Martin Hoffman, Author at Hoffman, Larin and Agnetti, P.A.

Florida Courts Seek to Clear Foreclosure Backlog, but at What Expense?

September 14, 2014 By Martin Hoffman

The number of foreclosure actions instituted in the state of Florida over the past several years is huge. In fact, media outlets still regularly report on the foreclosure problems facing homeowners throughout the state. With the staggering number of foreclosure actions working their way through the courts – reportedly over 250,000 – it is not surprising that Florida Courts are struggling to keep up. A recent article examined the responses to foreclosure proceedings and the effects on homeowners.

Foreclosure Sign Image — Image Source (CC BY 2.0) by Taber Andrew Bain via flickr

Important Considerations When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

September 8, 2014 By Martin Hoffman

Someone injured due to another’s actions often go through a difficult ordeal. Such incidents can include anything from serious and significant injury to property damage. Individuals in these stressful situations frequently feel overwhelmed, upset, and even confused. Of course, their primary focus is on their immediate health and well-being. Once these pressing matters are sufficiently addressed, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney about the specifics of your case in order to determine your legal rights, and decide on what steps to take next.

Gavel Image — Image Source (CC BY 2.0) by Chris Potter via flickr

Foreclosures in Florida

August 13, 2014 By Martin Hoffman

Many people are still feeling the effects of the recession and struggling economy. For some, this includes falling behind on mortgage payments and losing their home – or coming dangerously close to having it happen. Thankfully, there are signs that the economy is improving, though this is not the case everywhere. A recent news article reported that foreclosures in most of Florida are on the decline, but the area of central Florida may not be seeing the same trend.

Foreclosure Sign — Image Source (CC BY 2.0) by Jeff Turner via flickr

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: An Overview

August 10, 2014 By Martin Hoffman

Many individuals who have estate planning documents in place are familiar with a testamentary will and related documents, such as a power of attorney and advanced medical directive. However, estate planning and other financial planning documents can extend far beyond those parameters. One such legal tool available to those interested in them are trusts. Trusts offer a legal way for an individual, known as a grantor, to place property into a separate entity, which will be held for the benefit of a third party, also known as a beneficiary. Any type of property can be placed in a trust, and when it is, the property is considered to be owned by the trust. Trusts can be as simple or complex as the trustee wishes, and can achieve a variety of goals.

Staying Safe During Summer Vacation

July 22, 2014 By Martin Hoffman

Summertime equals vacations for countless families across the United States, and the state of Florida is certainly no exception. Some Florida residents may be planning trips to visit friends and family, heading to a beach, or even traveling out of state. Vacationers from other states may be making Florida their destination. One thing is for sure: summer months are seeing a significant increase in traffic on the roadways. The risk of being injured in an accident is present any time one travels, but that risk increases with more vehicles on the road. Read on for important steps drivers can take to ensure their careful attention to the road while driving leads to safer travels for everyone.

Car Image — Image Source (CC BY 2.0) Steve Arnold via flickr

Restraining Orders in Florida

July 20, 2014 By Martin Hoffman

Unfortunately, domestic violence is a serious issue for many people. In the state of Florida, victims of domestic violence may be able to obtain a restraining order against their abuser. According to the Family Violence Law Center website, a restraining order is a court order that acts to protect a victim from being abused, threatened, stalked, or harassed. Depending on the circumstances, it may also act to award a victim with custody of any minor children, order visitation and child support, issue court orders with relation to pets and property, and may even require the abuser to move out of a shared residence. A civil restraining order may be beneficial even if a victim has already obtained a criminal protective order, since the civil order can be in effect for a longer period of time, and may address different types of protection.

Teen Driving Accidents and the Summer

July 15, 2014 By Martin Hoffman

Summer is a dangerous time for anyone to be on the roadway. Increased traffic from summer travelers, summer parties and celebrations perhaps involving alcohol, and other factors all contribute to this fact. With these increased risks and additional distractions, it is not surprising that the summer months are the most dangerous for less experienced teen drivers, as well. Teen driver safety should be of the utmost concern for parents. A recent article discussed the dangers posed to teens driving on roadways across Florida in the summer.

Traffic Accident Cleanup — A state trooper supervising the cleanup of a traffic accident in Troop C. (Public Domain)

Common Questions: Student Loans and Bankruptcy

July 14, 2014 By Martin Hoffman

The cost of education has skyrocketed over the years. Almost every student that attends any form of higher education is required to take out student loans just to pay for coursework. Some students are exiting college after four years with enough student loan to pay for two single family homes.

Georgetown Jesuit Residence, CC BY-SA 3.0 from Patrickneil – Own work via Wikimedia Commons

Bankruptcy often becomes a real option for individuals struggling to make ends meet after graduation. However, before filing a petition for bankruptcy, it is important that you are aware of the requirements and also aware of what things may or may not be dischargeable.

Bills Recently Signed into Law in Florida

June 25, 2014 By Martin Hoffman

Old Florida State House — (image CC-BY-SA 3.0 Urbantallahassee via Wikimedia Commons)

News outlets are reporting that Governor Rick Scott signed 94 new bills into law in Florida on June 13th. The bills that were made law cover a wide range of topics, ranging from abortion to charities. While not all of the laws may have an effect on every citizen of Florida, it is possible that a significant portion of the new laws will have an effect on a large number of people in one way or another.

Florida Courts Seek to Clear Foreclosure Backlog, but at What Expense?

Important Considerations When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Foreclosures in Florida

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: An Overview

Staying Safe During Summer Vacation

Restraining Orders in Florida

Teen Driving Accidents and the Summer

Common Questions: Student Loans and Bankruptcy

Bills Recently Signed into Law in Florida

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