Author: Matthew Shapiro, Daytona Beach Attorney

Very few people would ever dispute that litigation is an investment.  Although some cases are for money while others are to achieve a non-monetary goal, all court related matters are about improving one’s quality of life or obtaining that which they deemed to be owed.  In other words, the key is a betterment of the status quo.

A will is the most common instrument associated with estate planning and is a document most people are familiar with due to movies, television, and other forms of media.  One question many clients have is how formal does a document have to be in order for it to be considered a valid will.  Technically speaking, any piece of paper can serve as a will so long as it satisfies certain requirement as to formality.

When many people picture the benefits of marriage they often envision companionship, financial security, and a partner with which you can share your life experiences.  While all of those are certainly true, there is one benefit that is often overlooked – creditor protection.

Absent a contractual modification, the law generally holds that a Landlord is not liable for injuries sustained on a rented property during the term of the lease.  There are, however, a few exceptions based on the theory that at times the Landlord is in a better position than the Tenant to prevent a certain injury.

The “Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act” governs the relationship between landlords and tenants when they enter into a residential rental agreement.  On June 7, 2003, Governor Scott approved CS/HB 77 which serves to change certain laws in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act as of July 1st.  Below are three of the major changes that recently became law. 

A Power of Attorney is a powerful legal document which delegates authority from one individual to another.  Specifically, the maker of the power of attorney, also known as the “principal,” grants the right to act on their behalf to an “agent.”

When it comes to owning a home, co-ownership is certainly not uncommon.  Even if one were to ignore co-ownership between a husband and wife, there are times when multiple siblings inherit a home from a deceased parent, or scenarios under which friends and family split the cost of a mortgage by jointly owning a home.

If you ask most individuals to describe the function of a will, chances are the majority will be able to at least state that it is a document used to transfer property upon one’s passing. Ask those same individuals to describe “probate” and you will you most likely be met with an inquisitive stare.