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Category Archives: Firm Articles
5 Questions and Answers About Probate
My spouse/parent/sibling just passed away, what do I need to do? In the State of Florida, the court-supervised process to determine the deceased person’s assets, take care of their debts and make any distribution to beneficiaries is called “Probate.” Generally, if retirement accounts (such as IRAs or 401(k)s and life insurance policies list a beneficiary, they do not go through the Probate process. Property held in a living trust or funds in a payable-on-death (POD) bank account also transfer without… Read More »
Avoiding Problems When Renting A Vacation Home – Tips For The Owner And The Renter
As the summer vacation season approaches, now is the time to plan. Private short-term vacation home rentals and home-sharing arrangements are the rage and provide an opportunity for vacationers to reduce their traditional vacation costs by obtaining cost-effective non-traditional vacation accommodations. Additionally, property owners can use their homes to generate income. Therefore, if the arrangement is handled appropriately with full disclosure and documentation, it can be the quintessential “win-win”. The key, however, is to make sure that both parties avoid… Read More »
Sexual Harassment In The Era Of #MeToo What Is An Employer To Do?
Allegations of sexual harassment have over taken all forms of news and social media in the last several months, sparking what has been referred to as the “#MeToo” movement. In light of the avalanche of sexual harassment claims and lawsuits, many employers are, rightfully, overwhelmed. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the federal agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting clams of discrimination, it has received an additional 27,000 sexual harassment claims last year. If history offers any lesson, the… Read More »
Q&A with Hugo de Beaubien
How was DSK Law founded in 1976? “DSK Law was founded in 1976 when former Partner Tom Drage and I started a Firm in downtown Orlando – that was formerly the Firm of a sole practitioner who became a Judge.” What are you most proud of? “I am proud of our growth into one of the ten largest law firms in Central Florida and the collegial workplace atmosphere we all share.” How do you feel about the Firm… Read More »
David Simmons: A Letter To My Former Self
In a few weeks, I will have the honor of giving the commencement address to one of the graduating classes of the University of Central Florida. As a Florida State Senator who has had the opportunity to be a big part of the success of Florida and the growth of UCF in the past 17 years, I will be challenging these graduates, and seeking to inspire them to reach the full extent of their potential. I will be talking to… Read More »
Are You Prepared for this Year’s Hurricane Season?
Due to storms and hurricanes that have historically impacted Florida, DSK Law has had the opportunity to assist many individuals and small businesses with legal issues related to the after effects of storm damage. In past consultations with our clients, we have identified certain frequently asked questions or concerns as indicated below which may be helpful to you following Hurricane Irma. Question: How can I register for FEMA assistance? Answer: You can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Hotline at… Read More »
Is Privacy Obsolete in Modern Litigation?
(Mr. Valdes is a Partner in the Firm’s Tampa Office and is the Chairman of the Electronic Discovery and Digital Evidence Committee of the Business Law Section of the Florida Bar) Within the past decade, the introduction and widespread adoption of social media use by individuals and corporations, as well as the use of tablets, smartphones, cloud storage, and other new technologies, has dramatically expanded the number and types of available sources of electronically stored information (“ESI”). ESI is everywhere… Read More »
The Legal Meaning of Marriage: 12 Benefits Same-Sex Married Couples Now Receive
By Lindsay N. Greene, Esq. and Ruben Laboy, Jr., Esq. On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges the Constitution guarantees same-sex couples the right to marriage. As reported in The New York Times, Justice Anthony M. Kennedy defined marriage as a “keystone of our social order.” The Supreme Court’s decision, he explained, provided same-sex married couples with “equal dignity in the eyes of the law.” The decision has… Read More »
Taking the Deposition of an Entity Representative or Custodian of Records and Seeking Electronically Stored Information
By Bart R. Valdes, Esq. on behalf of the Electronic Discovery and Digital Evidence Committee, Business Law Section of the Florida Bar The use of multiple electronic devices, as well as automated systems, and integrated technology, is commonplace in today’s world. Almost everything that we do in our day-to-day routines generates some kind of data, whether it is driving a car, buying lunch on a credit card, buying a gift for someone on-line, or even using modern kitchen appliances. To paraphrase… Read More »
Requests For Production Instructions And Definitions: How To Make Them Work For You
By Bart R. Valdes, Esq., on behalf of the Electronic Discovery and Digital Evidence Committee, Business Law Section of the Florida Bar In the ever-changing world of technology, the legal profession can be slow to adapt. Within the past decade, the introduction and widespread adoption of social media use by individuals and corporations, as well as the use of tablets, smartphones, cloud storage, and other new technologies, has dramatically expanded the number and types of available sources of document discovery in… Read More »