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I'm involved in an auto accident case with a law firm and have been visiting the doctors they recommended. Despite these visits, I haven't found relief for my pain. I wish to see a doctor of my choice, but the law firm is not allowing me to do so. In one instance, I paid for medical... View More

answered on Apr 26, 2025
The law firm may believe that for you to see the doctor they recommend may somehow increase the chances of a larger settlement or court judgment. But you can still see the doctor you want.
I'm involved in an auto accident case with a law firm and have been visiting the doctors they recommended. Despite these visits, I haven't found relief for my pain. I wish to see a doctor of my choice, but the law firm is not allowing me to do so. In one instance, I paid for medical... View More

answered on Apr 28, 2025
Law firms often direct clients to specific doctors who understand injury documentation needs for legal cases. They may worry outside doctors won't properly document your injuries or might affect your settlement value. However, Florida law protects your right to choose your own doctor. Should... View More
Does a board meeting qualify as "the next regular or special meeting of the association" for purposes of Florida Statute 720.309(2)(a)? Our HOA holds member meetings only annually, but the board executed a long-term contract for bulk internet services with Comcast on April 16, to be... View More

answered on Apr 25, 2025
No, a special meeting usually refers to a special meeting of the members, not a board meeting. This is governed by § 720.306, Fla. Stat., and it typically involves homeowners/members being called together for a specific purpose (e.g., voting on amendments, removal of directors, etc.). Special... View More
Does a board meeting qualify as "the next regular or special meeting of the association" for purposes of Florida Statute 720.309(2)(a)? Our HOA holds member meetings only annually, but the board executed a long-term contract for bulk internet services with Comcast on April 16, to be... View More

answered on Apr 25, 2025
The statute provides any member at the next regular meeting or a special meeting may make a motion, it requires someone to second it and a majority of the membership present at the meeting would need to vote to cancel the contract. Not a majority of the membership, just those present at the... View More
I signed a lease for an apartment on April 1, 2025, and moved some possessions in on April 5th. That evening, a fire rendered the apartment uninhabitable, which the leasing office acknowledged. I was offered to terminate the lease or wait for repairs. When I opted to wait, I was later told I needed... View More

answered on Apr 23, 2025
Sounds like you owe the rent April 1 - April 5, at a minimum. If you elected to wait, your lease remained in effect. Apparently upon closer inspection, it was determined that you could not wait - the damage was too severe, and the lease terminated then. Perhaps that's 2 weeks between April 5... View More
I have been converting a house into three apartments under a verbal agreement for about a year. My rent was paid through the work I was doing on the property. The owner suddenly informed me that they sold the property and I need to leave, but I have received no formal notice. What are my legal... View More

answered on Apr 21, 2025
You would be considered a month to month tenant and subject to eviction if you do not leave once you are given proper notice. While an eviction might take a few weeks, you could be considered a holdover tenant and subjected to double rent. The judge would impose market value rent.
In a mutual agreement divorce in which both parties have agreed on all terms and the only asset is a house listed for sale, can we include a clause in the divorce settlement that prevents either party from bringing a new partner to live in the house until the sale is finalized, even if the parties... View More

answered on Apr 21, 2025
You can IF you both agree to this provision. In reality, you will find that a clause like this is difficult to enforce. What if someone spends the night, or two nights, is that a violation? Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.
In a mutual agreement divorce in which both parties have agreed on all terms and the only asset is a house listed for sale, can we include a clause in the divorce settlement that prevents either party from bringing a new partner to live in the house until the sale is finalized, even if the parties... View More

answered on Apr 21, 2025
You may include that provision in the Settlement Agreement, but ensure it contains precise terms that clearly reflect both parties' intentions. Specific language regarding obligations, timelines, and remedies for non-compliance will help prevent future disputes and facilitate enforcement. I... View More
Do I have any recourse to recover a portion of the property value or monies spent after a split with my girlfriend of seven years? We had a verbal agreement when acquiring a house in Key West seven years ago. She paid for the house in cash ($580k), and I was responsible for rebuilding it. I... View More

answered on Apr 14, 2025
Yes, you can claim unjust enrichment, constructive trust, resulting trust, promissory estoppel, and partnership, among others. If you have emails or text messages, those constitute a written agreement that can be the basis of a claim in contract as well. We have had success litigating this issue... View More
My ex-wife was responsible for filing a QDRO with the Florida Retirement System for her share of my pension, as specified in our divorce finalized on April 29, 2004. Despite reminding her in October 2024, she has yet to file it. I'm unsure if there was a deadline for this task. There have been... View More

answered on Apr 9, 2025
If the court order is clear that it is her obligation to prepare the QDRO then you do not have to do anything. Your only obligation is to cooperate if and when she contacts you. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.
Can credit card companies place a lien on my house in Florida because of my wife's credit card debt, given that the house loan was solely in my name but her name is on the title?

answered on Apr 8, 2025
The Florida Constitution protects your Homestead and therefore they cannot force sell your Homestead for credit card and or other types of judgments that do not directly relate to the Homestead property (Mortgage, taxes, home improvements, etc.) .What they will do is get a blanket judgment on all... View More
I would like to know if I can sue a bank and a car dealership for fraud. My wife and I purchased a used car at a dealership in Miami, FL on February 15, 2025, and encountered several issues: my last name was spelled incorrectly on the documents; the down payment was recorded as $4,200, despite us... View More

answered on Apr 3, 2025
You should take your documents to a lawyer right away. We do not have any way of reviewing your purchase agreement and contracts in this forum.
Most used car sales are "as is" and it's up to the buyer to have the car inspected prior to purchase irrespective of what the... View More
About 30 years ago, I wrote a book that was serialized in a bi-monthly magazine over six installments in one year. The magazine is still being published, and there was no formal contract—only a handshake agreement for $500 per installment. I was credited as the author and contributing editor. I... View More

answered on Apr 2, 2025
I would double-check with the magazine to see if there is a contract on file even if you remember a verbal/handshake agreement. If there is a written agreement, please reach out to an experienced intellectual property attorney to review it in detail. There is something called a... View More
I financed my first car and signed the contract on March 4th. The dealer lied and left out important information. Initially, I was told the car was $4,000, but then the dealer said it was $6,000, leading me to finance the car since I only had $5,000. I paid a $3,000 down payment, but the contract... View More

answered on Mar 26, 2025
The court is going to look to the terms of the contract first. Whatever you signed on the contract is what the court will start with first in determining what is to be paid and to whom. Anything that you agreed to prior to the signing of the contract, that is not written in the contract, is not... View More
I purchased a 1999 Porsche 986 a couple of months ago from a seller who recently moved to Florida from Kansas. He advertised the vehicle as having a clean title and a perfectly running engine. However, I later discovered the title is salvage and the engine started misfiring the night I brought the... View More

answered on Mar 25, 2025
Was there a contract signed related to the transaction or at the very least an email reflecting those terms? If not, you may still have a viable claim against the seller, but it will ultimately be a he said/ she said situation and likely no ability to recover attorneys fees. It may not be a lawsuit... View More
I had a Project Manager/Sales Rep who resigned in December. We have evidence that they accepted a position with a competitor back in August and were promoting and selling our competitor's products to our current customers while still employed by us, receiving benefits and having expenses paid... View More

answered on Mar 17, 2025
You may have a claim for damages under a theory of tortious business interference. To establish a claim for tortious interference with a business relationship in Florida, a plaintiff must demonstrate the existence of a business relationship, the defendant's knowledge of that relationship,... View More
In October 2024, I notified the company of a defective section of flooring in my house under warranty. The warranty covers repairs and replacements for one year. Despite numerous telephone conversations—eight in total, with the last on March 4, 2025, when the manager assured me that repair work... View More

answered on Mar 17, 2025
You may pursue a claim for construction defects and other causes of action that may apply. However, you must first comply with the pre-suit process under the statute which requires that a notice and opportunity to repair be provided to the contractor. Chapter 558 specifies "the notice of claim... 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'm owed $30,000 by a friend, and she wants to sign over a cashier's check for the same amount to me, which she received from selling land. There is no contract between us regarding the debt. Can this be done legally, and are there any potential issues I should be aware of? No one else is... View More

answered on Mar 10, 2025
To be safe, I would recommend having a settlement agreement prepared and signed by the parties. Simply signing over the check leaves the situation open to ambiguity and interpretation. It is highly advisable to have a proper settlement agreement prepared, reviewed, and signed by the parties... View More
I was involved in a legal case in Florida concerning a forged endorsement by an unauthorized employee on a promissory note. Despite the forgery, the court's decision was against us. I have new evidence and am looking to request a retrial. Could the presence of a forgery be grounds to dismiss... View More

answered on Mar 10, 2025
It may, Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.530 allows for a new trial based on newly discovered evidence if it was discovered after the trial and could not have been discovered before the trial by the exercise of due diligence. However, you need to move quickly. The time limit for filing a motion... View More
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