Did your recently lose a case in West Palm Beach? Has the probate court ordered you to pay certain costs and fees to the winning side? Although you are obligated to pay certain costs, you may be entitled to pay less than the Court originally told you. Are you familiar with the Statewide Uniform Guidelines for Taxation of Costs in Civil Actions? Check out this recent appeal from the Second District Court of Appeal dealing with this same issue.
Costs and Fees
- Part of a judgment (or settlement) in a West Palm Beach probate lawsuit is usually the costs and fees associated with the action.
- This can include things like copying charges, administrative charges, the costs of court reporters and more.
- Can you think of any?
- These costs can add up quick from a lawsuit in Delray Beach.
- The other side is going to try to get as many of their costs covered as possible, this means more of the recovery stays in their pockets.
- You have a right though to make sure those costs are in line with the laws of Florida and West Palm Beach.
- You may want to start by checking out the Statewide Uniform Guidelines for Taxation of Costs in Civil Actions.
- This guide can tell you what is and what is not appropriate as far as taxing costs to a losing side in a probate lawsuit.
- What happens if you are stuck with fees that are not owed under the guidelines?
- You may have to challenge them in Court in West Palm Beach.
- Experienced Palm Beach probate litigators know how to keep the costs as low as the law allows.
- Check out what one shrewd litigator was able to do in this recent case out of the Second District Court of Appeal.
Suljic v. Barker
- This was an appeal based on fees after the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed his action to refile it later.
- He was stuck with over 6000 dollars in fees and costs from the first lawsuit.
- On appeal the Court noted that several of these costs were not appropriate given the guidelines set out by the State.
- As a result the fees order was struck down and the trial court will have to revisit the numbers if the parties cannot agree.
- How can you tell if the fees are proper?
- Start by checking out the guidelines.
- If you are still unsure, talk to an experienced Palm Beach probate litigator today to get some answers that could save you thousands of dollars.
Want to learn more about the Statewide Uniform Guidelines for Taxation of Costs in Civil Actions?
Check out the entire case by clicking here.
Check out the actual guidelines by clicking here.