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Florida Legal Malpractice Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Legal Malpractice and Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: Per my bank statement my contract is fulfilled/paid off.Company is dishonestly requesting more money. How can you help m

My auto finance company is harassing &not logging all payments received... Westlake Financial is dishonest.Car is paidoff

Andy Wayne Williamson
Andy Wayne Williamson
answered on Nov 5, 2017

The only help to give via rhis online forum is to suggest you hire a lawyer in your area.

Good luck.

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Can l legally dumpster dive in florida
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 24, 2017

If there is a no trespassing (or words to that effect) sign on it, you would be trespassing; that's a crime.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Conflict of interest?

If a judge and attorney are (or were previously) colleagues, and they both participate in the same community/athletic events, is it a conflict of interest for the lawyer to represent a defendant in the judge's court? I was the plaintiff, and what went on during the hearing was outrageous.

Andy Wayne Williamson
Andy Wayne Williamson
answered on Sep 3, 2017

Based upon what you describe it's possible. You should consult with an attorney asap.

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Family Law and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Is it legal for my soon to be ex husband to retain my defense lawyer for his present domestic violence case?

I was convicted about 1 1/2 yrs ago. Right now I have a domestic violence case against my husband and he has retained the same lawyer that represented me. I gave that lawyer lots of very personal detailed information about myself and about him. Is this legal for the same lawyer to represent both... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Aug 30, 2017

It indeed appears that the lawyer has a conflict of interest which would preclude him from representing your ex in the DV case.

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law, Arbitration / Mediation Law and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Is this broker being a bully ?

I own an apartment.

I signed a listing agreement with an agent (call it agent X of brokerage ONE) to sell it. It was signed on dec 16 and expired in may 17.

In june 17 my agent X was contacted by an agent, lets call it Y of brokerage TWO, to have info about my apartment. A month... View More

Andy Wayne Williamson
Andy Wayne Williamson
answered on Aug 18, 2017

Sounds like brokerage Two does not have a case, based upon your fact scenario.

I suggest that you should consult with a real estate attorney in your area to review the listing contract and any other documents that you have to be certain that nothing exist that could make you liable.

Good luck.

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1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Legal Malpractice and Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: Me and my wife was barred from a local night club for no reason and we are trying to see where or what can we do about

We was at a night club and we pretty much goes there friday, saturday, and sunday and most of friends and family goes there and we was barred away from the club by a girl that is sleeping with two of the managers and workers that are in there and we have never caused a problem in there and we have... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jul 28, 2017

The night club can exclude you, unless they are discriminating for one of a number of reasons. What you describe isn't one of those reasons, so yes they can exclude you. In other words, "no reason" is good enough.

1 Answer | Asked in Products Liability and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: My father had an asbestos lawsuit in Miami and settled some claims. He died in 2015, and I see after he died one

filed for dismissal. Then in 2017 my fathers attorney filed a joint notice of voluntary dismissal of all claims. Stating my mom and dad agreed. Even though he was deceased. Is this legal? Did we lose out? Can I file a claim?

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Jul 18, 2017

If your mom and dad agreed and that can be shown, it's OK. However if an estate was opened then they need the consent of the estate and court before closing them.

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: What can be done to encourage opposing counsel to make his client perform as agreed in settlement?

I have a final divorce decree signed by both parties, attorneys, judge and entered. So divorce is finalized. Settlement agreement stipulates specific actions to be done my former spouse before I hand over any money - return property w/in 30 days, transfer life insurance policy w/in 45 days, execute... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jul 7, 2017

Depending on the specific actions required you can file a motion for enforcement and contempt. The responsibility to take action lies with your former spouse, not the attorney.

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1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice, Libel & Slander, Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: Any suggestions in a scenario where "medical professional" presented predetermined false testimony as expert witness?

Psychological evaluation at the request of defense, patient retains privilege to my comprehension? Information remains confidential, requiring written consent to reveal? Misdiagnosis provided, recommendation made is preposterously unethical and malicious.

Intent to generate prejudice, effective.

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Mar 11, 2017

If you are examined for court purposes, disclosure in the court is the premise of the exam. The expert's opinions are subject to cross examination and rebuttal by your experts. Discuss this with your attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Can a tax attorney from Georgia give legal advice about family law to a Floridian
Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Oct 6, 2016

Interesting question. An attorney licensed to practice in Georgia and who mostly practices tax law, is nevertheless qualified to practice family law, but in Georgia. If the advice concerns inter-related issues of Georgia and Florida law, giving such advice is probably not considered the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Criminal Law, Employment Law and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Is a non-medically licensed/certified individuals required by law to report threats or confessions of abuse/harm?

I am considering becoming self-employed as a "life coach" -- albeit unlicensed and uncertified until I satisfy the educational requirements for working as a counselor -- and I am trying to gather information about what I must do to protect myself from liability. I also need to know if... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Aug 18, 2016

Makes sense to get a general errorors and omissions /general liability policy. As to the admissions, morally you need to consider them, legally only those professions required to report have to report. There may be variances in state law.

Suggest you google mandatory reporting state by...
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1 Answer | Asked in Employment Law and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: I was lied to by my employment attorney at a mediation hearing. She stated that unless I sign the agreement to accept

the offer I would lose my SSDI and Medicare benefits if I were to go to court. Based on this information I accepted this under this advice. The next day I spoke to two SSD attorneys and was told this would not happen. The lawyer was trying to cover up the fact she did not do anything on my behalf... View More

Peter N. Munsing
Peter N. Munsing
answered on Aug 3, 2016

About all you can do if no one wants to pursue it as malpractice (and there are some good reasons) is file a grievance with the disciplinary board if you feel you were lied to.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Legal Malpractice and Municipal Law for Florida on
Q: Our petition for reconsideration has been blocked on specious grounds for insufficiency. How can we get this resolved?

1043 electors (29% of voters) have petitioned the City to reconsider an ordinance. The City Clerk has declared our petition insufficient based on some falsehoods and some specious interpretations of law. None of these insufficiencies are defined in the City Charter. We have counsel, but how do we... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Aug 1, 2016

If your counsel cannot answer your question, perhaps he or she needs to consult with an attorney with more experience in municipal law.

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Can an attorney keep documents I showed him at a consultation when I am not sure I want to hire him?

I saw an attorney today for a problem with the co trustee of my fathers estate. The attorney was brusk and started saying his son can sell the house, he can get me money yada yada and he can take care of it all for 350 bucks an hour. I decided to try and work things out before hiring him but he... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Jun 7, 2016

Can he do what, keep the documents? Of course not.

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: What is a fee division between attorneys and is it beneficical for the client, thank you
Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 28, 2016

A fee devision is when more than one attorney (often from different offices) work on your case and split the fee accordingly. It can be favorable as it should not cost you anything additional and you get two or more individuals helping you with different knowledge bases.

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Attorney harassing another attorney and their client

If a personal injury lawyer calls and harasses another lawyer, which is his opponent and his opponent's client, stating that he knows that the client is exaggerating his claim, what is the ethical violation and what should of the personal injury lawyer done instead?

Keith Petrochko
Keith Petrochko
answered on Feb 10, 2016

The lawyer shouldn't be contact a represented individual, but its a given that lawyers will talk about, and have differing views on, a shared case.

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1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: What r litigant opt when u hire lawyer & 4 6+ month paid consistent wkly w/no case movement then miss month & get drop

Or when you talk to staff to find out what's going on (you've been patiently waiting) and the way they get you off the phone is to either threaten to convert you to hourly or to withdraw? I have been more than patient.....haven't been argumentive. I get this from one para-legal but... View More

Adam Studnicki
Adam Studnicki
answered on Jan 13, 2016

More info is needed. Check with a local malpractice or ethics lawyer.

Please Take Notice: I am not your lawyer unless we enter into an engagement agreement in writing. This is only general information. It is NOT legal advice, and it may not work for your specific situation. It is...
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1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: Can. Non refundable fee to an attorney be returned in part for misrepresentation

I was told I could lose my condo over a document with my name listed as the third trustee and that I needed to hire a lawyer for a $7500.00 non refundable retainer

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Jul 16, 2015

You did not ask a question here. Non-refundable retainers are not refundable, generally.

1 Answer | Asked in Legal Malpractice for Florida on
Q: I'm a retired litigation/trial paralegal doing some free lance work. I have a potential clienthat wants me to do all th

things I did as an employee of an attorney. Write and file motions, diary and answer discovery, etc. He'll sign as pro se litigant. I don't want to take a chance of practicing law. I'm leaning on sending him to the Fla Bar for a referral. Advice?

Robert Jason De Groot
Robert Jason De Groot
answered on Jul 10, 2015

Before, you acted under the direct supervision of an attorney, and if you are not doing it that way you are practicing law without a license.

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