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How to Choose a Real Estate Attorney

Selection of an attorney to represent you and handle your real estate transactions need not be a difficult or time consuming process. Here’s how to navigate the process and select the attorney who will champion your interests. Ask someone you trust: Most law firms have an internet presence via websites

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What is Property Portability in Florida?

Florida homestead portability is a valuable benefit for homeowners in the state of Florida. It allows individuals to transfer some or all of their Save Our Homes (SOH) benefit from one property to another when they move within the state. The primary benefit of homestead portability is to help homeowners

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Electronic Signatures for IRS Forms Now Allowed Permanently

On October 17, 2023, the IRS updated the “e-Signature Program” of the Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) to make permanent the ability for taxpayers (and representatives) to electronically sign IRS related forms and returns. The IRS originally adopted these electronic signature procedures as a temporary response to the COVID pandemic. Section

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2024 Estate, Gift and GST Tax Exemptions and Annual Exclusion

As announced by the IRS, the key 2024 federal transfer tax exemption amounts per taxpayer are as follows: Estate, Gift and GST Tax Exemption Generally, the Estate and Gift Tax Exemption is used to determine the aggregate value of the taxable gratuitous transfers that a person can make without incurring a transfer tax (e.g., gifts and

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Homestead Exemption Rules in Florida

The homestead exemption is a valuable benefit for homeowners in Florida. One of the primary benefits of the Florida homestead exemption is the significant reduction in property taxes. The Florida homestead exemption offers a substantial reduction in the taxable value of a homeowner’s primary residence. This reduction can result in

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Reporting Deadlines Under The Corporate Transparency Act

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) aims to increase financial transparency and prevent illicit activities by requiring certain corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities to report information about their beneficial owners. Beneficial owners are individuals who hold at least a 25% ownership stake in a company or exercise substantial control

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Should I Use a Real Estate Attorney?

Yes. Engaging the assistance of a skilled real estate attorney is a vital component of a successful real estate transaction. If you’re buying or selling real estate in Florida and are considering using an attorney, here are some important considerations. Real Estate Attorneys Encourage Smooth Transactions When you select a

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Steps In a Florida Personal Injury Case

Victims of car crashes, medical malpractice, and other negligence can often feel overwhelmed by the personal injury claim process. It may be the first time they’ve ever dealt with insurance company adjusters and attorneys.  During what can be one of the most vulnerable times in their lives, clients are learning about

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Trust Ownership Under the Corporate Transparency Act

For estate planning purposes it is common for a trust to be an owner of a family company or other business. Under the new Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), companies may be required to disclose confidential private information about the individuals with rights or authority over the trust assets. In other words,

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7 GCF Attorneys Selected to Best Lawyers 2024

It is our pleasure to announce that seven members of our team have been selected for inclusion in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers® in America. Best Lawyers® remains one of the most credible sources of legal expertise in the United States, and each year they publish a list of attorneys that

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10 GCF Attorneys Selected to Super Lawyers 2023

For the 17th consecutive year, Gould Cooksey Fennell is proud to announce that 10 attorneys have been named as Florida Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. The “Super Lawyer” distinction is given to only 5 percent or less of lawyers in each state, and the “Rising Star” to just 2.5 percent.

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Planning for the Corporate Transparency Act

What is the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”)?  A new law designed to combat financial crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing.  Under CTA, companies are required to provide information regarding their beneficial owners to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. When will the CTA apply?  The reporting requirements under the

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Understanding the Impact of Florida GB-837 blog post

Understanding the Impact of Florida HB-837: A Guide to Tort Reform

Whether you’ve recently endured a personal injury or not, it’s crucial to stay informed about changes in tort legislation, because, well, accidents happen. The Florida Tort Reform Act 2023, or HB-837, has sparked controversy due to its sweeping reforms in tort law and resulted in a surge of civil lawsuits

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