What Florida Estate Lawyers Need to Know About Florida Probate Appeals

The appeals process for probate matters in Florida is unique.  Ask any Florida probate litigation law firm and they will tell you that it is often best to have a Florida Bar Board Certified Appellate Attorney handlePalm Beach probate appeals.  So, what can a Florida trust lawyer learn from a November 4, 2015 Florida 3rd District Court of Appeal case? Well, this was NOT a probate appeal, but it is important to note for appeals for probate litigation law firms and also appellate attorneys.  The case of Markwood Investments can be read at 40 Fla. L. Weekly D 2488, or by clicking on this link to the Florida Appeals Court:  http://www.3dca.flcourts.org/Opinions/3D15-1969.pdf

Can I Appeal a Non Final Order in Florida?

• First of all, it should be noted that most appeals in Florida are for final orders
• Ask your Estate Lawyers in Florida if an order is a”final” order or not
• Ask your Florida probate attorneys if you can seek a petition for a writ of certiorari
• Most probate litigation attorneys in Florida will tell you that the appeals rules, and Florida appellate law, have changed over the recent past, and now permit appeals for many orders which some Florida probate lawyers consider “non final”
• So, what is the lesson here? Well, if you are in the middle of a will contest Palm Beach, or a probate administration, ask your Florida probate lawyer what your rights areafter an order has been entered by the Palm Beach Gardens probate court.  Why?
• You may be able to appeal right now; you might not be able to, but you should know our Florida probate appeals rights

Florida 3rd DCA Deals with Ambiguity, Collateral Estoppel and Appeal of Order

• In this Florida appeal, there was an ambiguity in the trial court’s order
• First, it dismisses only the complaint (and not the case) and only “without prejudice,” two indications the order is non-final.
• The order then changes direction by finding that the Appellants’ claim is barred bycollateral estoppel, in which case the ability to amend is futile and all judicial labor is at an end, indicating the order is final.
• Hmm….. what is a Florida probate lawyer to do?
• Well, when the Florida estate lawyer hands a proposed order, or a proposed agreed order, to the probate court, you can make the language clear
• Are you dimissing with prejudice in which case the matter is decided and final? Or…
• Are you permitting the probate attorney Florida another bite at the apple, in which case the order is not final
• Many times Florida estate attorneys will have their lawsuit dismissed, “without prejudice” which means that you can come back and file the lawsuit
• Ask your probate litigation law firm West Palm Beach if they have a Florida trial lawyer devoted exclusively to probate and trust appeals Florida