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2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Can I be evicted from a motel where I have maintained permanent residency at for almost 1 full calendar year ?

I moved in here December 2023 was offered weekly rates and told we could discuss monthly rates at a later date. After living here almost a year there have been a list of issues and safety concerns brought to the attention of hotel owner/manager and staff, minimal action was taken to address this... View More

Erik A. Perez
Erik A. Perez
answered on Oct 21, 2024

Yes, you can be evicted. However, it must be for a legal reason such as nonpayment of rent, failure to cure a maintenance issue, etc. Based on the information you have provided it, it is possible the landlord has failed to comply with the notice requirements for an increase in rent and/ or has... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning, Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Can Trustee of family trust act as pro-se in law suit against tenant for unpaid rent/damages, without lawyer?

I filed eviction of tenant, as trustee of the family living trust. I was told I could do the simple eviction as a trustee of the family living trust, but I am not allowed, as pro se, to file for an additional complaint demanding unpaid back rent and damages. It said I need a lawyer to do the... View More

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Oct 18, 2024

Apparently you have already filed for possession and went to Court. The Judge is not going to let you sue for monies. Right or wrong, you are already in the middle of it. Get a Judgment for Possession at the next Court date, and get that occupant out of the Trust's property. I doubt... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: What is the worst thing that can happen if I don’t sign the affidavit request from the other party’s attorney?

I was involved in a rear end accident with a motorcyclist. They are filing to claim under my insurance and the other party’s attorney is requesting an affidavit of request. I’m not really comfortable with signing the request.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 20, 2024

I don't blame you. An affidavit from the opposing attorney is rarely something meant to help you. It sounds like you are the defendant here. That would mean your insurance carrier will be arranging defense counsel for you. Review the affidavit request with them. As my colleague advises,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Employment Law for Florida on
Q: What are the laws regarding termination of an emplyee contract?

My husband was hired by a company as an independent contractor. He was told that this means no benifits and no taxes taken out of his check. He agreed to those terms and signed the contract, however he was used as an employee. He worked 9-5 Mon - Friday under their supervision. He was never treated... View More

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Oct 18, 2024

Because your husband has been working 9-5, he is an employee, even though the employment agreement calls him an independent contractor. He is owed benefits.

As far as firing is concerned, because Florida is an at-will state, meaning both employers and employees can terminate the agreement...
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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: How can I protect myself if my opposing party IS city hall?…and friends…?…and family members…?

myself and safely get my children returned to my custody after 3 years of a battle against the court employees and authorities, who ARE running this town, my childrens cases, no due process exists and judges simply don't respond to emergencies modification custody? Not even a personal letter... View More

Kay-Ann  Waite
Kay-Ann Waite pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 17, 2024

Based on the allegations, it would be in the best interest of the child(ren) that you request the Court to appoint a Guardians ad Litem (GAL) to advocate for the minor child(ren). The Guardians ad Litem will have the ability to review all the evidence and prepare a report and send to the Judge... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: Do I have a case?

The patient had surgery, developed an infection, and later was hospitalized. The attending doctor performed labs, resulting in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a recommendation for debridement was intervened by the original doctor. After discharge, the original doctor ignored the recommendation to... View More

Jonathan E. Freidin
Jonathan E. Freidin
answered on Oct 17, 2024

While every case is different, and all medical malpractice cases require a in-depth look at the medical records, it sounds like the original doctor may have been negligent in failing to perform repeat labs, recognize the infection, and act quickly enough to prevent serious injury or further spread... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: Do I have a case?

The patient had surgery, developed an infection, and later was hospitalized. The attending doctor performed labs, resulting in Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a recommendation for debridement was intervened by the original doctor. After discharge, the original doctor ignored the recommendation to... View More

Anthonia Imudia
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Anthonia Imudia
answered on Oct 17, 2024

The legal implications of a doctor ignoring a recommendation to repeat a laboratory test for MRSA after a patient's surgery and waiting a year to debride the wound, resulting in disfigurement and chronic pain, can be significant under Florida law. This scenario likely constitutes medical... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: Hurricane caused fallen tree on ground of mobile home park, Winter Haven, FL. Property owners claim no liability

Say it’s homeowners that need to remove and pay for, that they don’t own property between houses but we pay them monthly lot rent. Won’t give property line drawing or anything in writing that says they don’t own communal property but homeowners do.

Barbara Billiot Stage
Barbara Billiot Stage
answered on Oct 17, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles. It isn't a matter of who owns the property. It depends on what your lease and park prospectus state regarding lot maintenance. It could be you are responsible since you are in possession of the land or the park could be responsible and not taking... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Florida on
Q: Are you allowed to legally evict someone over the phone
Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Oct 16, 2024

No.

Eviction is the legal process for a landlord to remove someone when there is an agreement for the person to pay rent to the LL. A landlord is required to serve notice on the tenant, the notice is very specific and must be served on the tenant in a specific way. You can look up chapter...
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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts for Florida on
Q: Can a hotel, keep your deposit without showing you proof of damage. Even after they denie you with proof of damage.

They told me p had pictures of the damage. And told me theses words no pictures no refound case closed . From the district manger ,when I requested to see the pictures.

Erik A. Perez
Erik A. Perez
answered on Oct 16, 2024

In order to claim the deposit there must be damages. The hotel cannot simply claim it for the sake of claiming it. As it relates to disclosing photos of the damage, I do not believe there is a requirement to disclose them upon request. However, if you file suit, you can request the photos through... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Employment Law for Florida on
Q: My wife was at an after hours mandatory work function and has been injured. What recourse do we have?

After hours team building time at an indoor recreational location with go carts, lazar tag, games….. she was required to sign a waiver for the establishment but nothing for work? At this time she was knocked out and ejected from a go cart and was seen by an ambulance but in an effort to save... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Oct 16, 2024

In Florida, signing a waiver can complicate a personal injury case, but it doesn't necessarily mean she can't pursue a claim.

Waivers often limit liability for businesses, but they may not cover all types of injuries or activities. It's important to review the specific...
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1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I pay for insurance monthly it is a limited liability waiver included in my lease. Now that I need help with damages

Due to the hurricane The landlord is saying it doesn’t cover anything

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Oct 14, 2024

Regardless of insurance coverage or lack thereof, the landlord is responsible for storm damage to the premises itself (but not the contents) - unless your lease states otherwise. For damage to contents, the insurance policy should state clearly in black and white what's covered and... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: can i sell the land of a deceased relative in florida

I have two siblings and my sister died owning land. I want to sell it.

Jacqueline Alicia Salcines
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answered on Oct 13, 2024

Have an attorney review the deed. That way we can see who is on there as title holder and who would need to sign in order to sell the property. If another sibling does not want to sell, then it will turn into a Partition action and court forced sale but you can still use your own realtor, etc.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: can i sell the land of a deceased relative in florida

I have two siblings and my sister died owning land. I want to sell it.

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Oct 14, 2024

Maybe, probably not. If the property is in your sister's name alone, then some version of probate will be required and for this you will need a probate attorney. Your starting point is to have the current deed reviewed to see if there are any survivorship interests or other joint ownership... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: can i sell the land of a deceased relative in florida

I have two siblings and my sister died owning land. I want to sell it.

Anthony Pinizzotto
Anthony Pinizzotto pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 14, 2024

I am very sorry for your loss. If title to the property was in your sister's name alone, then a probate would be required in order to sell the property. If your sister was not married and did not leave minor children, then the property would pass to the beneficiaries under her will or to her... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: Can my friend sue for negligence after a detox facility and police mishandled his Baker Act?

I helped my friend check into a detox and mental health facility one afternoon. The next morning, when I called to check on him, they had no idea where he was. I later learned from a corrections officer friend of mine that my friend was in jail for petty theft… stealing water and a sandwich,... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Oct 13, 2024

You are obviously a very good friend to that person - but your friend must be the one who seeks legal advice. You may assist your friend by looking for a lawyer for him to consult with, and your friend can include you in the communications with a lawyer if he wishes, but it would not be lawful for... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Insurance Bad Faith and Gov & Administrative Law for Florida on
Q: Insurance underwriter cancelled insurance said sent notice but not received by us mortgage company or agent. Is it legal

We never got any notice the mortgage company never got anything neither did our agent. Now having no insurance it will be much harder to get insurance. Is there any recommendation to get them to reinstate it

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 11, 2024

A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for two weeks. I'm sorry this happened to you. If you were represented by an attorney in a property transaction, they might know more. Check with the insurance carrier how they provided notice - regular mail, email mail,... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law for Florida on
Q: In 1999 I was 17 years old, I was convicted and tried as an adult for delivery of cocaine, possession of cocaine and res

Resist arrest w/out violence. I was deported after a 4 year sentence as a youth offender. I only have one cimt which is the delivery however I was still deported. I knew not of youth offender exception, and categorically delivery isn't a aggravated felony. How do I stand and make this right,... View More

Kevin L Dixler
Kevin L Dixler
answered on Oct 9, 2024

More information is needed. However, there is a sense of reckoning that must take place before any further action can be taken, if any.

There also seems like a misunderstanding of the definitions of a deportable offense and the enduring nature of the bars for what can be considered drug...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Divorce q - Are all investments owned prior to marriage but since sold then re-invested considered marital assets?

I have been married for 7 years and likely filing for divorce. We have a 3 year old. My wife has not worked during this entire time. I handle all finances, though we keep separate accounts. I owned significant financial assets prior to the marriage (retired shortly prior) and have since actively... View More

Ira Markowitz
Ira Markowitz
answered on Oct 9, 2024

Did you have prenuptial agreement?

After you sold the property that you owned prior to the marriage,did you deposit the funds in a joint account or an account you had prior to the marriage ?

You can claim a Special Equity but if the purchase of the real estate property or properties...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Divorce q - Are all investments owned prior to marriage but since sold then re-invested considered marital assets?

I have been married for 7 years and likely filing for divorce. We have a 3 year old. My wife has not worked during this entire time. I handle all finances, though we keep separate accounts. I owned significant financial assets prior to the marriage (retired shortly prior) and have since actively... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Oct 9, 2024

The starting point for equitable distribution is 50/50. However, if you are able to establish the value of the assets on the date of marriage then you can argue that the premarital value should be subtracted off and that only the increase from the date of marriage forward should be divided 50/50.... View More

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