When searching for a probate law firm in Florida, non-Florida family members should educate themselves on what to look for. For one, you need to find out whether the probate law firm you are interviewing is asked to represent families and beneficiaries all over Florida.
The New York Times reported on March 18,2017 that Chuck Berry had passed away. He was a rock star best known for his songs including “Johnny B. Goode” and “Roll Over Beethoven.” This amazing rock legend probably left more than just much desired music.
On March 20, 2017, NBC Sports reported that Gale Sayers has dementia. Sayers is best known as a legendary NFL player for the Bears. Dementia, unfortunately, is common, and Florida trust and estates attorneys are frequently facing inheritance and guardianship disputes involving it.
Pankauski Hauser is offering Continuing Legal Education (CLE) webinars, which are approved by the Florida Bar. With a focus on legal malpractice, Florida probate matters, cases, settlement agreements, and the role of ethical rules surrounding an estates and trust practice, these webinars are structured to provide Florida bar members with not only CLE credits, but also the advice of a seasoned AV Preeminent rated attorney. In fact, all of the webinars feature Palm Beach trial lawyer John Pankauski, managing partner at Pankauski Hauser.
Pankauski Hauser’s new home in the downtown is open for business! On March 2nd, 2017, Pankauski Hauser received its certificate of occupancy and moved into its new building. 415 South Olive Avenue is one block west of the intracoastal waterway and behind the SunTrust 505 South Flagler Drive complex, which is home to many law firms in West Palm Beach. Pankauski Hauser will occupy the entire building, whose complete remodeling and renovation took six months. Look for the firm to sponsor Florida CLEs for estate planning and probate attorneys during lunch time in one of its two conference and media rooms.
Pankauski Hauser partner Robert J. Hauser traveled to Tampa for oral argument on March 1st, 2017, before Florida’s 2nd District Court of Appeal(DCA). Rob is Florida Bar Board Certified in Appellate Law and heads up the Pankauski Hauser’s appellate practice group. Pankauski Hauser’s appellate team is working right now on appeals in each and every district court of appeal in Florida. In the past nine months, Rob has presented oral argument before the Florida Supreme Court and Miami’s 3rd District Court of Appeal. His appellate practice includes numerous probate, trust and estate issues, as well as family law, divorce and related business and real estate matters.
On February 26, 2017, The New York Times reported that actor Bill Paxton had passed away. “Twister,” “Titanic” and “Apollo 13,” are just a few of the movies he is known for. He was only 61 years old when he passed away unexpectedly from complications from a surgery. Did he have a will or a proper estate plan in place? Which probate litigation law firm will handle the probate process for his estate?
On February 24, 2017, the Rolling Stone reports that Katherine Jackson, Michael Jackson’s mom, joined former Jackson associates in a lawsuit against the executor of his estate. According to the article, her lawsuit against the executors, John Branch and John McClain, is “over a stake of ownership in the Michael Jackson Company”. Ms. Jackson “asserts that important estate matters have been made without her input.” Is this a reason to sue the executor or personal representative of an estate? When can beneficiaries of an estate sue the estate?
On February 21, 2017, CNN reported that David Cassidy revealed he has dementia. Cassidy is a singer and an actor. He is best known for his 1970’s role in the TV show, “The Partridge Family”. Dementia, unfortunately, is common, and Florida probate lawyers are frequently facing inheritance and guardianship disputes involving it. Does Cassidy have a valid estate plan in place? How can having a valid estate plan prove beneficial to someone with dementia? Don’t estate plans only affect me when I die? What do Florida probate litigators know about dementia and undue influence? Can you create a valid will after your doctor tells you that you have Dementia or Alzheimer’s? Can you amend your Florida trust or will even though you have severe dementia and are being influenced by a family member?
Do you remember the huge Florida estate battle that occurred when Anna Nicole Smith passed away nearly a decade ago? She passed away at the Hard Rock in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. What happened with her Florida estate?