Unforeseen life events can result in a change in a person’s financial status and may leave him or her unable to earn a sufficient income to pay the debts that he or she owes. In some cases, bankruptcy is an appropriate option for people who are mired in debt, since it allows them to discharge many of their debts and start over financially. Generally, an individual will file for either a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy have different eligibility requirements, and both types have benefits and detriments. Businesses that have debts in excess of their profits can avail themselves of the bankruptcy process as well. When a business files for bankruptcy, it will generally file under Chapter 7 or Chapter 11. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy will require the business to close but will stop creditors from seeking payment, while a Chapter 11 bankruptcy will allow the business to continue operating while it pays down debts. If you are overcome by debt, you should meet with an experienced bankruptcy attorney to discuss your options for seeking relief.
While most people do not like to contemplate the end of life, planning for the distribution of your assets and property after you are gone is a critical undertaking. There are multiple factors that a person must consider when evaluating the most appropriate method of protecting his or her assets and wealth, such as tax consequences and how and when assets should be disbursed. If a person dies without a will, his or her property will be distributed in the manner dictated by Florida law. Thus, drafting a will can avoid contention between family members after a person’s death, and it can allow the person to dictate how his or her property should be divided. Trusts are another method of property disbursement that are frequently employed to avoid estate taxes. Estate planning is an intricate process, and it is prudent to retain a knowledgeable attorney to help you develop a plan that meets your objectives.
Family law disputes can significantly affect a person both legally and emotionally. Family law issues include divorce, child custody, adoption, spousal and child support, and paternity. The obligations and rights of individuals contending with family law issues are set forth by the Florida statutes. For example, a party seeking a divorce or his or her spouse must have lived in Florida for at least six months before seeking a divorce. Additionally, the parties must wait at least 20 days after the filing of a divorce petition until the divorce is finalized. A person filing for a divorce does not need to prove fault, however, since Florida is a “no-fault” divorce state. Thus, a person filing for a divorce can merely allege that there has been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The Florida laws regulating family law disputes are complex and can be challenging to understand without an attorney’s assistance.
Numerous issues can occur during the formation and operation of a business that may require the assistance of an attorney. When a company is in the early stages of inception, it is prudent to engage an attorney to assist with selecting the appropriate corporate form to protect the business and the individual owners from exposure to liability and undue taxation. Additionally, it is common for companies to encounter issues that require legal intervention. For example, in many business and corporate transactions, conflicts can arise out of a contractual dispute. In Florida, an entity or individual pursuing damages under a breach of contract claim must first prove the existence of a contract. It must then be established that the essential terms of the contract were breached and that the party seeking damages suffered harm as a result of the breach. In addition to breach of contract claims, several other claims can result from business transactions, such as fraud and breach of fiduciary duty.
Civil litigation is a broad term that encompasses an array of legal claims. Common examples of civil claims include breach of contract cases, commercial real estate disputes, estate and probate disputes, and construction project disputes. Several things can go wrong during a construction project that may ultimately require legal intervention to resolve, including breach of warranty issues, construction defect claims, and conflicts regarding payment. Similarly, conflicts often occur during real estate transactions. For example, the parties may disagree over property boundaries or the terms of an easement, and the property title and records may not provide clarity as to each party’s rights and obligations.
Meet With a Trusted Lake County Attorney to Discuss Your Legal Needs
Whenever a person or business is faced with an issue that requires legal assistance, it is critical to choose an attorney with the skills and experience necessary to aid the person or business in the pursuit of their desired result. The capable attorneys at Shipley Law Firm & Title Company have ample experience assisting parties throughout Lake County in a variety of legal matters, and we will work tirelessly to help protect your rights and assets. Our office is located in Mount Dora, and we regularly represent individuals and businesses in communities such as Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Fruitland Park, Groveland, Howey In The Hills, Lady Lake, Leesburg, Mascotte, Minneola, Montverde, Okahumpka, Paisley, Sorrento, Sumterville, Tavares, The Villages, Umatilla, and Yalaha. We can be reached at (352) 383-3397 or via our online form to schedule a meeting with a Lake County real estate lawyer or discuss needs related to bankruptcy, family law, estate planning, business law, or other civil matters.
