The nature and extent of the fiduciary duties — if any —
Continue Reading Does a trustee’s lawyer owe fiduciary duties to the trust’s beneficiaries?Ethics & Malpractice Claims
Lessons from “Clarity on Capacity”: A UK-law perspective on the unique ethical challenges faced by estate planners representing clients with diminished capacity
Florida ethics Rule 4-1.14 and its ABA model-rules counterpart, Rule 1.14, address…
Continue Reading Lessons from “Clarity on Capacity”: A UK-law perspective on the unique ethical challenges faced by estate planners representing clients with diminished capacity
Can you be found guilty of “defalcation” for billing a client in accordance with Florida’s statutory fee schedule?
If there’s anyone out there that still believes F.S. 733.6171 (the probate…
Continue Reading Can you be found guilty of “defalcation” for billing a client in accordance with Florida’s statutory fee schedule?1st DCA: In case of first impression Appellate Court rules successor PR has standing to sue prior PR’s attorney for malpractice
Bookman v. Davidson, — So.3d —-, 2014 WL 1772707 (Fla. 1st…
Continue Reading 1st DCA: In case of first impression Appellate Court rules successor PR has standing to sue prior PR’s attorney for malpractice
Does judge’s independent investigation of facts in guardianship proceeding = disqualification?
Effective October 1, 2013, if a lawyer improperly writes himself into his client’s will, the bequest is automatically void as a matter of law under new F.S. 732.806
Fla. S.Ct: Lawyer + Dishonesty as PR and Trustee = Disbarment
The Florida Bar v. Swann, — So.3d —-, 2013 WL 3064813…
Continue Reading Fla. S.Ct: Lawyer + Dishonesty as PR and Trustee = Disbarment
4th & 2d DCA on “in camera” review of privileged documents in probate litigation
If you’re an estate planner, it’s only a matter of time until someone…
Continue Reading 4th & 2d DCA on “in camera” review of privileged documents in probate litigation
Estate planners beware: to err is human, but the cover up can land you in jail
The competitive pressures and technical complexities of a sophisticated estate planning practice…
Continue Reading Estate planners beware: to err is human, but the cover up can land you in jail
Fla. SCT: lawyer + financial planner + no written conflict waiver = disbarment
The Florida Bar v. Doherty, — So.3d —-, 2012 WL 1033478…
Continue Reading Fla. SCT: lawyer + financial planner + no written conflict waiver = disbarment