Blog - Julia McKee

12Dec 2019 by Pat Geddie

When to Change Your Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is an important aspect of an estate plan. Not only do estate plans set out designations for after your death, but also in the event that you become temporarily or permanently incapacitated during your life. A power of attorney designates who will take over your financial and legal affairs if something happens to you, and you can no longer handle them yourself. Once you have a power of attorney in place, you might feel like you can rest easy. However, there are many situations in which you might want to update your power of attorney to a different individual. If you are considering this, speak with an estate planning lawyer in Seminole who can advise you while you review your estate planning documents. You got divorced…

11Nov 2019 by Pat Geddie

Your Rights as a Tenant in Florida

Real Estate

Millions of people rent housing in Florida, and state law provides many protections for these tenants. The following are some important rights that tenants have in the Sunshine State. Fair Housing Landlords are prohibited from discriminating against applicants or tenants on the basis of: Race Sex Color National origin Family/marital status Religion Disability You should never be denied housing based on the above factors, and landlords should not treat certain tenants unfairly or differently. Habitable Housing Tenants should expect their rented housing unit to be safe and habitable. Landlords should make necessary repairs in a timely manner, or tenants have the right to pay for the repairs and take the costs off their rent, or even withhold rent until repairs are completed. No Self-Eviction Landlords have the right to evict…

09Oct 2019 by Pat Geddie

How Mediation Can Help in a Child Custody Matter

Family Law

When two parents must decide how to share custody of their child, it can be a complicated and emotional matter. If parents cannot reach an agreement on their own, the family court will decide on the custody arrangement, which includes time-sharing and parenting rights and responsibilities. It is generally preferable for parents to reach an agreement that works for them rather than putting it in the court’s hands. Mediation can often help parents decide on a shared custody arrangement and schedule. How Mediation Works Florida law presumes that joint custody is best for the child unless there are extenuating circumstances. If you cannot prove that your child’s other parent is unfit or puts the child in harm’s way, you generally should focus on how you will share custody instead of…

06Sep 2019 by Pat Geddie

Requirements for a Florida Divorce

Divorce

As soon as you decide to end your marriage, you likely want to get the process over with as soon as possible. However, it is important to recognize that Florida - like every other state - has its own laws that set out strict requirements for getting a divorce. By understanding the requirements for a Florida divorce, you can better know what to expect for your case. To discuss your specific situation, always contact a family lawyer in Seminole directly for a consultation. Residency in Florida In order to file for divorce in Florida, either you or your spouse must have lived within the state for at least six months before your filing date. This requirement may vary for military divorces, but you should discuss this situation with an attorney…

12Aug 2019 by Pat Geddie

What Does a Civil Litigation Lawyer Do?

Civil Litigation

You may know that there are different divisions of county courts, such as probate and criminal courts. There is also the civil court division, which handles a wide range of cases, and civil litigation lawyers represent clients in these courtrooms. Each civil litigation firm is different and will handle different types of cases. The following are some examples of cases that our civil litigation lawyer in Seminole takes on. Contract Disputes People enter into contracts on a regular basis. Whether you get a credit card, sign a lease, have an employment contract, or sign contracts as the agent of a business, these are legally-binding agreements. However, some people fail to abide by the terms of a contract, and legal action may be necessary. Whether you would like to bring a…

14Jul 2019 by Pat Geddie

Estate Planning & Probate FAQ

Estate Planning

Estate planning can be a confusing matter for many people. Do you need a will? Do you need more than a will? What is the legal process for your family after you pass away? Below are some common questions heard by our estate planning and probate lawyer in Seminole. For a consultation about your specific situation, please call the office directly. When should I draft a will? Every adult should draft a will, as wills are not only for people who are rich or older. Wills serve many purposes that can help your family after you pass away, including: Designate the executor of your will Name guardians for your children Name beneficiaries and the property they receive Help provide access to important accounts Without a will, the court process will…

06Jun 2019 by Pat Geddie

Family Law FAQ

Family Law

Legal matters involving your family can be emotionally stressful - in part because many people are unfamiliar with the legal process. It is important to consult with an experienced family law lawyer in Seminole right away if you face an issue regarding your children or marriage. Below are some family law FAQ we can answer. Do I need a lawyer for a divorce? Everyone has the right to handle their own divorce, though it is not often recommended. Divorce involves resolving many complex legal issues, including: The division of marital property, assets, and debts Spousal support determinations Time-sharing and decision-making responsibilities for your child (child custody) Child support determinations All of these matters must be resolved in accordance with Florida law before your divorce can be finalized. Disputes can often…

06May 2019 by Pat Geddie

Purposes of Drafting a Will

Estate Planning

At the heart of almost any estate plan is a document called the last will and testament. This is perhaps the most well-known estate planning tool, and the basis for most estate plans. The will serves a few important purposes, and you should not hesitate to discuss drafting or updating your will with an estate planning lawyer in Seminole, Florida. Designating an Executor When your estate is submitted to probate, there will be a person in charge of administering your estate. This includes taking inventory of your property, paying debts and taxes, defending your estate against legal claims, distributing your property, and more. Without a will, the court will appoint someone to fill this role. However, a will allows you to be in charge of this decision and designate someone…

03Apr 2019 by Pat Geddie

Dividing Business Interests in a Divorce

Divorce

Owning a business with your spouse can be a lucrative and rewarding prospect. However, what happens if you decide to get a divorce? Will you lose your marriage and your livelihood? Divorce is already complicated enough, and it becomes even more so when spouses share a business. This is why having a divorce attorney to protect yourself and your assets. In Florida, the law requires spouses to divide all property and assets equitably, and this includes any business interests. Equitably does not mean “equal,” so the law does not require you to divide your company down the middle. Instead, you need to come up with a property division plan that is fair given the totality of your circumstances. There are different options for dividing a business in a divorce, including:…

04Mar 2019 by Pat Geddie

Do You Have a Dispute with Your Neighbor?

Uncategorized

It can be nice to have neighbors who can keep an eye on your house or help when you’re in a bind, or vice versa. However, people take their property very seriously, and conflicts can often arise between neighbors regarding a variety of issues. You do not want a neighbor dispute to affect your quality of life or escalate to a serious legal matter. Learn how our Seminole real estate attorney can help resolve your neighbor dispute today. Common Disputes Neighbors can argue about a lot of things, including: Easements Property boundary lines Encroachment Nuisance issues Whether you believe a neighbor’s fence is on your property or their holiday lights display is keeping you up at all hours, disputes can persist and escalate quickly. How a Seminole Real Estate Attorney…

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When to Change Your Power of Attorney

Your Rights as a Tenant in Florida

How Mediation Can Help in a Child Custody Matter

Requirements for a Florida Divorce

What Does a Civil Litigation Lawyer Do?

Estate Planning & Probate FAQ

Family Law FAQ

Purposes of Drafting a Will

Dividing Business Interests in a Divorce

Do You Have a Dispute with Your Neighbor?

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