The Gould Cooksey Fennell Blog
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
Advocate vs. Administrator: The Real Estate Attorney’s Edge
Engaging a skilled real estate attorney to assist you with your purchase or sale of Barrier Island property is of essential importance. Working directly with an experienced professional can make a huge difference in protecting your personal investment and preserving your financial resources. As a senior real estate attorney at
What Estate Planners Need To Know About 501(c)(4)s
By Jeffrey J. Spina-Jennings, Esq., Gould Cooksey Fennell, PLLC, Vero Beach, Florida As a result of the recent restructuring of Patagonia utilizing a social welfare organization (“501(c)(4)”) there is a revitalization of discussions regarding whether a 501(c)(4) may be an appropriate structure to carry out a client’s charitable objectives. News
GCF’s Medical Malpractice Team Earns $31.9 Million Jury Verdict for Daughter of Wrongful Death Victim
On Friday March 8, 2024, GCF attorneys David Carter and Dane Ullian earned a verdict of $31.9 million for the family of Saverio Sasso, deceased, in a medical malpractice wrongful death trial against Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston Hospital. The case arose out of a negligent, non-emergency intubation that caused Mr.
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
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
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
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
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
The Dangers of Distracted Driving: Tips for Staying Focused on the Road
Each year, it is estimated that in the United States over 3,000 people die, and over 400,000 people are injured, due to distracted driving. Distracted driving is a critical safety concern on Florida’s roads, posing severe risks to both drivers and pedestrians. As the state continues to deal with the
Gould Cooksey Fennell Celebrates a Decade on U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms List
We are so excited to celebrate this significant milestone – GCF’s 10th consecutive year of being recognized on the prestigious U.S. News & World Report’s Best Law Firms list. This accolade, awarded in the areas of Trusts and Estates and Personal Injury Tier 1 in the Orlando Area, is a testament to the firm’s
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
