency, and told him it was such, and a big text argument ensued with me doing a really dumb thing. Before and after that dumb thing, I did tell him I was going to repay him every single... View More

answered on Nov 1, 2023
You don't need a mediator. Just mail him a check when you have the money.

answered on Oct 5, 2023
A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. It could depend what the arbitration is for - general negotiation, challenging basis for debt, claim for misconduct, etc. It could also depend on the right to use arbitration as a forum. Sometimes that's... View More
Boyfriend at the time stole my purse and sold food stamps to 4 different people on the same day same store they have punished me for 3 years where I couldn't get food stamps at all no place on the country i went hungry alot was homeless alot too I moved to Florida to get away from those people... View More

answered on Oct 2, 2023
I don't know what "dss" means, but in any case, a question on a NC limitations period must be asked of a NC attorney. Since your inquiry is indicated to be from Sebring, Fla., mostly Fla. attorneys (like me) will see your post. Also, legal advice on the filing deadline specific to... View More
Home in his name only. Do not trust him!

answered on Aug 7, 2023
As long as the house is a marital asset, which it sounds like it is, the court will order the equity to be divided as part of equitable distribution. You will each have the opportunity to buy the other out or else the property will be sold. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.
I hired an attorney who up till this moment I have yet to see the judge. I just wanted representation the law is not exactly on my favor in my state for being a grandparent. But still they took my funds and said they can at least try if that was OK which for me it was. So now I'm wondering was... View More

answered on Mar 31, 2023
This sounds like an issue between you and your attorney more than a legal issue. Make an appointment to see your attorney in person and find out what is happening. Grandparent rights in Florida is a difficult issue but if you have had the children for seven years that will definitely work in your... View More
The sea dip never got the reservation stating they don’t even know how I rented the room. They say they have private owners, but no way of who rented the room. The phone number on file kept going to voicemail and they said they didn’t know who that was and hotels.com never refunded my money.... View More

answered on Dec 24, 2022
File your arbitration case.
As stated in Hotels.com’s terms and conditions of usage:
“Arbitrations will be conducted by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its rules, including the AAA Consumer Rules. The AAA's rules are available at www.adr.org or by calling... View More
My former tenant sued small claims for return of security deposit, Pinellas County Florida. In mediation, we agreed I would return part of the deposit ($600) and he would dismiss the suit. I paid the $600 within the assigned time frame. I have a copy of the check he cashed. Yet he refuses to... View More
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