Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Court Allows Tenant Harassed by Another Tenant to Hold Landlord Liable
An important landlord and tenant case decided in December could have an effect on landlords around the country. The court specifically held that landlords can be held liable under the Fair Housing Act if they fail to reasonably address tenant race discrimination from other tenants. This is the first time the law has been… Read More »
McDonald’s Wins Largest Adjudicated Case in the History of National Labor Relations Board & Sets Precedent for Franchise Business Model
In December, McDonald’s Corp. won a major battle in a multiyear legal battle with labor unions concerning alleged corporate labor violations at its many franchise restaurants. The ruling absolves the company of any direct responsibility as a joint employer when it comes to contracted labor, indicating that, without strong evidence that companies directly control… Read More »
Getting Through the Holidays After Divorce
As attorneys who help countless clients prepare for and get through divorce here in Florida, we also frequently counsel our clients on general suggestions for getting through their first holiday after divorce. A number of parents are especially concerned about where to draw the line between preserving old traditions while making new ones with… Read More »
Registering A Business Trademark
As attorneys who regularly assist clients here in Florida with trademark disputes, we also help to counsel clients on registering a business trademark. A business’ trademark is essential in identifying its “brand” and protecting its goods and services, both in terms of another company using that brand and all of the various legal implications… Read More »
More Than 100,000 Insurance Claims Are Still Lingering Here in Florida
As noted recently by the president of the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters in the Sun Sentinel, the level of frustration currently felt by Florida policyholders is greater today than ever due to the number of hurricane insurance claims that are either egregiously delayed or denied. Indeed, this is frequently found to be… Read More »
Why S Corporate Status Makes Sense for A Number of Small Businesses
Most business owners choose to initially choose to form as a sole proprietorship because it costs less and there is less bureaucracy. However, many also switch to either a C corporation or a limited liability company (LLC) at some point in order to benefit from additional protections. While we have previously discussed the advantages… Read More »
Taking A Close Look at Joint Custody in Florida
When it comes to child custody, the general ‘trend’ today is to encourage joint custody, which allows a child to share the same or close to the same amount of time with both parents, and includes both legal (decision-making) and physical (where the child spends their time) custody. According to extensive studies, children who… Read More »
Take These Steps Before You Rent Your Property to Any Tenants
We’ve all had or heard our fair share of horror stories when it comes to landlord-tenant issues: renters who failed to pay rent, applicants who claimed they were discriminated against, people who claimed that they were injured on the property, etc. As a commercial landlord, there are several basic steps that you want to… Read More »
When Commercial Tenants Fail to Pay Rent
As commercial landlord and tenant attorneys, we frequently have clients approach us asking about how to handle a commercial eviction proceeding for tenants who have failed to pay rent. Commercial property lawyers can be especially helpful in not only helping you draft the right commercial lease before your tenants move in so that you… Read More »
Special Assessments Charged by Condo & Homeowners’ Associations
As attorneys who frequently represent homeowners’ associations here in Florida, we often see associations challenged on what are known as special assessments. These assessments are often necessary, still, there are tactics that associations can use in order to mitigate some of the effects and avoid litigation from owners in some circumstances, as we discuss… Read More »
