It is well understood that the incomes of each spouse will be assessed when a couple chooses to divorce. But if you own your own business, you may be curious about how all of the assets and liabilities connected to the business you have created and nurtured will be impacted. While it is unlikely the value of your business is stagnant, the valuation at the time of your divorce are the figures that will be used.

A fair agreement can’t be created until all the appropriate financial information has been gathered. If you are unsure how to get a valuation figure for your business, connect with a Tampa family law attorney. In addition to the worth of your business, your attorney will also ask about if the business belongs to one spouse or if it was started as a joint venture. There are many details that can affect a final divorce outcome.

3 Possible Resolution Options

Instead of being overwhelmed by the options, talk through the pros and cons of different resolutions with your lawyer to determine which path you want to pursue. Then, your lawyer can fight for the outcome you want. For example, one of the three solutions below may be a welcomed solution for you and your spouse.

• You buy out your spouse, so you retain the business and they receive cash or investments.
• The business is sold and you and your spouse divide the assets from the sale.
• Your spouse keeps the business but you have shares moving forward.

Of course, there are many other solutions depending on the goals of the individual. For example, if your spouse is seeking spousal support, you may be able to remain the sole owner of your business provided you use a portion of your business income to make monthly maintenance payments.

Disclose All Financial Statements

Changes in valuations can lead to legal disputes, so having a business valuation performed close to the date of your divorce is advised. You can’t control change in the overall national economy, but best practices can be followed. Often this means securing a business analysis in the months prior to a divorce being finalized. A valuation from years ago may no longer be relevant.

Business owners have additional asset and debt information that need to be shared in order for the financial information of a divorce to be appropriately reviewed. A Tampa family law attorney has the background and expertise you need.

Are you a Florida business owner who is considering a divorce? Asset and liability division is a key issue when a couple ends a marriage. Before making assumptions about the worth of your business, pursue a private valuation so you will have the facts you need to move forward with confidence. To learn about best practices, connect with the compassionate lawyers at HD Law Partners. Because our skilled attorneys have worked on divorce cases involving business owners before, we 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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Alimony, also sometimes referred to spousal maintenance support, is common. But if you have been making court-ordered payments and have discovered your ex-spouse is now living with a romantic partner, you may be wondering if you still are required to make payments. While it is well known that remarriage can lead to the end of alimony, cohabitation and new relationships aren’t always as clear cut.

Talk to a Tampa family law attorney to have your individual situation assessed. If your ex is enjoying an increased standard of living since they moved in with their new partner, and it can be proven the relationship is supportive and established, including the sharing of finances, alimony payments could be impacted, either reduced or eliminated.

Proving a Supportive Relationship

When a relationship grows into one that is supportive and involves cohabitation, alimony may cease. The important component is being able to prove it is a supportive relationship. So, if your ex is staying with their partner a few days a week and shopping for groceries they will use to make a meal together, it will not likely not be deemed a supportive relationship. Supportive relationships are more involved than that, including joint accounts, for example.

Examples that could prove a supportive relationship:

• Payment of one another’s medical costs
• Joint financial accounts
• Documentation of both names on housing documents
• Car titles or credit cards that are shared
• Statements from witnesses of the relationship involving support

Of course, every situation has its own particulars to assess. A skilled attorney can determine which forms of evidence would fortify your argument.

Discuss Your Alimony Concerns with a FL Attorney

It is normal for individuals to enter new relationships after a divorce. But if you were ordered to pay alimony to allow your ex-spouse to continue a standard of living and they are now living with another person who is providing them with financial security, it is natural to question if those alimony payments are still required.

Once you suspect your ex-spouse is no longer in need of alimony, or that they would not receive it should your divorce be decided by a court today, connect with a legal professional. Life changes are common, a lawyer can guide you through the process of modification payments or ceasing spousal maintenance.

To discuss when it is possible to adjust alimony due to cohabitation, talk to a Tampa family law attorney. Legal professionals know what forms of documentation are required in order to move to cease alimony payments.

Has your ex moved in with a partner and you believe they are no longer in need of spousal maintenance payments? Alimony can be revisited when circumstances change, you can take steps to protect your financial future with a modification or the elimination of alimony payments. Long-term relationships and cohabitation commitment can be difficult to prove, but there are ways to secure evidence. Share your objectives with the legal team at HD Law Partners. Our experienced attorneys can walk you through the next steps. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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Because timeshares go through popularity cycles, there are plenty of people who buy into a timeshare when friends are doing so then find themselves, possibly years later, trying to find a way to get out of the agreement. You may have even forgotten about the timeshare only to discover it on your credit report when you are trying to make a different large purchase.

There are steps you can take to successfully cancel a timeshare. Sometimes it is possible to do this on your own, but if you have already tried and not found success or need a professional to help you through the process, connect with a Tampa timeshare attorney. A lawyer who has worked on many timeshare cases could see a path forward you hadn’t considered on your own.

Acting Without Delay

Ideally, you will be able to cancel your timeshare within a set cancellation period. Things become more difficult when you want to cancel and you are past the set period of time for cancelation. Having a legal professional look over the specific options within your contract may be helpful.

Some things to look for when it comes to a cancellation:

• Are penalties in place if you move toward ending the contract?
• When would a fee for canceling need to be paid?
• If canceling is possible, will you receive your money back in full?
• Will you be held liable in any way?

Take care when reading over contracts. And if you feel you are not able to untangle the wording, have a legal professional look over the terms and language.

Move to Cancel or Sell In Writing

If you have discovered a path to cancel your timeshare, do it in writing. Inquire with the timeshare company what official forms of communication are needed and provide them, following all of the necessary paperwork. And, of course, keep copies for yourself as well.

When it is not possible to solidify a cancellation, there may be an option to sell the timeshare. Some even find selling it back to the timeshare company itself is a way to unload themselves of the payment responsibilities. There may be a transfer fee in order to sell back your ownership, but it could be worth the expense to put the timeshare experience behind you.

There are support systems available to help you, even when you feel trapped in a timeshare agreement you no longer want in your life. Hire a Tampa timeshare attorney who is familiar with local laws and can fight for your release from Florida timeshare contracts.

Do you have questions for a timeshare attorney with experience in Florida laws? Connect with the legal team at HD Law Partners to have an experienced attorney on your side and learn more about your options. Even when you are told there is no way out of an agreement, there may be a way to handle the situation that timeshare company representatives are not readily sharing with you.  Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.

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If you were recently involved in litigation and found yourself unhappy with the outcome, there may be another way to secure the results you were seeking. The judicial system offers citizens appeal options if they believe errors were made. Appealing a ruling is entering the appellate process. Essentially, another court will review the case and will determine if there were mistakes or if the ruling that was made is solid and should stand.

The appeal process can be complicated, but there are Tampa appellate attorneys who can guide you each step. This is true if you are looking for a professional to review a case determination and assess the strength of your appeal or are already confident in your appeal and need a seasoned lawyer to represent you from start to finish.

Strengths and Weaknesses Must Be Assessed

Before taking action, an attorney will look over all the facts of your case and provide an honest assessment of the possibility of a successful appeal. Candid review is essential, as you do not want to enter the appeal process without an understanding of the costs associated with appealing and what strengths and weaknesses exist.

Some of the things an appeal lawyer can provide:

• Assessment of strengths and weaknesses
• Creation of appellate strategies
• Review of trial transcripts to look for mistakes
• Research issues that can support your appeal
• Draft briefs and edit petitions
• Analyzing past cases and case laws to support your claim
• Present arguments on your behalf
• Prepare and file motions

And, depending on the type of case you are appealing, an attorney could also negotiate settlements. For instance, if you are appealing the decision in a personal injury case because you believe you did not receive the financial compensation you deserve, your attorney could fight for your rights throughout the appeal process and negotiate a new offer, if appropriate.

Talk to a Lawyer About Your Case

If you are ready to have extensive knowledge and persuasive representatives working to fortify your appeal, talk to a Tampa personal injury attorney. There are many details to consider and a professional can promote your best interests in ways you are likely to be unaware of without extensive judicial knowledge.

Litigation is not always simple, but there are individuals who work on litigation and appeals for decades, learning the ins and outs of how to help individuals who feel they have been wronged by the justice system in the process.

Do you need the analytical talents of an attorney on your side after losing a case? You may have the opportunity to secure a win through the appeals process. To learn what options you have, discuss your case with a seasoned attorney. The compassionate and aggressive legal team at HD Law Partners is committed to fighting for your rights, from an initial filing through an appeal process, if needed. We won’t stop fighting until you receive fair treatment from the Florida judicial system.  To access the legal support you need, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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There are many reasons why Florida residents and visitors to the Sunshine State opt to order a taxi. Some people are on vacation and do not have a car of their own to transport them while others simply choose to pay another to drive them to work meetings or outings with friends. But too often, people riding in taxis and rideshare services forget that crashes and accident injuries are possible whenever you are in a vehicle. So, for example, always buckle your seatbelt when riding in any vehicle, taxi or your own car.

If you took all the precautions you could but were still injured when riding in the back of a taxi, you may be able to hold the liable party responsible. When reckless behavior leads to an injurious collision, compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and non-economic damages could be possible. Work with a Tampa personal injury attorney to secure a maximum settlement amount. Too often, reluctant insurance companies result in low offers. If this happens, an auto accident attorney can push for a higher amount.

Taxis and Insurance Coverage

There are regulations in place for Florida taxis, including rules surrounding what type of driver’s license individuals driving a cab need and how much insurance must be carried by a taxi company. The minimum insurance requirements for taxis are higher than those carried by passenger car operators.

Insurance minimum amounts for taxis:

• $50,000 for property damage
• $125,000 per person bodily injury
• $250,000 bodily injury for all persons

Just as accident reasons range from situation to situation for passenger car operators, there are a variety of reasons taxi drivers have been involved in collisions, from sleepy drivers to individuals not paying attention to the road because they are distracted by their cell phone or other items.

Rideshare Vehicles Are Not Taxis

If you were hurt while riding in the back of a rideshare vehicle, such as a Lyft car or an Uber SUV, your path to damage recovery will likely be different than it would be if you were hurt in a taxi. Rideshare vehicles do not have the same insurance requirements that cabs do, for instance. Determining who is responsible, the driver or the rideshare company will be part of the process.

Whether you were injured in a taxi, Lyft, or Uber, you need an experienced Tampa personal injury attorney to review your claim. Because personal injury lawyers have worked on many different vehicular crash cases, they know how to secure a full and fair damage recovery settlement.

Did you sustain an injury when riding in a rideshare vehicle or taxicab? Bring all the records you have to a skilled attorney to learn what options are available. The aggressive legal team at HD Law Partners will advise you on next steps. We are committed to fighting for your rights and will inform you of offers throughout the process, letting you know once an amount is full and fair. To get started, call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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Marriages end in a range of ways. There are some spouses who know the union is in trouble for years before one person brings up the topic of divorce. In other situations, one spouse believes everything is fine and is then shocked when their partner shares a desire to dissolve the union. Asking your husband or wife for a divorce is never easy. Whenever possible, take steps to make your discussions as constructive as they can be.

Schedule a meeting with a Tampa family law attorney as soon as you are considering divorce or have been told by your spouse that they want to end the marriage.  Then, you can plan the next steps to create the future you want. Talking to a lawyer is productive and proactive, which can be empowering during the divorce process, an incredibly emotional time of life.

When to Talk About Separation or Divorce

Before you bring up the possibility of separation or divorce, be sure this is a path you want. If you believe there are problems that are in need of care, counseling could be pursued, for instance. Many find that talking through issues with a third party allows them to work through frustrations and pain. Sometimes, a marriage can be repaired.

If you have explored counseling but it is clear to you the marriage should end, choose to bring up divorce at a time when you and your spouse have time and space to discuss the topic. Sit down when the kids aren’t home, set your phones to the side, and have an honest conversation. Your spouse may have thoughts about the possibility of divorce that they want to share right away or they may need time to process what you have shared. Do not immediately jump to negotiations about custody or assets, that can all be done with legal guidance.

Of course, there are times when a calm, honest conversion is not the best choice. If abuse is present in a relationship, documents can be drafted by a lawyer. You should not put yourself in a situation that could result in physical abuse or emotional abuse.

Talk to an Attorney About Your Options

If you have gone to counseling or are not interested in counseling and believe your marriage is beyond repair, talk to a Tampa family law attorney about the pros and cons of arbitration, mediation, or litigation for your specific situation. When mediation is possible, for example, the process could be a lot faster and less expensive than it would be for someone who pursues litigation. That said, if you are in a high conflict situation, litigation may be required to achieve the outcome you are seeking.

Has your spouse asked for a divorce? Whether you are surprised or suspected the marriage was ending, you now need to talk to an experienced legal professional. Determining what your goals are post-divorce is important. Then, you can share your objectives with the legal team at HD Law Partners and our experienced attorneys can work to secure the future you want. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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Maintaining a space that is safe for others is the responsibility of property owners. For example, a building or property that is open to the public needs to be a reasonably safe environment, and if it is not, there are steps a person can take following an injury under Florida law.

While some injuries lead to premise liability claims, it is important to recognize that not every injury will lead to financial compensation. In order to obtain a successful outcome for your premise liability claim, you need to prove the owner negligent. The recklessness needs to be in respect to property maintenance. This could be true if an owner or manager knew of a danger and failed to do anything about the risk, for instance.

Share the details of your injury and what unsafe conditions led to your injury with a Tampa personal injury attorney. Then, your attorney can share next steps with you.

Trespassers Do Not Have the Same Protections as Invitees

In the state of Florida, individuals trespassing on a property do not have the same levels of protections. This is because they are not considered a public or business invitee. An invitee has the highest level of protection under premise liability law in Florida. A public invitee is invited onto a property as a member of the public and a business invitee is invited to conduct business dealings.

Situations that could lead to a premise liability claim:

• Slip, fall, and trip accidents
• Harm due to inadequate security
• Animal bites, such as a dog attack
• Amusement ride or entertainment accidents
• Escalator or elevator injuries

Certain expectations may be met in order for you to damage recovery.

Constructive Knowledge and Time Considerations

For example, you need to be able to prove the property was aware of the danger, that they had constructive knowledge of the situation yet did not take immediate action to fix the problem. Or, if the danger has been present for a long time, it may be possible to provide documentation that proves routine maintenance should have brought the issue to light, that poor maintenance created the danger.

A Tampa personal injury attorney can walk you through what strategy could be successful given the particulars of your case. Premise liability law can be complicated, but if you sustained an injury because of another’s irresponsible and reckless behavior, you could be eligible for monetary relief when proof the other was liable can be gathered.

Are you ready to hold a property owner responsible for your injury expenses? To understand all of the options that could be available to you, talk to the compassionate and aggressive legal team at HD Law Partners. Our lawyers are committed to fighting for your rights, whether you were hurt tripping on an uneven sidewalk on the grounds of a local restaurant or sustaining an injury when merchandise fell recklessly in a shopping mall. The sooner you get your claim started, the sooner you will receive compensation. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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There are many specialty areas when it comes to practicing law. Some lawyers are trained and have experience as insurance defense attorneys. These legal professionals are skilled in understanding when an insurance company is responsible for paying a claim and protecting the rights of policyholders. Because these attorneys are knowledgeable in current laws and regulations, they can shed light on an issue when a policyholder is unjustly denied compensation.

If you believe your insurance company is working in bad faith or you are not accessing the damage recovery you are entitled to, connect with a Tampa insurance attorney. A skilled insurance lawyer can help you with property damage claims, including fire, flood, water, mold, and other insurance issues.

Insurance Companies Must Follow Regulations

There are regulations surrounding how insurance companies operate, these rules are set through state law. But just because rules are in place does not mean that they are never broken. Or an insurance company could attempt to bend the rules to serve their purposes and protect their bottom line.

Additionally, there are situations in which you and your insurance company are responsible for paying out on a claim. You may not think you should have to pay out. Next, you or your insurance company could hire an insurance defense lawyer to represent their best interests, as a policyholder, during the negotiation process. If an agreement can’t be reached through negotiation, litigation could be a possible path to resolution.

Policyholders often want to have a lawyer represent them so they are able to pay less when it comes to another’s damage claim. An attorney can help an insurance company in the same manner, and help to stop fraudulent or false claims from moving forward.

Disputes Surrounding Coverage

There are many, many different forms of insurance coverage. Some insurance policies protect homeowners in the event of damage while others are designed for motor vehicle operators. One of the first steps a Tampa insurance attorney will take is to fully assess the claims involved and determine if coverage is in order and what the specific terms of the policy are. Additionally, it will need to be determined if the policy coverage applies to the situation that is leading to the move toward damage recovery.

Whenever there is a coverage dispute, a skilled attorney could be an important advocate for you and your goals. Legal action, including litigation, may be required. Share your questions and concerns with a legal professional as soon as possible so they can guide you toward the best resolution path for your unique goals.

Do you believe you are being mistreated by an insurance company? Seek the guidance of an insurance defense attorney if you need the guidance of an experienced legal professional. With a lawyer on your side, you may be able to pay less toward damages or finally secure the compensation you need to move past an event. Talk to the legal team at HD Law Partners to learn more. Our experienced attorneys will work diligently to secure the future you want. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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Accidents, such as car wrecks and slip and fall incidents, can result in a range of injuries, including bone breaks, and when fractures are sustained treatment plans vary. For instance, more severe leg breaks could require a lot of tests, such as MRIs and CT scans, and surgeries. While these are important parts of healing properly, they can often come at a high cost. Damage recovery may be needed in order for you to protect yourself from years of medical bills.

Securing an insurance settlement holds responsible parties accountable and allows you the financial funds you need in order to access the care to heal fully. Check with a Tampa personal injury attorney to learn about the worth of your personal injury claim.

Listen to Your Doctor and Strengthen Your Claim

What treatment plan is put in place will depend on your injury. Some fractures require immobilization and surgery, others are able to heal with reduced use and a lot of home rest. Whatever your healthcare team says you should do, do it. Listening to your doctor is necessary for you to heal as quickly and as fully as possible, and it is also essential to strengthen your claim.

For example, if your healthcare team tells you not to work for a set amount of time, listen to them. If you are worried about how to keep up with expenses or believe your employer won’t allow you to take time off, talk to an attorney about your situation. You need more information, it may be possible to secure funds for lost wages as part of your personal injury claim and there could be a path to taking time off of work under the Federal and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Because of FMLA protections, employees can often access job-protected leave for qualified healthcare reasons. While FMLA is unpaid, compensation could come later in your damage recovery award.

Disputes Typically Settle Through the Negotiation Process

If you find yourself stressed out about the thought of your broken leg injury leading to a personal injury lawsuit, know that the majority of personal injury disputes settle through the negotiation process. When an insurance company offers a settlement, it does not mean it is the final offer. A Tampa personal injury attorney can gather the evidence needed to argue your need for a higher amount. Lawyers who have had results in cases similar to your own can advise you on paths forward.

Do you have a lot of expenses due to a fracture, such as a broken leg, following an accident in Tampa or the surrounding area? Compensation could be likely and the compassionate and aggressive legal team at HD Law Partners can guide you through the process. To achieve the maximum recovery amount, share the specifics of your accident and medical recovery plan with our lawyers. The sooner you get your claim started, the sooner you will access the funds you need to secure the medical care required. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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While a court battle is often the divorce process illustrated on television shows and movies, there are, in reality, a variety of family law resolution options. When the individuals are able to communicate effectively, they could be able to negotiate the terms of a divorce agreement with the guidance of their attorneys. And even when this is not possible, arbitration or mediation solutions could be explored before deciding to leave the decision making up to a judge in a court of law.

When you share your priorities with a Tampa family law attorney, they can advise you on what resolution path could be appropriate for you. For example, each option has its own pros and cons when it comes to time frame, costs, and the amount of input you and your spouse have into the final outcome.

Ongoing Disagreements and Resolution Options

If you are unable to negotiate a divorce agreement with your spouse because of ongoing disagreements, you may be interested in pursuing mediation, which means you and your spouse will each have your own attorneys and a neutral third party, a mediator, will guide the negotiation discussion toward a resolution. The agreement is, in essence, still negotiated and consensually agreed upon by the individuals divorcing.

Arbitration is different from mediation because it is an adjudicatory process, but a private one as opposed to a public adjudication in a court. A legal process, an adjudication means an arbiter or judge will make a final decision after reviewing evidence provided by both parties and listening to the arguments of each side. When you agree to the arbitration process, the final decision is binding.

Litigation, meaning a judge will make the final decision in the details of your Tampa divorce is often seen as a last resort for couples. This is because it can extend the timeline before a divorce can be finalized, which can add to the expense and emotional impact of a divorce.

Arbitrators Could Be Retired Legal Professionals

Because arbitrators need to have a full understanding of Florida and federal laws in order to decide disputes, they are often retired legal professionals, such as retired judges, for example. After you decide to go through arbitration and schedule a hearing with an arbitrator, you and your Tampa family law attorney will spend time gathering information to support the outcome you are seeking.

Arbitration hearings could be scheduled months into the future. It is important to remember these decisions are binding, if you want more control over the terms of your divorce, mediation may be a better option.

Would you like a lawyer to walk you through your options as you move toward divroce? For some couples, arbitration or mediation are great resolution options. Other divorces require litigation, particularly if a case involves high value assets and the individuals involved are unable to communicate effectively. Connect with the legal team at HD Law Partners and share details of your situation and your desired outcome. Then, our experienced attorneys can work to secure the future you are seeking. Call 813-964-7878 to schedule a free consultation.

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