The Gould Cooksey Fennell Blog
Gould Cooksey Fennell Receives Best Law Firms Award
We’re thrilled to announce that Gould Cooksey Fennell has once again been recognized on the Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms® list for 2025, marking over 11 consecutive years on this prestigious list. This year, we’re honored to be recognized in the practice areas of Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Trusts
Florida’s New HOA Parking Law: Unlocking Driveway Freedom for Pickup Truck Owners
By Christopher H. Marine and Owen D. Beylus What the Passage of House Bill 1203 Means for You If you are a pickup truck owner residing in a community governed by a homeowners’ association (HOA), there is encouraging news on the horizon. Effective July 1, 2024, Florida House Bill 1203
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Florida
If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else, one of the most important legal concepts for you to understand is the time limit you have to file a personal injury case. This is known as the statute of limitations. If you miss your filing deadline, you can
Recent Changes to Community Property Rights on Death
Vol. 98, No. 6 November/December 2024 | By Anthony P. Guettler and Patrick J. Lannon Florida continues to be a top destination for retirees, investors, and other individuals who enjoy living in the Sunshine State. Many of our new residents are married and bring with them property acquired in community property jurisdictions.[1] Community property has many unique
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Florida?
If you were injured in an accident, you may have the right to financial compensation for the medical expenses, property damage, and lost income you suffered as a result. However, you might be worried about whether you can afford to hire an auto accident lawyer. Personal injury lawyers perform valuable
Average Accident Settlements in Florida
One of the most commonly asked questions we receive at the Gould Cooksey Fennell Law Firm is “What is my case worth?” Many people want to know what an average accident settlement in Florida is worth, but this is nearly impossible to answer. The word average takes all of the
Florida 14-Day Accident Laws
According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 394,936 car accidents occurred in the state of Florida. But did you know that these accident victims only had two weeks to start medical treatment from the date of their accident for their insurance company to cover their medical expenses? Many car
Six GCF Attorneys Selected to The Best Lawyers in America®
We are thrilled to announce that six attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.
A Brief Overview of Florida House Bill 923 & What It Means for You
A new Florida law (House Bill 923) protecting a surviving spouse’s property rights at death became effective on June 13, 2024. A surviving spouse is no longer required to file a creditor claim to assert ownership rights in property subject to the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at
Is It Worth Getting an Attorney After an Accident in Florida?
According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 394,865 accidents occurred in Florida in 2023, resulting in 3,405 fatalities and 252,240 injuries. These accidents could have resulted in personal injury claims, but not all injured victims will walk away from an accident with a fair settlement. If you have
The Florida Accident Lawsuit and Settlement Process
If you were injured in a car accident in Florida, you may be facing expensive medical bills, lost wages, and other tangible and intangible losses. You may be able to recover compensation for these losses by filing a car accident claim. At Gould Cooksey Fennell Law Firm, we understand that
Redemption Agreements Funded with Corporate-Owned Life-Insurance Proceeds
On June 6, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled unanimously that a corporation’s obligation to redeem a deceased shareholder’s shares is not a liability that reduces the corporation’s value, and the redemption obligation does not offset the value of life-insurance proceeds owned by the corporation and used
Explaining the Different Types of Deeds in Florida Real Estate
In real estate transactions, deeds are the legal document used to transfer ownership of real property from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee). Within Florida real estate, deeds hold significant importance as they officially transfer ownership rights and interests in the property as well as associated land and
How Important Are Autopsies in Wrongful Death Cases in Florida?
Losing a loved one is a heartbreaking tragedy, especially when it’s due to suspected negligence or wrongdoing. For families in Florida seeking justice and accountability through a wrongful death lawsuit, one important question often arises: When is an autopsy necessary? At the core of every wrongful death lawsuit is a
GCF Celebrates 10 Attorneys Selected to Super Lawyers 2024
We are excited to announce that ten outstanding attorneys from Gould Cooksey Fennell have been selected for inclusion in the prestigious Super Lawyers 2024 for the 18th consecutive year! This achievement underscores our firm’s commitment to excellence in legal practice and our dedication to providing exceptional service to our clients.
Florida Community Property Trusts – Legal and Tax Issues
Introduction Community Property. Under Florida’s new Community Property Trust Act (“Act”), a married couple may establish community property in Florida. Although Florida is not a community property state, a married couple can now create community property through a community property trust established under the Act (“CPT”).[1] Why Utilize a CPT?
The Essential Role of Incident Reporting and Florida’s Code 15 in Hospitals
When you step into a hospital as a patient or visitor, you rely on a complex system designed to protect and heal. However, this system is not infallible, making incident reporting — a crucial yet often overlooked mechanism — essential to safeguard the public from unseen dangers and medical malpractice
Understanding Forms of Property Ownership in Florida Real Estate
Florida property can be owned in several ways, each with unique legal implications and benefits. Three of these include Tenancy by Entireties, Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship and Tenants in Common. Tenants by the Entireties In Florida, owning property as “tenants by the entireties” is a legal arrangement available
