When an organization is run primarily through cash payments, it is referred to as a cash-based business. While these businesses should keep detailed financial records so they can effectively settle tax responsibilities with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other commitments that require documentation, the reality is many cash-based businesses do not have the clear trail of monetary amounts that other businesses have.

If you, your spouse, or both of you are involved with cash-based businesses, it could make the process of determining asset allocation, child support, alimony, and property division more complicated. That said, there could be a way to access the necessary records and support the asset and liability agreement you are seeking. Reach out to a skilled Tampa family law attorney and share your story to learn about what options are available given your unique situation.

Dividing Assets and Proof of Income

Dividing marital assets is part of the divorce process, and businesses are major assets. To have a comprehensive view of a business’s value, assets, liabilities, and property owned needs to be assessed. When a person is running a cash business. They may have a full record of their liabilities, including credit lines, rent payments, and leases on equipment, but the assets could be underreported, which impacts the overall value.

Of course, if taxes are reported and filed accurately, year over year, there is strong proof of value. But if the person in charge of the cash-based business is not filing their taxes honestly and timely, there may not be accurate records in place. In these situations, a review of business accounting files, receipts, and financial transactions could be analyzed to determine what income level the marital couple was receiving prior to the marriage ending and what amount should be dispersed at the time of the divorce or through future payments in the form of child support or spousal maintenance payments.

Attorneys, Financial Professionals, and Other Supports

Working with professionals who understand the intricacies of dissolving a marriage involving cash-based businesses is advised. Once you connect with a seasoned Tampa family law attorney, they will establish the best strategy for you, which could involve utilizing the services of a financial expert. When a skilled divorce attorney and a seasoned financial professional work in tandem, details about the cash-based business’s financial deals can be brought to light.

Are you concerned about not receiving a fair divorce settlement because your spouse has a business that is based on cash payments? When a marriage ends, there are state laws that need to be followed. When you are interested in protecting your financial health today and into the future, connect with the compassionate lawyers at HD Law Partners. Divorces that involve one or two individuals earning cash-based incomes are not always simple, but there may be a path to a higher asset amount than you originally calculated. Once our attorneys are informed of your objectives, we’ll strategize a path to secure your post-divorce goals. To get started, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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Because vehicular collisions can lead to severe physical harm, walking away from an accident without any injury is something to be incredibly thankful for. Even when you are concerned about how you will be paying for property damages, such as needing to cover car repairs or completely replace a vehicle, this is far better than having to manage a major injury. And you may discover there are more ways for you to manage your finances after a FL vehicle crash than you initially knew about, you learn more as you go through the recovery process.

Taking initiative is likely in your best interests. So instead of waiting for an insurance company to send you a check, share your accident details with a Tampa personal injury attorney. Seasoned legal professionals can review your case, discover the full worth for your claim, and fight for the monetary amount you need given the documentation you have gathered.

Expenses for Repairs and Rental Cars

If your car is damaged and is in need of repair, you may be wondering how you will pay for the repair itself and if you will receive compensation for the costs of renting a car while your car is in the shop. As is true with many car accident claims, the answer is it depends. A lawyer can review the insurance policies involved and inform you of the coverage you have access to.

For instance, while there are insurance policies that cover rental cars during a period of vehicular repair, the allotted time is set for a period of days or weeks. An insurance company will not pay for an indefinite car rental. When you are informed about the parameters of a policy, you can make an informed and financially sound decision.

And speaking of timelines, there are filing deadlines for damage recovery as well. In the state of Florida, a lawsuit needs to be filed within four years of an accident. And a collision coverage insurance policy will have its own deadlines to follow.

Schedule a Conversation with a FL Car Accident Attorney

When you book a non-binding meeting with a Tampa personal injury attorney, you will learn about what is possible given the insurance policies you carry and the facts of your vehicular accident. Then, you and the lawyer can determine if it would be advantageous for you to retain the services of an attorney or if you are able to access the financial amount you need through the process of filing a claim on your own.

Have property damage bills brought you stress and worry? It is normal to obsess about how to pay expenses when you feel financially overwhelmed, but guessing at possible outcomes will not improve your situation. Instead, talk to a legal team who has extensive knowledge of the car accident recovery process. When you are ready to connect with solutions for your unique situation, speak with the compassionate legal team at HD Law Partners. To get started, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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Collisions due to driver distraction occur for a wide range of reasons. In Florida, as is true in a lot of US states, the majority of distracted driving laws focus on texting. It is well known that individuals who are handling their mobile devices while operating a vehicle are a hazard. Because of this, people follow hands-free driving laws in Florida. These laws are in place to promote safer travel throughout the state.

While you are permitted to talk on your cell phone through a hands-free option, you still need to be sure your attention is focused on safe travel. Being cognitively distracted, meaning your mind is elsewhere, possibly pulled into an emotional family call or participating in a heated work meeting while driving, is also risky. If you sustained an injury because a Florida driver was illegally using their phone manually or a vehicle operator was talking using a hands-free option but still behaved negligently, talk to a Tampa personal injury attorney about your compensation options.

Texting as a Primary and Secondary Offense

Prior to 2019, texting and driving was a secondary offense in Florida. Essentially, this means you would need to be pulled over for a separate traffic violation and then your active texting could be addressed. But while driving hands free is permitted, using the bluetooth feature on your phone, for instance, choosing to manually interact with your phone could now result in you being pulled over and ticketed. This is because failing to drive hands free is currently a primary offense.

When the hands-free law was first introduced, it was put in place in construction zones and school zones. Then, the rules were rolled out to include texting while driving anywhere in the state of Florida. Penalties will depend on where the offense occurred and if the driver is a first time or repeat offender.

Claims and Legal Action After a Traffic Accident

Sustaining an injury in a Florida traffic accident can result in a lot of bills. You may have medical care expenses and physical therapy fees, for example. When illegal behavior, such as texting on a mobile device while driving, contributed to the accident, you should talk to a Tampa personal injury attorney about legal recourse. It may be possible to secure a full recovery amount through insurance claims. But if not, further legal action can be taken. Connecting with a lawyer early in the process means you can do everything possible to strengthen your chances of financial recovery.

Could compensation be in reach after your Florida accident? If another was driving while distracted, you should not have to ruin your financial future because you’ve incurred expenses due to their reckless behavior. With a legal professional on your side, you can secure a full and fair recovery settlement. When you are ready to get your claim started, connect with the compassionate legal team at HD Law Partners. Legal support is a phone call away. To get started, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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Traumatic events, such as car crashes, can have a lasting psychological impact on individuals. For example, some who are involved in a car crash or witness a severe collision find themselves living with vehophobia. Each time these individuals get behind a car wheel, they may experience an elevated heart rate, sweating hands, shallow breath, and anxious emotions.

Some who are coping with vehophobia, or fear of driving, are able to access their professional commitments and social interests by taking rideshare vehicles or having friends or family members drive. But others are so fearful of vehicles they are unable to ride in the car as a passenger or driver. There are treatment plans available, and accessing monetary damages after an accident could provide the funds you need to get the support you need. Talk to a Tampa personal injury attorney about securing damage recovery.

Pinpointing the Fear and Finding Help

If you are experiencing emotional upset following a car crash, know that you are not alone. One report states that over a quarter of people involved in traffic accidents experience post traumatic stress for at least a month after the event. And for some of these individuals, the emotional distress reaches far past 30 days.

There are many phobias that people are familiar with. For instance, agoraphobia is a term used to describe the fear of leaving one’s home or being in crowded spaces and arachnophobia is the fear of spiders. Vehophobia is specific to a person who is fearful of driving and it is typically the result of a traumatic accident or experience. Because it is connected to the event, it could have specific parameters for individuals. Examples include a person may be fearful of driving at night or feel anxious on highways.

Therapy, Defensive Driving Courses, and More

Once you recognize a problem, you can begin to find solutions. Often talking to a mental health professional, such as a counselor or therapist, can lead to healing techniques. You may find talking through the experience, and accepting you can’t control all aspects of life, allows you to let go of recurring negative thoughts.

Driving courses can also be beneficial, either on their own or in tandem with therapy sessions. Defensive driving classes are structured to share additional ways to enhance driving skills with experienced drivers. These added skills can buoy your confidence when recovering from a Florida collision experience. The cost of therapy, defensive driving classes, and other support could be part of your recovery. Share your goals with a Tampa personal injury attorney.

Is it time for you to access the support system you need to fully heal following a Florida car accident? There are a wide range of damages that can follow a car wreck, including physical injuries, property damage, and emotional distress. If you have been unable to drive since a collision and believe you would benefit from working with a mental health professional, speak with the compassionate legal team at HD Law Partners about securing the funds you need to make those appointments a reality. To get started, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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In the state of Florida, there are no legal separations, but limited divorce are an attractive option for couples who want to live apart. Through a limited divorce, child custody, spousal maintenance, and child support payments can be established, but the couple could still be on each other’s benefit packages, if that is agreed upon by both parties.

There are often more options for separation and divorce than spouses realize when their marriages are deteriorating. Speak to a skilled Tampa family law attorney about what is possible for you and what the pros and cons are of each option. Then, you will learn whether a bifurcated divorce, collaborative divorce, or limited divorce is right for you.

Health Concerns and Employer Benefit Packages

Why a person chooses to separate or pursue a limited divorce rather than a final divorce agreement depends on their unique situation. For instance, if you and your spouse are not getting along and want to live apart, but understand that employer health insurance is needed for both people, you may explore separation options. This can be particularly true when the split is amicable and one or both individuals are managing a health issue and are relying on the insurance provided by their spouse’s employer.

There are typically qualifying events that allow an insurance company to drop a person from their plan. A final divorce agreement is a qualifying event. This is something that needs to be kept in mind, whether it means you will delay a final divorce or pursue an individual health insurance plan, through your own employer or from the health insurance marketplace.

Limited Divorce and Deciding to Reconcile

Another reason to explore a limited divorce is if you may reconcile in the future. Unlike final divorce agreements, a limited divorce is reversible. This is more common than many realize, that couples have a difficult time and choose to spend months or years living apart until the marital issues can be resolved. Sometimes this is a result of going through counseling, others choose to simply engage in their own interests for a period of time and later realize they are ready to reconcile.

Because the divorce is limited, both individuals are not permitted to remarry unless a final divorce agreement is pursued. Also, there are tax considerations to keep in mind. Depending on your situation, these could be advantages or disadvantages. Talk through your goals with a skilled Tampa family law attorney. Once an attorney learns of your objectives, they can share an experienced path forward with you.

Is a limited divorce something you want to discuss with a legal professional? Talking through why you are separating and how to lay the groundwork for the future you are seeking will lead to the best arrangement for your circumstance. When you are ready to get started, connect with the compassionate lawyers at HD Law Partners. Our skilled attorneys know how to make your post-divorce goals come to fruition. To get started, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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While some associate prenups with the rich and famous, these legal documents are a valuable tool to a wide range of people. There are many reasons why an individual may request a prenup before getting married. They provide guidance on how to handle assets should the marriage end or someone passes away. You do not have to be uber wealthy to benefit from a prenuptial agreement.

But as is true with any legal document, working with a Tampa family law attorney before signing official agreements is an important step in protecting yourself and your resources today and into the future.

Full Disclosure of Finances

Of course, in order to build an agreement that is complete, both people need to provide a full disclosure of the assets and debts. This will include income verification, investment account balances, properties owned, and an array of financial statements. Often, each person will have their own attorney and there is a timeframe in which both individuals and their attorneys will review the data supplied and ask questions or request further documentation, as needed. While this process takes time, it is essential. When a prenup is not well-crafted, there is the possibility of legal disputes later.

Then, to make the agreement binding, each person must voluntarily sign the agreement, authorizing the information included in the contract.

Because the process can take time and data may need to be reviewed and addressed, beginning the process early on is advised. So, if your partner has brought up the topic of a premarital agreement, talk to an attorney to have your concerns addressed. You do not want to be signing a document designed by another party in the eleventh hour before your wedding day.

Your Prenup Could Be Part of Your Estate Plan

When entering into a marriage, your prenuptial agreement could be part of your estate planning process. This is common when the people marrying have had prior unions that resulted in children, for example. Legal documents can be drawn up that give the parents peace of mind, knowing their children will receive the inheritance they want them to should they pass away.

Each union has its own particular concerns to address. If you choose to enter a prenuptial agreement or not is up to you. But before you make a final decision, discussing your options with a Tampa family law attorney could provide you with valuable information in order for you to make an informed decision.

Was your fiance’s request to craft a premarital agreement a surprise to you? While prenups aren’t for every couple, there are a lot of situations where drafting a premarital agreement is in the best interest of both individuals. But before you agree to any terms, be sure you have a full understanding of the document. Your desires need to be addressed as well as your soon-to-be spouse’s wishes. To learn more about crafting a prenup, schedule an appointment with the compassionate lawyers at HD Law Partners. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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School breaks are something kids look forward to, sometimes for months ahead of time, but if you are co-parenting while separated, you may have mixed emotions about winter break, spring break, and the summer expanse between one grade and the next. After all, there may be ambiguity about which house the kids will be at if you and your spouse recently separated and currently have a plan in place for each of you to be active in your child’s school schedule while living separately.

Often, separated parents are in the process of obtaining a divorce. If this is true for you, a parenting plan and custody agreement will be an important tool in understanding how a range of childrearing considerations will be handled, including which parent the child will be staying with over breaks and if those schedules will alternate or not. Share your concerns and hopes for the future with a skilled Tampa family law attorney. Then, next steps can be pursued.

Each Family Has Its Own Priorities

Sometimes, it is helpful to understand your school break priorities, as a parent, before entering into a parenting plan negotiation. For example, you may have particular holidays that you want to spend with your children. If your spouse also enjoys the same holiday traditions, a period of negotiation may be required. You and your spouse may decide to rotate holidays or split them each year.

For families that celebrate Christmas, some choose to alternate the entire winter holiday each year, meaning the kids are with you from December 23 until January 1 one year and with your ex-spouse for that timeframe the next. Others do not like the alternating approach. Instead, they will make an agreement where they spend Christmas Eve with the kids and then the children will spend Christmas Day with their ex-spouse. There is no right or wrong answer, it is what works best and feels right for you and your family.

Summer Plans May Change Over Time

When drafting parenting agreements, you may want to include language for each phase of a child’s life. There are many ways that children can age out of parenting plan guidelines. This could occur if there is language about your child attending a summer camp they love, but the camp itself only provides activities for kids up to age 12. Even roughly outlining what will occur for the child’s summer at the age of 13 and up can help in avoiding future disputes.

Are you worried about how school breaks and holiday schedules will be handled as you and your soon-to-be-ex spouse begin to co-parent? There are tools that can make the process easier, including drafting a parenting plan both parties are comfortable agreeing to. Before signing off on an agreement you aren’t sure about or don’t understand, talk to an attorney. To have your questions answered, schedule an appointment with the compassionate lawyers at HD Law Partners. Co-parenting is smoother when guidelines are outlined and maintained. To learn more, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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High stress levels after an accident are an unfortunate reality, whether the incident was minor or severe. You may be unsure how to balance healing from an injury and losing work income, for example. Or maybe you need to replace your car and have been having recurring dreams about the event that are particularly upsetting and interfering with your daily life. While there are an array of concerns that could lead to a need for damage recovery, keeping records after a car accident can support your compensation claim, whatever your unique situation involves.

While you are trying to recover from a traumatic event, you do not have to worry about missing paperwork and how to obtain the evidence you need to prove you are eligible for monetary damages, an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney can do that work for you.

Collecting Official Documentation

Official reports, such as those created by law enforcement and licensed medical professionals, are essential pieces of evidence when it comes to securing financial recovery. For this reason, calling police after an accident to report the event and seeing a doctor without delay are best practices.

It is common for people to experience an adrenaline surge after a car crash and dismiss aches and pains. They may believe they will resolve on their own and forgo healthcare. Then, days or weeks later, the initial symptoms may have exacerbated as they were an indicator of a larger health issue.

Whether the pain you are experiencing is intense or annoying, seeing a doctor will put you on a path to feeling better faster. Plus, you will secure the documentation you need to access recovery funds. Many personal injury claims are rejected because the person in question did not see a licensed medical professional in a timely fashion.

Documenting everything you can think of and then bringing this information to the attention of a lawyer could be the difference between a low-ball offer and a maximum settlement. For instance, you can keep a written log of when you went to medical appointments and pain you experienced at home. Or, take pictures of your injury as it heals, retaining a digital record of the process on your phone.

Talk to a FL Lawyer Instead of the Insurance Representative

If an insurance adjuster has reached out and asked you to participate in a deposition, talk to an attorney. A Tampa personal injury attorney can guide you through the process, so you are not put in a situation where what you say now can be used against you at a later date.

Do you have questions about what records to keep and which ones are most important for monetary recovery? A seasoned attorney has the answers you need. Negotiating insurance claims and fighting for clients’ needs is what the compassionate legal team at HD Law Partners does, and we are here to advocate for you when you need legal support. When you are ready to secure the funds you need to move past an injurious event, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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Whether you are considering a personal injury claim because of slip and fall injury or car accident, you may be wondering how your legal fees will be handled. While it is true many personal injury attorneys are paid on a contingency fee basis, there could be additional expenses if a case is particularly complex.

Accessing monetary damages is an important part of healing for many Florida accident victims. After all, they need to pay off their medical expenses to protect their own financial future and often want to hold a negligent person or party accountable to reduce the risks of future harm to others. To learn about the value of your claim and what amount a Tampa personal injury attorney would require to represent you, connect with a legal professional who can review your documentation and quote your possible awards and expenses.

Determining If Research and Investigation Will Be Required

Sometimes a complex case requires a lot of investigation and research, leading to higher expenses. But it is also important to realize that this additional attention could yield a higher settlement award as well.

For example, if there are areas of dispute, hiring a private investigator or financial expert could be a way to strengthen your need for financial recovery. While you will likely be responsible for the fees of these professionals, your attorney should be able to clearly outline why their opinion will be advantageous to your case. Maybe their expert testimony provides the evidence needed to lift your compensation amount for the initial low sum put forward by an insurance representative to the higher amount you are seeking.

While there are many areas of law, you need a personal injury expert to work on your complicated claim or case. If you have a friend who works in real estate law, they could help you in a range of other situations, but a personal injury attorney can supply you with the support you need after you sustained harm due to another’s negligence.

Connect with a Florida Lawyer You Trust

There could be a lot of personal information shared during the course of an insurance negotiation, and your financial future could be deeply impacted by a personal injury lawsuit if a settlement amount can be reached. You need to work with an honest attorney you can trust. Before signing an agreement to hire an attorney you aren’t sure about, do your research. Talk to a few different lawyers then commit to building a client-lawyer relationship with an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney you feel comfortable with.

Are you confused about who is responsible for your truck accident expenses? High expenses can follow Florida traffic accidents, and you are likely seeking payout on all of the expenses you have gathered as a result of the car crash. The compassionate and aggressive legal team at HD Law Partners can help. Achieving the maximum recovery amount is possible when you hire a seasoned team of experts. To get started, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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High net worth is a term used to describe individuals, couples, and extended families with a lot of resources. That said, there is not a set definition. Generally, if you are moving forward with a Florida divorce and your marital resources include liquid assets of over a million, your divorce will likely be deemed a high worth divorce situation. Liquid assets are the marital assets after liabilities are subtracted. Liabilities could include mortgages, loans, and other debts.

While there are circumstances when divisions are simple, many Florida high net worth divorces are complicated. This is because when there are a lot of resources there can be ongoing arguments on how to settle matters fairly for all involved. Also, there are individuals who want to receive support payments, either spousal maintenance or child support. Asset distribution needs to be carefully determined, talk to a Tampa family law attorney to learn what is possible given the details of your case.

Taking the Interests of the Kids Into Account

When it comes to child support payments, the divorce agreement will include them if it is necessary to support the kids and provide for them. For high net worth couples, this could include expenses for lifestyles upkeep as well, including extracurricular fees and private school tuition.

For instance, child support funds could fund:

• Mortgage bills or rent payments
• Medical expenses and health insurance coverage
• Education payments, such as tuition and tutoring
• Fees for extracurriculars, including sports and music lessons
• Summer camps and other expenses

It is possible payments will be connected to maintaining a lifestyle which the paying parent disputes. High incomes can lead to high spousal maintenance payments and child support awards.

Agreements Reduce Surprises

Landing on an agreement through negotiation, including support payment amounts and the schedule of payments, is often best as the couple will have less control of final outcomes if a case goes to court. Sometimes it is best to negotiate and fight for your main objectives and let other matters go rather than be surprised and disappointed by a judge’s decision. There have been parents who have gone to court for a certain child support payment amount and were stunned by how low the judge’s award was given other aspects of asset distribution.

Whether court, arbitration, mediation, or negotiation is an optimal path for you is something you can discuss with your Tampa family law attorney. There are additional issues that come with high net worth divorces, having your own lawyer means your interests will be protected. If your spouse says you should share a lawyer, talk to your own attorney before agreeing to that arrangement.

Do you fear child support will not be possible because of your high net worth? Every situation needs to be individually addressed in order to determine the best path forward. To work through what outcome might be possible for you, connect with the legal team at HD Law Partners. Our skilled attorneys will listen closely to your hopes for the future and work to make those a reality. To get started, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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