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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Is there any laws for default jurisdiction?

My family lived in Florida for 1.8 years. We went to Mississippi to help wife’s family for 5 months and retained our residence in Florida. things got bad and I brought our children back home to Florida. We both filed for divorce in each state.

I dismissed her because we weren’t in... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Sep 6, 2024

Every state has a jurisdiction requirement for filing lawsuits. In Florida (and many other states), in order to file for divorce one party has to have lived in the state for at least six months. Wherever you decide to file, you must meet the jurisdiction requirements. Speak with a local family... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Is there any laws for default jurisdiction?

My family lived in Florida for 1.8 years. We went to Mississippi to help wife’s family for 5 months and retained our residence in Florida. things got bad and I brought our children back home to Florida. We both filed for divorce in each state.

I dismissed her because we weren’t in... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 7, 2024

You indicated that each of you "dismissed" the other spouse. A party to a case cannot dismiss a case filed by another party. Do you mean that the respective courts dismissed both cases? If so, when a motion to dismiss was filed, you should have responded that you "retained [y]our... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I have out state parenting plan from GA and would like to enforce that in Tampa Florida.

Do you know if that can be done and how?

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Sep 6, 2024

As long as one of the parents or the child lives in Tampa then you can file a motion for enforcement. You may need to attache a certified copy of the Georgia court order (parenting plan). Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Is a conflict attorney better than a state attorney?
Rod Caruco
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Rod Caruco pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 6, 2024

If I understand your question correctly, I think you are asking if a regional conflict counsel is better than a public defender.

Generally, and attorney, office, or firm can have a conflict of interest representing multiple individuals in the same case. In criminal law, that means...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning for Florida on
Q: I think I might have been cheated out of an inheritance. How do I find out?

My father passed in April ‘22. I’ve never been sure about what his will said, but the family deal was that we split proceeds x6. I suspect my stepmom changed her will to cut out my brother and I, dad’s only true blood. Stepmom passed this year, and I haven’t heard anything from anyone.... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Sep 5, 2024

I am sorry for your loss and please accept my condolences for you and your family.

Generally, a family deal or promise or similar never works out, it has to be in the estate plan (Will/Trust/Pay on Death Designation or similar).

If there was a Will and probate with your Dad's...
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1 Answer | Asked in Probate for Florida on
Q: Stepbrother claims there is no will. I have a copy. He says, its not a will. Could the copy hold up in probate court?
James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 5, 2024

A copy of a will may be valid in probate court, but it can face challenges. If the original will is lost or destroyed, the person presenting the copy must prove its contents and explain why the original is unavailable. This often requires testimony or affidavits from witnesses who saw the original... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law for Florida on
Q: Who can I call to see my daughter legally
Destardes Moore
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Destardes Moore
answered on Sep 4, 2024

The answer to your questions depends on the specific facts of your case. If there is a timesharing order in place, you must adhere to the terms of that order. If the opposing party is violating the order, you can file a motion for contempt in the same court where the order was issued. If no... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Can you be arrested for throwing a cigarette on the ground

I was pulled over for no seat belt. I was asked to step out of the car. As I did so I threw my cigarette on the ground to be polite. I was arrested for littering. Is this legal.

Leonard Louis Cagan
Leonard Louis Cagan
answered on Sep 3, 2024

I find it hard to believe that an arrest would be warranted for throwing a single cigarette to the ground. I would recommend taking a look at the arrest paperwork to see what statute or ordinance was alleged to have been violated. That is a good place to start. Look up that law and read it. Then... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Florida on
Q: What is the process for transferring property in Florida? Thank you.

I appreciate advice about the transfer of a property. I was told a warranty deed is needed. I think it may be a new deed that is being prepared. How can I tell if it is done correctly? Thank you so much.

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024

Transfer of property in Florida does not need to occur via Warranty Deed. In order to transfer property in Florida, there are three main types of deeds: i. Warranty Deed, ii. Special Warranty Deed, and iii. Quitclaim Deed.

i. Warranty Deed: Provides the highest level of protection,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: Do I have to give my sister this money?

We’re currently going through probate and she’s demanding that I hand over half of the money I got from my utilities deposit checks even though she wasn’t a member of this house hold. The first check was made out to me, and the second was made out to both me and our father. Please note that... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024

You generally don't have to give your sister money from the utility deposit checks, especially if she wasn't part of the household. Since the first check was made out to you, it's yours. The second check, made out to you and your father, might be considered part of his estate, so it... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Foreclosure for Florida on
Q: I live in my boyfriend's house. I just found out he is in foreclosure. Am I involved?

The purchase was made before I knew him and he hid this from me. They have served him and keep asking if anyone over 18 lives with him. Do they have a right to involve me in these proceedings?

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 2, 2024

You will not have any financial involvement in the foreclosure. However, as an occupant of the property you may be named as a tenant in the foreclosure case. There are a lot of options for people in foreclosure that can lead to a positive resolution - loan modification, sale of the property, deed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Probate for Florida on
Q: My mom passed away in May and now my stepfather has my personal belongings and family hairlooms. What are my rights

I just want some advice as to what my rights are

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Sep 2, 2024

If the items in question belong to you personally, your stepfather should not withhold them from you.

You have the right to request the immediate return of your personal property. For items that belonged to your mother and were family heirlooms, the distribution depends on whether she left...
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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I'm trying to figure out how to file a motion to Oppose/Object a Motion for Summary judgement.

I am the Plaintiff in a slip and fall lawsuit against a grocery store. I had to end up defending myself pro se. On 6/18/24 I was granted the motion to receive a copy of the surveillance footage of the incident before deposition. The defendant sent 9 files that were difficult to access, so I was... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Sep 2, 2024

You need to file an opposition to the motion for summary judgment. It should be supported by an affidavit (written statement under oath and signed by you and the notary before whom you swore under oath) setting forth the genuine issues of material fact which you believe would be issues to prevent... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: I'm trying to figure out how to file a motion to Oppose/Object a Motion for Summary judgement.

I am the Plaintiff in a slip and fall lawsuit against a grocery store. I had to end up defending myself pro se. On 6/18/24 I was granted the motion to receive a copy of the surveillance footage of the incident before deposition. The defendant sent 9 files that were difficult to access, so I was... View More

Cesar Mejia Duenas
Cesar Mejia Duenas pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 2, 2024

In Florida, to oppose the Motion for Summary Judgment, you should file a written response detailing the new evidence you discovered from the surveillance footage. Explain that the video now shows how the spill occurred and how long it was on the floor, which creates a genuine issue of material... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Custody for Florida on
Q: Is a default judgement bad for the plaintiff in a divorce case?

I’m getting divorced and my ex wife and me may or may not have a kid together. I’m here in Florida and she moved to Tennessee and she refuses to do a DNA test or respond to my attorney. She’s been served and her 20 day response time expired 2 months ago. I’ve paid for mediation but the... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Sep 2, 2024

The answer to your question depends on what relief you are seeking. If you just want to get divorced then a default can help end the case. If there is a child involved then the court cannot rule on children's issues with a default so those issues are reserved, but you still get divorced. If... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for Florida on
Q: Sister is living in mom’s (deceased) home and she wants 2 other siblings that don’t live ther to pay 1/3 of the mortgage

My sister, her children and their father live in the home that our mother (deceased) owned. My sister wants our brother and I to pay 1/3 of the mortgage even though we don’t live there. She also wants us to be equally responsible for any and all repairs. What is fair in this situation? Should we... View More

Phillip William Gunthert
Phillip William Gunthert
answered on Aug 30, 2024

The home needs to potentially be probated, the most recent deed needs to be reviewed, but likely a probate related to the home needs to be done. Anyone living in the home should be paying FMV rent and paying the expenses while living there, the potential taxes could be split into 1/3. Ultimately... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: If a woman has a restraing order against a guy & she's contacting the guy can she get in trouble for violating the order
Rod Caruco
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answered on Aug 30, 2024

This can be a dangerous situation for the individual that is governed by the restraining order. Generally, a typical order will likely state the individual is to make no contact and, if contacted, the individual is not to respond. If there is a basis for a reciprocal injunction, that may be sought.... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: If a woman has a restraing order against a guy & she's contacting the guy can she get in trouble for violating the order
Leonard Louis Cagan
Leonard Louis Cagan
answered on Aug 30, 2024

A restraining order will be governed by the wording of the order. Usually that relates to some restraint on the Respondent or the person who the order was "sought against." As the previous attorney noted. if you are unsure what the order means you should consult an attorney.

You...
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2 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: Was injured on newly renovated city property. Ground gave way and I went 3ft Into hole and recieved hip fracture.

It's was last Sept. City's insurance company says it's contractors negligence, contractors insurance says they aren't covering it. So I don't know what to do. I have 30k in medical from it and about 40k in missed work..

James Clifton
PREMIUM
James Clifton
answered on Aug 29, 2024

You likely have lost the ability to file a lawsuit against the city because a notice of claim must be filed within 180 days of the accident. You will need to go after the contractor under a standard negligence claim. As with the city, there are specific time frames that you must meet to make sure... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights for Florida on
Q: My mom made a callout post on instagram with a picture of me attached. I don’t want her using pictures of me for this.

I’m 18 and I don’t know how to go along with handling this. She constantly threatens to kick me out for shutting down her mistakes when she involves me. I just want advice of how I’d deal with this so I can rest easy knowing I won’t be in danger because of her actions online.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Aug 28, 2024

If you were not in a public place when your photo was taken, it's unlawful for someone to publicly post your image without your consent, and action may be taken to put a stop to it. However, regarding your mom's threat to remove you, an adult, from her home, she has the legal right to... View More

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