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Florida Civil Litigation Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Collections and Communications Law for Florida on
Q: I have received text messages from this person I not sure if it’s really or not

As of today you have failed to respond to the settlement offers. Our client has attempted to work with you all multiple times. Be advised today we have sent out certified mail to the department of labor. This included the request to attach your bank account and garnish the wages. This will be in... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jun 11, 2024

The language used indicates that this is very likely a scam, but you cannot get a reliable answer from an online forum as to whether someone contacting you is "real" or not. Since the person says he/she "just emailed your bank", you can contact your bank to inquire about it.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Small Claims for Florida on
Q: How can I get a phone back from an ex that I pay for still and owe 700 dollars on still and is under my name

He is an abiser and narcissist he also stole battieries and the bsttiery port oit of my belongind and wont rerun that as well

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

If you're talking about theft, you have the option of calling the police. However, if your ex would give them a story contrary to yours about who owns what, the police would likely say it's a civil matter and leave him alone. To have a good set-up for taking action in the civil court... View More

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 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.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Jun 6, 2024

One option is to file a motion for extension of time to serve, to extend the 120-day deadline, attaching to the motion the server's affidavits. You likely would need to set that (or any other motion) for hearing. Your other options depend on what type of case it is and whether the defendant... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: How can I find out if my lawyer re filed our lawsuit before statute of limitations ran out?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 5, 2024

To find out if your lawyer refiled your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expired, start by directly contacting your lawyer. Ask them for specific details about the filing date and request any documentation or confirmation they have regarding the refiled lawsuit. Lawyers are obligated to... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: If I have a car that was left in my driveway and the owner no longer returns calls or texts, how do I claim it?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 29, 2024

If a car has been left in your driveway and the owner is unresponsive, you will need to follow legal procedures to claim it.

Start by contacting your local police department to report the abandoned vehicle. They will typically run a check to ensure it is not stolen and may try to contact...
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4 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Civil litigation on a real estate lis pendon case

I am writing to seek your expert legal opinion and guidance regarding a complex situation I am currently facing. Here is a summary of the circumstances:

- Two years ago, I purchased a home and followed all the necessary procedures, including hiring a title company.

- It has come to... View More

Jane Kim
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answered on Apr 30, 2024

There is no way anyone can sift through this on this platform and provide legal guidance.

Please note that a lawyer at the title company is not your lawyer, so that s/he does not represent you and does not have your best interest in mind. Certainly, you must retain your own lawyer to...
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4 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Civil litigation on a real estate lis pendon case

I am writing to seek your expert legal opinion and guidance regarding a complex situation I am currently facing. Here is a summary of the circumstances:

- Two years ago, I purchased a home and followed all the necessary procedures, including hiring a title company.

- It has come to... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Apr 30, 2024

Title Insurance procedures, requirements, etc. are not title law. I doubt that the absence of a uninterested spouse signing the Deed over to you is of any legal significance to your title. Hire an attorney, not a title company, to search that title.

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2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Bankruptcy for Florida on
Q: Is it possible to overturn a civil judgement thats been given final approval? can u sue a person and a business?

owner and business names in civil judgement- never received court documents until case decisioned. judgement given against owner and company together. Need help. does business chapter 11 bankruptcy negate this? can you sue both? is there any instance the owner or S corporation become judgement... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 1, 2024

It's possible to challenge a civil judgment after it has been finalized, particularly if you never received the court documents. You might consider filing a motion to vacate the judgment if there were issues like improper service of process. It's important to act quickly, as courts often... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Business Law, Civil Litigation and Bankruptcy for Florida on
Q: Is it possible to overturn a civil judgement thats been given final approval? can u sue a person and a business?

owner and business names in civil judgement- never received court documents until case decisioned. judgement given against owner and company together. Need help. does business chapter 11 bankruptcy negate this? can you sue both? is there any instance the owner or S corporation become judgement... View More

Martha Warriner Jarrett
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answered on Apr 29, 2024

A bankruptcy filing does not negate a state court judgment although, if you do not have any non-exempt assets, it may discharge the debt. If you were never served with the lawsuit, you might be in a position to challenge the judgment in that court that issued the judgment. You should consult a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Can lawyer charge fees for response to bar complaint?

I have an attorney in Florida. My case is settled but they still have my retainer money. I filed a bar complaint against them. Can they charge me fees for responding to the complaint I made against them?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 6, 2024

In most jurisdictions, including Florida, attorneys are generally not permitted to charge clients for the time spent responding to bar complaints filed against them. The rationale behind this is that responding to a bar complaint is considered part of an attorney's professional responsibility... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Can i claim an exemption and/or request a hearing after final default judgement in hillsborough county , florida
Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Apr 3, 2024

No. A claim of exemption is part of the garnishment process. If you are not garnished, a claim of exemption is moot and will be not seen by the Court. There are ways to ask the Court to vacate the judgment or seek other relief, but I recommend that you retain an attorney to do so.

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: Am I allowed to use Official Police body cam on social media if I'm reporting misconduct of the police in Florida?

I'm wanting to put together a body cam video of clips from several different police body cam videos in Florida from numerous police encounters with an individual and put it on social media since they are continually harassing this individual. Am I legally able to do so if I have all these... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

In Florida, body camera footage is considered a public record and is generally accessible to the public, with some exceptions. However, there are certain considerations and potential limitations you should be aware of before using this footage on social media:

1. Obtaining the footage: You...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: Am I allowed to use Official Police body cam on social media if I'm reporting misconduct of the police in Florida?

I'm wanting to put together a body cam video of clips from several different police body cam videos in Florida from numerous police encounters with an individual and put it on social media since they are continually harassing this individual. Am I legally able to do so if I have all these... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Apr 1, 2024

The answer depends on whether the footage is officially public record at this time, as well as on what you mean by "reporting misconduct". Generally, any official public records may be shared on social media. However, if you were to edit/compile the footage in a way that is not exactly... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: Should I sue my ex bf for removing mine & my daughter personal belongings from our home & damaged in a storage unit?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 28, 2024

Deciding to take legal action against an ex-partner for removing and damaging personal belongings is a significant decision that depends on many factors. First, consider the extent of the damage and the value of the items lost. It's crucial to weigh the emotional and financial cost of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: Is the investigator in a criminal case obligated to question a witness before a trial or plea takes place?

There is an investigator working on my criminal case, but, I haven't much faith in her. If a new witness is discovered shortly before a trial ( ie. a month) does she HAVE to attempt to locate him? Isn't that part of my due process rights? He was my neighbor at the time and was video... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

In a criminal case, the obligations of an investigator can vary based on the laws of the jurisdiction and the specifics of the case. Generally, investigators should pursue all credible leads and examine relevant evidence, which can include questioning new witnesses who might provide critical... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: My in-laws paid cash for my vehicle we agreed that I would make monthly payments to them each month till it was paid off

It was a verbal agreement I have receipts showing I paid them an the insurance states that my father in law an I were the owners but they got mad an took it what can I do about this matter

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Mar 25, 2024

You have grounds to take legal action, and you may want to first have an attorney send a demand letter to see if the matter can be resolved without litigation. You may have grounds to seek a court judgment requiring transfer of title to you, and if not that, at least grounds for monetary... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Navient student loan server/ lender consolidated all my loans including one from 1987.. then in 2022 all loans were

Discharged except for the one from 1987 they took it out of consolidation and I believe I was in deferment when they did this in 6/2016.. and sent old loan to trellis student loan collector..Without ! My notice .. trellis then garnished my wages without notifying.me I received no paperwork about... View More

Angelo "Tony" Marino Jr.
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answered on Mar 25, 2024

As previously stated, to garnish your bank accounts, a judgment had to be entered against you. Go to the website of the clerk of court of the county where you reside and type in your name. You should see a case with your name. Go to see if there is a return of service and see who was served with... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Florida on
Q: Can a Motion to Suppress be filed due to mistake of law / an unlawful stop?

I was stopped because I did not use my turn signal at a 3 way stop sign, I was on a deserted road, at Midnight. Since no other cars were in site (affected) I know this was an unlawful stop.

When he activated his lights we were on a pitch black, 2 lane road with no shoulder and severe... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Mar 21, 2024

Please cite the statute that allows you to NOT use your turn signal at a 3 way stop on a deserted road at midnight with no cars in sight. If you can't cite that statute, I'd advise you to not file a motion to suppress. But you do what you think is best for you.

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation and Probate for Florida on
Q: My sister sold my father’s property without giving me my share of the sale which is half according to his will.

My sister sold my father’s property for $24,500 without informing me. According to my father’s will (of which my sister has a copy) I’m supposed to get half of the sale. Dad’s attorney P.B. Howell Jr. passed away in 2006. Dad passed away in 2017. Since my father’s passing, I have been... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Mar 27, 2024

Title to property will not pass under a will that deeds it to multiple beneficiaries unless they all sign. The exception is if title to the property at decedent’s death was jointly held with your dad and sister jointly or was held by sister alone. Hire a title insurance company to search the... View More

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