Frequently Asked Legal Questions

Yes, having been in the business for over 42 years we have created a network of referral sources. The attorneys that we use for referrals are all excellent attorneys that we have worked with over the years, and we feel very comfortable in referring you to them.

Until we determine what it is that you would like to do, and until we determine whether we are able to help you, there is no charge for the initial consultation. When we have determined that we would be able to help you and that we would like to take your case, we will then discuss the fee arrangement and work out a fee that is agreeable to everyone.

You can use the form you found on the internet and you do not need to have us write your Will. BUT, and you will notice this is a very big BUT, you only have one chance to get your Will right. With most things in life, if there is an error you have a chance to correct it. In death there is no second chance. Any mistake in your Will will only be discovered when you are dead, and we do not know anyone who has come back from the dead to correct his or her Will. You can take the chance and use your online Will, but remember, you only have one chance to get it right.

When we find mistakes in Wills they generally fall into two categories. The first category is a mistake in the content. The second category is a mistake in the execution. You can have the best Will form in the world, but if it is not properly executed, you can die without your wishes being honored.

Yes. This one was truly bizarre. A lady paid quite a bit if money for a trust form with the goal of avoiding probate. It was a fairly good form, and all she had to do was fill in the blanks. One blank that required completion was the name of the beneficiary (the person who would receive her assets upon her death). She filled in her own name. Upon her death she left her estate to herself. She did not avoid probate and she created a huge problem.

Title insurance is just what the name implies, it is insurance that guarantees you are receiving good title to the real estate you are purchasing, and it will cure a title defect or pay you for your loss.

No matter how good the title examiner is, there are some title defects which are difficult to spot. Forgeries, for instance, are extremely difficult to spot, and a forgery could result in your being out of title.

Yes, they are one of the leading causes of title claims in South Florida. The problem is so great that Attorneys Title Insurance Fund, one of the leading title insurance underwriters in Florida, offers a $5,000.00 reward to any underwriter who prevents a forgery. I am proud to report that our office collected one of the rewards.