OLG News - Page 8 of 15 - The Orlando Law Group

OLG LEGAL COMMENTARY:
Jennifer Englert
OLG Founder & Managing Partner

It may be difficult to ascertain what exactly has changed under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and how these changes may affect you and your business. This article will provide an overview of how the new tax law will affect business, whether you are part of a large corporation or own your own small business, by identifying the information you need to know about each major provision.

What’s changed for corporations under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act?

Under the previous law, corporations were taxed under a four-step graduated rate structure, with 35% as the top corporate tax rate. Effective on January 1st, 2018, the top corporate tax rate was permanently cut to 21%. The new tax rate is a single flat tax, meaning it applies to all C corporations. Under the new law, the corporate alternative minimum tax rate was also eliminated.

What’s changed if I own a small business?

Under the previous law, businesses organized as sole proprietorships, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and S corporations did not pay corporate tax rates. Business owners instead paid individual income taxes on their share of the business’s income, a process known as pass-through business taxes. Thus, those tax rates were the same as the regular personal income tax rates. Under the new law, individual tax rates were reduced from 39.6% to 37%.

Effective on January 1st, 2018, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allows pass-through business owners may now deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income. This deduction is subject to a number of limitations, one of which caps the 20% exemption at the greater of 50% of the wages paid to employees and reported on a W-2 form, or 25% of those wages paid plus 2.5% of the cost of depreciable property owned by the business or depreciable capital assets. One limitation on this deduction is married couples who own service-based businesses like law firms, doctor’s offices, and accounting firms can only claim the deduction if their annual income is below $315,000 ($157,500 if single). This provision of the new law will expire after 2025.

The new law will apply to all pass-through businesses, including sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and S corporations. The following example demonstrates how the 20% deduction would apply, not subject to any limitations. If you own a small business and it generates net business taxable income of $500,000, you may deduct $100,000 (20%) of it before the personal income tax rates are applied.

Business Loan Interest Deductions

Under the previous law, any interest a business paid on their business loans was generally deductible. Under the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act law, a business may only deduct interest expenses equal to 30% of its adjusted taxable income. Furthermore, under the previous law, if a business carried a net operating loss (NOL), it had the option to use those losses to either reduce any taxes paid in the previous two years, or to reduce any future taxable income for the next twenty years. Under the new law, net operating losses are reduced and can only be carried forward to reduce any future taxable income and are limited to 80% of taxable income. Past taxes may no longer be reduced by a NOL deduction.

Other Deductions as they relate to the 2018 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

Entertainment Expenses: Under the previous law, costs expended entertaining clients were 50% deductible. However, under the new law, entertaining clients is notdeductible at all. Holiday parties and other similar workplace events for employees are still 100% deductible.
Business Travel: The cost of meals and drinks purchased during business travel is still eligible for deduction. As for business vehicles, for both new and used passenger vehicles that are acquired and placed into service after December 31st, 2017, the new tax law increased depreciation allowances. The vehicle must also be used over 50% of the time for business purposes. An $18,000 deduction may be taken for a new car the first year you own it if you claim first year-bonus depreciation. The allowance then decreases per year to $16,000 for the second year, $9,600 for the third year, and $5,760 for the fourth year and after until the vehicle is fully depreciated. If you purchase an SUV or a truck, the vehicle is now 100% deductible.
First-Year Bonus Depreciation: Businesses making eligible equipment and property purchases can immediately deduct 100% of the purchase through 2022, which is an increase from 50% under the previous law. After 2022, bonus depreciation phases down 20% every year until it reaches 20% in 2026.

While this article provides an overview of the how the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act law may affect how your business is taxed and what deductions you may make, it is important to consult with your attorney regarding all of the factors that may affect your business as the new tax law could have further implications on your business.

January 12, 2022/by The Orlando Law Group

How the New Tax Law Will Affect Your Alimony Tax and Alimony Tax Deduction

Alimony, All posts, Blog, Divorce

OLG LEGAL COMMENTARY:
Jennifer Englert
OLG Founder & Managing Partner

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is a congressional revenue act that implements many changes including reduced tax rates for businesses and individuals. Of particular interest is a part of the new law that relates to the taxation of spousal support payments, commonly known as alimony as well as significant changes to the alimony tax deduction.

The new tax law introduced significant changes to how alimony is taxed, mainly who is responsible for paying those taxes. Under the previous law, an alimony tax deduction could be taken from the payor’s annual federal taxes and had to be reported as taxable income by recipients.

Beginning on January 1st, 2019, alimony will no longer be tax deductible for those who pay alimony and will no longer be taxable income for those who receive it. Alimony payors will now be required to pay taxes on more of their income, as the portion allocated for alimony payments will now be included, while alimony recipients will keep the payments tax-free.

Does the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act law apply to me?

The new law will not be retroactive for individuals currently paying or receiving alimony, meaning if your divorce is finalized on or before December 31st, 2018, you will not be affected. However, if you modify your divorce agreement and/or alimony payments after this cut-off date, you may then be subject to tax treatment under the new law. If you have not finalized your divorce before the start of 2019, the new law will apply to you.

Will the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act law benefit me?

If you pay alimony

If you believe you will likely be ordered to pay alimony as a result of your upcoming divorce, the new law will not benefit you. Under the previous law, alimony payments were tax deductible, meaning the yearly total of your payments was deducted from your tax liability, this alimony tax deduction lowered the amount you owed in taxes. Thus, it may be to your benefit to finalize your divorce before the new law takes effect in 2019 and you lose out on the alimony tax deduction.

If you receive alimony

If you believe you will likely be receiving alimony as a result of your upcoming divorce, the new law may benefit you. As alimony will no longer be taxable income, those receiving alimony will benefit by no longer paying any taxes on the alimony payments they receive. Thus, under the new law, it may be to your benefit to file for divorce in 2019 after the new law takes effect, so you can keep all of your alimony tax-free. However, it is important to consult with your attorney regarding all of the factors that may affect the alimony you plan to receive as the new tax law could have further implications on your divorce and alimony.

How the new law affects divorced couples.

Divorced couples will likely lose money overall as alimony recipients are typically in a lower tax bracket than payors, and the previous tax structure allowed divorced couples to keep more money within the family unit. This new allocation of taxes may affect your decision on when to finalize your divorce in order to maximize resources for your family. Potential alimony recipients should be aware that this change in the tax law may affect the amount of alimony awarded to them. As the payor will no longer benefit from an alimony tax deduction and cannot deduct the payment from their taxes, they will have less money from which to pay alimony as a result of paying taxes on more of their income now, and alimony awards may be reduced.

For more information on how this change might be a factor in your divorce, contact your attorney.

Jennifer Englert is the managing partner and founder of The Orlando Law Group, PL. For over 15 years, she has focused on business disputes, business law, general civil litigation, special needs & education law, family law, personal injury, and real estate. She has represented entities and individuals in both federal and state trial and appellate courts.

February 6, 2022/by The Orlando Law Group

Don’t Ignore Your Divorce Agreement – Even in The Summer

All posts, Divorce

OLG LEGAL COMMENTARY:
Jeffrey W. Smith, Attorney

While summertime is typically that jovial part of the year when families get together to travel on trips near and far, sometimes for weeks at a time, that is not necessarily the case for the millions of families with children that have gone through the divorce process.

Unfortunately, this time of year — similar to when the December holidays roll around — tends to bring angst, anger, and hostility between the divorced spouses, mostly because one or both parties wish to take their child(ren) on vacation with them for extended periods of time … and the other party is hesitant, anxious and/or not willing to allow that to occur.

As an attorney with The Orlando Law Group, I see this quite often. When divorcing, parents will hopefully come to an agreement on a “parenting plan,” [otherwise the fate of the time that parent will have with their child(ren) will lie in the hands of a judge] that will include what time and dates each parent is scheduled to spend with the children and over which holidays, summer and spring break. At that time, agreements get put in place. For example, “Both parents will get 15 consecutive days with the child(ren) in the summer,” and “each party has to notify the other by May 1st of each year as to what those dates are and will be,” or “In the odd years Mother’s dates will take preference and in the even years Father’s dates will be given preference.”

These detailed agreements are put in place so that there are no surprises for either divorced spouse and to help the families plan and prepare in advance so as to have more enjoyable, quality time together. And, for the most part, they are guidelines that are put in place by both parties amicably.

Even with a Divorce Agreement, Problems Can Arise

However, very often, even though there is a divorce agreement in place, come each May, November, December and March the arguments still tend to arise. “What do you mean the kids are going with you for two weeks straight? I cannot be without my child for two weeks in a row? Three weeks? A whole month? What do you mean I don’t get to see them for however many days we agreed on?”

When the reality hits that, yes, summertime is here and, yes, the other parent is, indeed, taking your child — their child — away on vacation, many people tend to panic. They suddenly do not recall their divorce agreement. They suddenly do not care to recall their divorce agreement.
And so the unhappy parent will then try to prevent the other parent from exercising the agreed-to time sharing agreement.

I have had clients beg for me to go in front of a judge to plead their case because “it would devastate their child if they were apart from one another for two whole weeks.”
I have had clients tell me that the other parent is not good for their child(ren), and therefore should not be allowed to have them for vacation time.

I have had clients tell me that the child(ren) does not want to go with the other parent, so therefore they shouldn’t have to.

Here is the thing, — these divorce agreements are in place for a reason. They are there to ensure that both parties — the divorced husband and the divorced wife — get a fair amount of time with their child(ren), as agreed upon by both parties. This is necessary to ensure that the children maintain a meaningful, quality relationship with both parents.

Unless there is a material, substantial and unanticipated change in circumstances [or, on the very rare occasion, an “emergency,” defined as the imminent physical harm to the child, or the parent is threatening, or is attempting to remove the child from the jurisdiction of the court, e.g. State of Florida] to go back in front of a judge, then you must follow the divorce agreement that you entered into, agreed upon, and signed.

This is why, when going through divorce and creating a parenting plan, the plan should be as detailed as possible. Make it so it protects both parents, to where each parent, when the child(ren) is away, gets to know where they are going, where they are staying, how long they will be gone, when they will be coming home, who they will be with, what numbers they can be reached at, etc.

But please remember, parents, it goes both ways. One parent cannot and should not expect the other parent to provide that information, and yet not themselves have to do the same.

And Remember This, Too: You are Not Alone.

I speak from experience. As a divorced parent, I was one who did not want my daughter gone for such an extended period of time. I heard the cries from my daughter of not wanting to go, of not wanting to leave me, and it hurt.

So when that holiday, summer, or spring break rolls around, think twice. Do not make it worse on your children by adding unnecessary stress and discontent to a situation that was not only agreed to by you, but also is a time for the child to enjoy and grow that relationship with the other parent, it’s their vacation too.

In the rare event that you feel there may be a material, substantial and unanticipated change in circumstances that would warrant a modification of your parenting plan, or, if you honestly believe your child may be in imminent physical harm, or the other parent may be fleeing the State of Florida with the children, by all means, contact an attorney.

But it is your job and, in fact, your obligation to put your children first and above any disagreements you may have with your ex-spouse.

I know, easier said than done. But for the sake of your children it, nonetheless, must be done.

** Attorney Jeffrey W. Smith’s areas of practice with The Orlando Law Group include veteran law, family law, estate planning, general civil/business litigation, and social security disability. To contact Smith, or for more information about The Orlando Law Group, please visit TheOrlandoLawGroup.com or phone 407-512-4394. **

February 6, 2022/by The Orlando Law Group

Photo of Brian T. Dunmire - Attorney at The Orlando Law Group

If You’re Sick and Have No Idea What’s Causing Your Symptoms, Could It Be Your Home or Workplace?

OLG LEGAL COMMENTARY:

Attorney Brian Dunmire

One of the most frustrating and frightening experiences you can go through is getting chronically sick with symptoms that linger indefinitely and having no idea what’s causing your illness. Everyone gets sick now and then, but we’re accustomed to a cycle where the symptoms start gradually, peak after a day or two, then slowly get better until you’re fully recovered. Imagine, however, coming down with a cough, tightness in the chest, fever, aching muscles, fatigue and chills and they just never get better.

One possible explanation for this could be Building Related Illness (BRI), a condition where the patient suffers from an infection or allergic reaction and the source of the contaminant is known to be the patient’s home, workplace or other building. Typically, the cause of BRI is the presence of bacteria, mold, fungus or viruses in the air supply inside the building. Usually, symptoms related to BRI persist in the patient, even when they are not physically in the building.

In a BRI case, the source of the illness must have been identified as a building or structure the patient spends time in regularly. This is in contrast to another condition, commonly known as “Sick Building Syndrome,” or SBS, during which some of the same cold- and flu-like symptoms as BRI are present, but the cause is unknown. Also, symptoms of SBS tend to get better once the patient leaves the building and return when he or she returns.

The Legionnaire’s disease outbreak of 1976

The best-known example of BRI is Legionnaires’ disease, which became well known more than 40 years ago after the first documented, and highly publicized, outbreak. In July 1976, the American Legion held its annual three-day convention in Philadelphia, attended by more than 2,000 Legionnaire’s from across the country. Shortly after the convention, several of the attendees became ill and died of what was thought to be heart attacks. Within a few weeks, however, 221 attendees had been impacted, 34 of whom had died.

Coincidentally, three of the initial victims had the same doctor, who was aware that all three had been at the convention, so he contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This led to an investigation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which discovered that the most likely source of the disease was a strain of bacteria, which would be named “Legionella,” that was breeding in the air conditioning system at the hotel where the convention was held, allowing it to spread throughout the building.

While most cases of BRI are not potentially deadly like Legionnaires disease, to say that it should be taken seriously is clearly an understatement. For many sufferers of BRI, coping with the persistent physical symptoms and the emotional toll it causes can completely disrupt the quality of their lives. It can also mean exorbitant medical costs and missed time at work, creating a financial burden that lasts for years.

Where you could be exposed to BRI conditions

A common misconception is that Building-Related Illness plagues only older buildings, such as the hotel where the Legionnaires disease outbreak in 1976 occurred, which was built in 1904. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, however, up to one of every four new or renovated structures can be classified as “sick,” meaning conditions that cause BRI are present.

Still, if you’re the proud owner of a recently built new home, this can be an unsettling prospect that’s difficult to accept. Imagine being a new homeowner who has just spent months working with a contractor to design and build their dream home, then you move in and start experiencing coughing, headaches, nausea and other aches and pains. Typically, your home is a place where you’re supposed to feel safe and protected, so it isn’t the first place you’d think to look for answers about why you’re sick.

However, even in new and renovated homes, mistakes are sometimes made. Some mistakes are obvious and easy to fix, like a piece of crown molding that isn’t perfectly aligned or light fixture that doesn’t work. The mistakes we’re talking about, though, are hidden inside walls and in attics. Some areas that can be the source of BRI symptoms include:

The HVAC system. Like most living organisms, mold, bacteria, and other compounds need water to survive, and a poorly functioning HVAC system can create a lot of moisture that, if not drained properly, can stagnate in the ductwork. If you add dust – which is made up mostly of skin, pollen, pet dander and other organic material – you’ve added a source of nutrients, creating an environment where mold can thrive and spread.
Insufficient ventilation. Even when the HVAC system is working properly, it may not be able to overcome the humidity and moisture found in a poorly ventilated home. There is actually a well-known example of this from the 1970s, when contractors started building homes more airtight to save energy during the energy crisis. As an unintended consequence, they built homes that also retained their humidity too well, allowing mold and bacteria to thrive and making many of the inhabitants of these homes sick. The recent charge towards energy efficient building standards has resulted in the same issues occurring again as they did in the 1970’s.
Plumbing. Obviously, if the plumbing in a new home leaks due to poor construction, water ends up in places it’s not supposed to be. If the leak is just a slow drip, it might be enough water for mold or other bacteria to grow even though the water is hidden inside walls where the homeowner can’t see it. Another way that poorly constructed plumbing can cause air quality problems occurs when the entry and exit points of the pipes are not sealed correctly, allowing pests to enter the home and leave feces, which can dry out and become airborne or serve as an added nutrient source for mold and bacteria. Also, there is a possibility that the installation of the septic lines were accidentally placed by the contractor above the potable water lines. When the septic lines leak, this can cause harmful matter to seep into the potable water lines.
Chemicals. Known as “volatile organic compounds” or VOCs, we are exposed to these chemicals at low levels every day, usually with no health consequences. They come from the cleaners, paint, sealants, permanent markers, dry-cleaned clothes and air fresheners we are around all the time. In a new home, however, high levels of VOCs like formaldehyde can be released by new carpet, new furniture, paint, finishes, sealants and more. If the new home is not allowed to off-gas these chemicals and air out sufficiently before the new owner moves in, it’s likely to cause some worrisome health problems.

Unfortunately, when the source of a BRI case is a brand new home, it can often take months, if not years, for the true source of the health problems to be identified. Ironically, this is not because it’s difficult to find mold and bacteria in a new home. In fact, a fairly simple, straightforward investigation by a trained professional can easily find mold, bacteria, VOCs and other contaminants. The reason it goes unidentified for so long is that a new home is the last place people think of as the possible cause. They have an expectation that their contractor will provide quality service, workmanship, and materials and that they will follow all the applicable building codes. Plus, most homeowners feel that their home is part of their identity, a reflection of who they are. And with new homeowners, you can add excitement to the emotions they feel about their new home.

In that context, it’s difficult for most people to accept that the home they are so proud of and that they love so much is causing them serious harm.

While recently constructed homes are a clear area of concern for BRI, renters are also at risk. And for renters, it doesn’t matter if the structure is old or new because a rental contract is a business transaction, wherein the property owner is providing a home, condo or apartment in exchange for money. If that property causes harm to the occupant in the form of a BRI, the renter may be entitled to legal protections, assuming the problem amounts to a breach of the rental contract. Also, renters in an apartment complex may be even more at risk because the activities of adjacent neighbors, including those above and below them, could create air quality issues in their unit if a neighbor has pets, causes water leaks, leaves food out that attracts pests, or is a heavy smoker.

Finally, your workplace is another area that can cause you to develop symptoms associated with a BRI. This is not limited to factory and mine workers who could be exposed to harmful airborne dust. Even if you work in a corporate office, all the potential contributors found in homes can be present. In fact, VOCs may be even more prevalent in a work environment because of some office supplies like printer toner. If you find that multiple employees seem to be developing the same persistent symptoms, that could indicate a BRI problem

What to look for

The first question when you are suffering from symptoms that don’t seem to go away is if their onset coincided with the start of spending a lot of time in a building that you hadn’t previously spent much time in. This could be moving into a new home or apartment, or starting a new job. If you’re a college student starting a new term and your classes are all in the same building, that may point to the source of your symptoms. Observe the other people you work or go to class with and see if they have similar health issues.

If that doesn’t narrow your search down, it’s possible that a building that isn’t new to you has undergone renovations, installed a new air conditioning system or had plumbing work done recently, any of which could result in air quality problems.

The symptoms that you should watch for are similar to those typically associated with cold, flu or allergies, except that they persist longer than you would expect. They include:

Irritation in the eyes, nose, throat
Sinus congestion
Headaches
Confusion
Dizziness
Nausea
Physical and/or mental fatigue
Feeling like you can’t take a deep breath
Exacerbation of existing conditions, like asthma
Lung pain
Skin irritation
Reactive Airway Disorder (in infants and toddlers)

These symptoms can range from chronic, nagging discomfort to severe, acute pain, depending on the severity of the symptoms’ source. The damage to your health can also range from chronic to acute. Carbon monoxide, for example, can cause severe brain damage and even death at 800 parts per million (ppm), even if the exposure is only for a few minutes. However, at exposure levels as low as 35 ppm, it might only produce flu-like symptoms after a few hours, but can cause serious injuries over a matter of months or even weeks.

What should I do if I suspect I am suffering from Building-Related Illness?

The most important thing to remember if you’re suffering from severe symptoms, especially chest pain or difficulty in breathing is to get immediate medical attention. If you’re in doubt, call 911.

If your symptoms are not severe, your next step should be to call an attorney for a consultation. Because these cases are extraordinarily complex, be sure you talk to an attorney who has experience investigating BRI cases and getting positive results. Finally, never give any statements to insurance companies or their representatives without your attorney present.

Brian Dunmire is an attorney for the Orlando Law Group in Orlando, Florida. He has successfully represented multiple clients with Building-Related Illness claims and other personal injury matters.

He can be reached at:
(407) 233-3194
[email protected]

January 27, 2022/by The Orlando Law Group

The Orlando Law Group Announces Opening of New Office in Altamonte Springs

The Orlando Law Group officially opens its first-ever Seminole County location with an open house and ribbon cutting this afternoon [Wednesday, April 25] from 4-7 p.m.

The office — OLG’s fourth throughout Central Florida — is located in Altamonte Springs, just north of the 434/436 intersection.

Housed in The Oasis office complex [at 940 Centre Circle, Suite 3002], OLG’s Seminole County headquarters is now the home of four attorneys and two-to-four support staff, including partners Erin Duncan, and attorneys Sophia Dean and Wendy O’Donnell. The Altamonte Springs location offers such legal services as business law, family law, personal injury, estate planning, bankruptcy, insurance litigation, and more.

The official ribbon-cutting will be at 5 p.m. For more information, phone 407-512-4394.

March 9, 2019/by The Orlando Law Group

The Orlando Law Group Participates in the Pig Run of Lake Nona

Attorney Jeffrey W. Smith recently represented The Orlando Law Group when he participated in the Pig Run of Lake Nona — a 5K run for The B.A.C.O.N. Foundation [The Big Awesome Charity of Nona].

All proceeds of the run were donated by the BACON Foundation to the Nemours Children’s Hospital “Child Life” Program and Camp Boggy Creek.

The “Child Life” Program at Nemours helps patients and families cope with medical treatment, diagnosis, and hospitalization through play, preparation, education, and self-expression. Camp Boggy Creek has made it possible for children with serious illnesses to enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically-sound environment.

Smith’s areas of practice include veteran law, family law, estate planning, general civil/business litigation, and social security disability.

To contact Smith, or for more information about The Orlando Law Group, please visit TheOrlandoLawGroup.com or phone 407-512-4394.

May 5, 2018/by The Orlando Law Group

Know your rights, and your options, within individualized education program for children with disabilities

October 23, 2023/by The Orlando Law Group

Perilous situations can arise between separating parents when homeschooling children

OLG LEGAL COMMENTARY:

Managing Partner Jennifer Englert

Florida has garnered a reputation as being one of the most amicable states for homeschoolers, with numerous statutorily recognized options that place homeschooling on the same legal footing as public or private schools.

As of November 2016, Florida boasted 75,000 students being homeschooled, and, according to an article published recently in the Florida Bar Journal, the number is growing.

These students are following the path of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, and Tim Tebow, to name a few. Homeschooling is not merely an educational choice, but a lifestyle which has a considerable weight attached. Numerous studies – including those found on National Home Education Research Institute — have demonstrated that homeschoolers perform as well as their traditional counterparts in categories such as standardized tests, college, and socialization, if not better.

Furthermore, homeschooling is arguably one of the best ways to create a unique educational experience, which is specifically designed to suit your child’s needs. Although homeschooling does require significant time and dedication, it is easy to understand why parents would opt for the pedagogical method.

The situation become perilous, however, when parents separate.

In the United States, approximately 40 percent of marriages end in divorce. Unfortunately, Florida is in the top 10 states for divorce, behind Alaska and Nevada. The subject of children tends to breed disagreement among separating parents, especially when it comes to education. While it might be tempting to seek educational decisions through sole custody, here in Florida, courts have a strong propensity to grant shared parental responsibility. Florida Statute §61.13 enacted in 1982 states “The court shall order that the parental responsibility for a minor child shall be shared by both parents unless it finds that shared parental responsibility would be detrimental to the child.” The language remains nearly identical today, with plenty of support from case law. This is largely due to the well-supported belief that children benefit from the involvement of both parents in their lives, even in cases of separation.

Fortunately, as of 2008, Florida’s family statutes allow for parenting plans which create timesharing scheduling that permits homeschooling, while optimizing the other parent’s time with the children. Language such as “the parents have agreed to homeschool the children” is recommended. This way, there is no ambiguity and a party cannot later claim a substantially changed circumstance. The ideal situation is to have a parenting plan which directly gives the homeschooling parent the ultimate decision-making authority regarding education. At the very least, a parenting plan should not accept or imply that the children will attend a private or public brick-and-mortar school. Once accepted, courts will be extremely reluctant to change the status quo, especially considering the parent voluntarily yielded authority in terms of education.

Mediation is highly recommended to facilitate the negotiations. The other party will likely have concerns about their ability to have a full relationship with their child. It would be wise to follow the example of a homeschooling father in Virginia [Brown v. Brown], who was praised by the court for his agreement to allow the former wife to join the occasional homeschooling class, as well as his efforts to keep her updated as to the child’s progress. Compromise will be crucial, so it’s important to give leeway on other important issues being discussed.

If litigation becomes necessary as a result of a deadlock at mediation, here are some things to keep in mind. The amount of time a child was homeschooled impacts how much weight a judge will give to the practice. Many judges will have preconceived notions about homeschooling and it will be up to you to dispel them. Expert witnesses will be invaluable to a case to demonstrate the educational and social benefits. There are even organizations which specialize in such testimony, like Homeschool Legal Defense Association. Involving children in outside extracurricular activities to develop social skills is highly recommended, so the other party cannot claim the child is being deprived of a fundamental experience provided by brick-and-mortar schools. And keep meticulous records which comply with all aspect of the state’s home education laws, or there will be little chance to continue homeschooling. When going through a separation, an attorney can be an invaluable aid, particularly when children are involved.

Founded in 2009, The Orlando Law Group, has been named one of the fastest-growing law firms in Central Florida and through America [ranked No. 105 among the top 500 fastest-growing law firms in the United States, per the 2017 Law Firm 500]. It has earned a reputation as the Orlando-area law firm that cares about its clients and the communities it serves. Offices located in Altamonte Springs, Dr. Phillips, Lake Nona, and Waterford Lakes. To contact Englert, or for more information about The Orlando Law Group, please visit www.TheOrlandoLawGroup.com or phone 407-512-4394.

October 17, 2023/by The Orlando Law Group

Photo of Sophia Dean - Attorney at The Orlando Law Group

Judge Rules In Favor Of OLG’s Sophia Dean, Awards $42,000 to Clients

ORLANDO, Florida — OLG attorney Sophia Dean earned a positive ruling following a recent highly-contested hearing, in which an Orange County judge ruled in favor of Dean’s client, and subsequently awarded $42,000 to them.

Following a tedious and extensive legal process, the judge ruled that 63 days is three days too late for a second mortgage to claim surplus funds.

“Our client’s home was foreclosed on, and the property sold for more than the home was worth, leaving a surplus of funds in the court registry,” Dean explained. “The homeowners had a second creditor which claimed it was owed the money. Well, they were three days past the required statue to ask for the money. They argued to claim the monies, but, after a contested hearing, the judge ruled in my favor and awarded the money to our clients.”

Sophia Dean’s practice focuses on bankruptcy and foreclosure defense. She has represented debtors in all stages of debt collection. She is the co-chair of the Orange County Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Committee. To contact Dean for a free consultation, or for more information about The Orlando Law Group, please visit TheOrlandoLawGroup.com or phone 407-512-4394.

May 5, 2018/by The Orlando Law Group

The Orlando Law Group Named a 2017 Law Firm Honoree

Orlando, Florida, October 4, 2017 – On Tuesday, September 19, 2017, the Law Firm 500 Award committee announced the list of 2017 Honorees. Ranking The Orlando Law Group #105 on its 2nd Annual Law Firm 500 Honorees List. The published list recognizes law firms that have achieved significant growth in revenues. Each nominee was verified by the outside accounting firm, Kahuna Accounting, who reviewed over 10,000 firms. The award honorees are a beacon of light for the legal industry demonstrating innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to client service.

“This is such an honor for our firm to receive,” commented OLG founder and managing partner Jennifer Englert. “Of course, we could not have achieved this truly remarkable accomplishment without our devoted team members, who work diligently to uphold our commitment to put our clients first.”

The 2017 Law Firm 500 Award Honorees list showcases the top two-hundred fastest growing law firms in the United States. Each ranking also includes the percentage of growth ranging from 25% to a staggering 5400% over 3 years – no small feat for any business.

The Law Firm 500 Conference & Awards Gala will be held October 19-21, 2017 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club in FL. The Award Ceremony will begin with a powerful Keynote Presentation by pioneer entrepreneur, NY Times Best-Selling Author and investor on ABC’s Shark Tank, Daymond John. Daymond will be translating his $6 billion business success into success for law firms. Tickets to attend the conference and Gala are available at www.lawfirm500.com

“We look forward to joining our colleagues to celebrate at the upcoming conference, and to give a warm thank you to the entire OLG team,” said Englert.

We invite you to congratulate and follow the progress of our law firm, and industry peers for their dedication to success and innovation. The full list of Law Firm 500 Award Honorees can be found at Check us out https://lawfirm500.com/2017-award-honorees/.

To find out more about The Orlando Law Group and all three of its offices visit www.theorlandolawgroup.com.

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About The Orlando Law Group:
The Orlando Law Group (OLG) was founded by Attorney Jennifer Englert in 2009. Its diverse team of attorneys have a wide breadth of experience which allows them to protect their client’s rights through the evolution of their business, as well as personally while they progress through all stages of life. Over the years, they have created a stellar reputation in the community as professional legal experts who believe foremost that planning ahead is the best option for their clients, as their aim is to minimize the number of potential disputes and costs of litigation. The Orlando Law Group is more then a legal team, they’re your life-long partner who will work with you to build a relationship while creating solutions that work.

October 17, 2023/by The Orlando Law Group

What is it like being a personal injury attorney? Far from glamorous, but oh-so rewarding

OLG LEGAL COMMENTARY:

Attorney Brian Dunmire

I have had big cases before, and, with those, big victories for my clients. But truth be told, as a personal injury attorney, some of my largest victories were on low-value cases.

That, in of itself, can be surprising to people – especially those who might have preconceived notions as to what a personal injury attorney is and does.

It is not glamorous. It is not television. It is not multi-million-dollar judgments day in, day out.

It is real life. It is working for the client, whether for $10,000 or $100,000. It is working for – and protecting – YOUR rights.

Do you want to know what it’s like being a personal injury attorney? Every day, I go to work at The Orlando Law Group and speak with colleagues, staff, clients, insurance adjusters, and defense attorneys about cases, scenarios, and injuries. I coordinate medical care for my clients and make sure that they have transportation to get to their visits. I speak with my client’s medical doctors so that I can understand their injuries better. I speak with insurance adjusters to convince them of the life-changing damages my clients have sustained because of someone else’s negligence. And, most importantly, I fight – I fight for the people who have decided to put their trust in me. Because whether a case is worth $10,000 or $100,000, that trust is something that I never take for granted.

It is a consistent challenge. So often, for example, I am faced with $10,000 in available insurance to cover the injuries that a respective client has sustained in an automobile accident. To my client, and to me, it is obvious that their injuries are worth far more than $10,000. However, seemingly more often than not, I find myself fighting with insurance companies to get them to pay even just that $10,000.

Those are the fights, done on behalf of my clients, that you will never see on a billboard. In fact, I often wonder just how many personal injury attorneys do not even put in the effort it takes sometimes to get even a full $10,000 settlement for a client. Truth be told, there’s no less work to be done on a $10,000 case compared to a higher value case. In fact, there could be more work. I could see where many attorneys may just accept a $4,000 or $6,000 offer since it’s the easy thing to do.

I am proud to say that I put in the effort to maximize settlement value – even if the case is worth “only” $10,000. I am proud to say that, every day, I fight tooth-and-nail for my clients and for the opportunity to help make our community safer. I do this to hold people and companies accountable for their actions. Companies that fail to properly maintain their premises that cause a patron to fall should be held accountable. That company should be held liable as much as the person who runs into the back of your automobile should be held liable.

It is because of my client’s tremendous courage to retain an attorney, and their trust in me and The Orlando Law Group to represent them that only then are we able to hold people and companies accountable for their actions that cause unnecessary harm.

No, it is not glamorous. And it is not Hollywood. But when someone asks what it is that I do for a living, there is no hesitation in my response – “personal injury attorney.” I am here for you, to fight for you, whether for $10,000 or $100,000. Because, quite frankly, when someone places their trust in me to represent them — well, that is truly my biggest victory.

Brian Dunmire practices in the area of personal injury representing clients who have been injured in automobile accidents and slip and falls. Prior to joining The Orlando Law Group, Dunmire represented insurance companies and Fortune 500 corporations in litigation — thus his unique experience and knowledge of how insurance companies and major corporations litigate and value claims. To contact Dunmire, or for more information about The Orlando Law Group, please visit TheOrlandoLawGroup.com or phone 407-512-4394.

October 17, 2023/by The Orlando Law Group

Protect yourself with an attorney when insurance companies look to undervalue your hurricane claims

OLG LEGAL COMMENTARY:

Since Hurricane Irma hit just a few months ago, Florida has seen a continuous increase in attorney advertisements for “hurricane damage” claim denials. By now, for example, you have likely seen billboards up and down our roads stating, “Claim Denied? … Hurricane Lawyer.”

For many a homeowner, it may seem obvious to seek assistance through an attorney for an insurance claim denied by the carrier. But did you also know that you should seek legal counsel when an insurance company [carrier] undervalues your claim, which can – and does – happen quite often?

Keep in mind that, by undervaluing your claim, the carrier is not denying the claim, but instead telling you [the insured] that your claim is not high enough to make it past the deductible and/or depreciation value of your property.

Essentially, it is their way of getting out of having to pay any monies to you that you might rightfully be owed.

As has most commonly been seen in several cases The Orlando Law Group has recently reviewed, the insurance company will send a letter to the insured stating that they will issue payment in the amount of $0. For example, let’s say you have damages to your home costing $8,000 to repair. After review, the insurance company [carrier] then tells you the depreciation of your property is $4,000. Then they apply your deductible – let’s say, for this example, $4,000. Suddenly, all monies you thought you would receive from your carrier have dwindled to zero.

And, technically, they have not denied your claim.

But, realistically, with their math, they offered – and, under this example, will pay you – nothing.

If and when this happens to you, you do not have to accept this. You do not have to agree to this. And you do not have to sign off on this.

In the end, the carrier claims that it properly evaluated your claim and that you were not owed any money under your insurance policy, or an amount that was less than a reasonable amount to repair your property.

As a property owner, do you have to take the insurance carrier at its word as to the value of your property damages? Even if the adjuster was nice to you and told you [either in person or on the phone] that the insurance would pay your claim? The answer is an emphatic no. You do not have to assume that the insurance carrier properly determined the value of your insurance claim and/or even appropriately determined and/or applied the depreciation value of your property.

It is not uncommon for the property owner to obtain damage repair or replacement estimates more than the amounts determined as the “correct” amount according to the insurance carrier. So, you might be wondering how this can be.

First, the insurance carrier may hire independent claims adjusters to review your property. These are typically the “nice” people who visit your property and make statements to you that the insurance carrier should pay your claim. Unfortunately, those statements do not bind the carrier, and oftentimes will later be recanted by the adjuster, meanings/he will later deny making those statements — leaving you in he said/she said situation.

Second, the adjusters use an automated program that uses pre-determined amounts for a standard product which will produce an estimate that is often well below the standard charges in your community for property repairs and replacement.

Whether your claim has been denied or undervalued [meaning: you received a reduced or no payment in response to your claim], you should find competent counsel who you trust to challenge the insurance carrier’s evaluation and treatment of your insurance claim. A carrier’s denial or reduced valuation of your claim does not mean that the insurance carrier properly adjusted your claim.

Remember: Even if the carrier ends up paying you nothing in response to your claim, the claim will remain on your insurance record as having been made. This means that in the future, should you make another claim of any kind, this original claim can be used against you – particularly if you did not make the necessary repairs in response to the claim. It might also be used to increase premiums [or to continue providing insurance coverage to you] in the future. You may have received zero [or reduced] dollars for your insurance claim and yet still take the penalty of showing that claim on your record moving forward.

It is in your best interest not to let the carrier’s decision stand without review from a legal expert.

March 9, 2019/by The Orlando Law Group

Don’t let stigma of bankruptcy stop you from doing the right thing for you and your family

OLG LEGAL COMMENTARY:
Attorney Sophia Dean

I often use the analogy that choosing to file for bankruptcy is like choosing to get liposuction.

When you want to lose body fat, you have a choice: You can continue to work out, and keep trying to lose the weight, or, you can go get liposuction, and lose the weight quickly.

It’s the same thing with bankruptcy. Many people will call me, not sure if they are quite ready to pull the trigger on filing for bankruptcy. They say, “I’m going to just keep trying to pay all these bills, or settle them,” when, clearly, the best thing for them to do would be to just get the liposuction – to just pull the trigger on bankruptcy and get rid of all their debt that they cannot afford to have.

What I tell people who are struggling with that decision is that: If you are struggling to pay, and struggling to keep up, and feeling the pressure, and losing sleep at night, then consider pulling the trigger on bankruptcy to give you peace of mind, to be done with it.

And, for many people, the early part of the year – January through March, i.e. the start of tax season – is the best time to consider doing just that.

It is the first few months of each year that most people think about filing for bankruptcy, because they have extra money – thanks to their tax return – to pay the legal fees that come with it.

We find, though, that bankruptcy, for whatever its reasons, is very cliché, and not in a good way. Even knowing that they should, and even with their tax return in hand, many people are afraid to move forward with bankruptcy because they do not want to have a bankruptcy on their record. What they must consider is that, if your credit is already in the toilet, filing for bankruptcy is not going to hurt you anymore.

I have been working in bankruptcy on behalf of clients for almost seven years. Many of my clients are not just people who want to get out of their bills. They are mainly people who have fallen on tough times, be it job loss, death, disability, divorce, something of the sort, and now cannot keep up with their financial obligations. Not because of anything they have done, but just because circumstances of life happened to them.

And I understand that embarrassing stigma. But bankruptcy is not meant for people who go on 20-day tours of Europe, and then decide to file for bankruptcy because they do not want to pay for their trip. Nobody comes to me for that reason. Ninety-nine percent of my clients come to me because of circumstances in life. Things did not go how they expected. Maybe they had no problem paying their bills prior to the circumstance, but then something happened, and they just can’t keep up.

Filing for bankruptcy allows you the chance to get your life back in order. And, especially at this time of year, you have a choice to make. Are you better off using your return to try and pay off some debt? Or are you better off filing for bankruptcy and getting rid of all your debts?

It is no easy decision. And a bankruptcy lawyer will not [should not] make it for you. Only after discussing with my clients their debt and their overall household bills and finances, do I give them the pros and cons of bankruptcy. I will not tell you whether you should – or should not – file. I give you all the options for you to make that decision.

I will ask you questions that you need to truthfully answer, such as: If you are considering using your tax refund, do you want to use it to settle your debts? If so, are you going to be able to settle your debts with that money? Or, would it be better invested with a bankruptcy attorney to help get rid of all your debts once and for all?

That is the real kicker. Don’t try to keep spinning wheels while hoping you’ll catch up. Because maybe you’ll pay back some loans, but you’ll still be in debt with other things, such as credit cards. Or, you can pay one fee, one flat-rate fee, and get rid of all your debts. That is the big kicker. That is what people are trying to decide what to do at this time of year.

But no matter your answers to those questions, and no matter your situation, I do strongly suggest people remember this advice: There is no shame in giving yourself an option that can free you from all that, and give you your piece of mind back. None whatsoever.

October 17, 2023/by The Orlando Law Group

Jennifer Englert Demonstrates Her Expertise at National Business Institute 2-Day Seminar

May 5, 2018/by The Orlando Law Group

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Lifestyle Magazine Highlights How The Orlando Law Group Raises the Bar in Central Florida

Jennifer Englert has grown The Orlando Law Group through the years to allow her team to provide legal assistance to residents of many Central Florida neighborhoods.

Eight years ago, Jennifer Englert and another attorney founded The Orlando Law Group in Avalon Park with a mission to be the area’s “neighborhood” attorneys. They balanced community involvement with providing legal services to families that desperately needed them.

The concept was well received, so they opened a Lake Nona office nearly six years ago and added a Dr. Phillips office about three years ago. With that growth came expanded practice areas, including business, bankruptcy and personal injury.

Englert shares more about The Orlando Law Group in her own words:

How does The Orlando Law Group raise the bar for clients?
We are a team of highly experienced and dedicated le- gal professionals, each with different areas of expertise. We work together to solve legal problems and provide preventative legal services to solve legal issues before they happen. One key aspect that differentiates us from many firms is the care and compassion we bring to each and every client. Many of our clients become personal friends, provide referrals or are people we’ve worked with side by side while serving within the community.

What is one thing that others don’t know about your business but should?
We pride ourselves on being “Honest, Approachable Attorneys Who Care.” That is more than just a motto to us. At The Orlando Law Group, you can be sure that your attorney possesses both a sharp, experienced legal mind, and a friendly smile that will welcome and comfort you. What’s more, we are serious about preventative legal tactics, work- ing to solve issues for our clients before they blow up into legal messes. Simply put: we are here for you, and we have your back at all times!

How does The Orlando Law Group give back?
We all have charities we care about. We provided pro-bono legal and probate services for the families of Pulse victims and other services through legal aid. We help children by serving as members of Kiwanis, our local PTAs and by helping families with special needs children. We serve veterans by helping them obtain benefits. We are also involved in our local chambers of commerce and other business groups. Part of the reason we care so much is because we have a veteran on staff, many of us are parents, and a few of us have children with special needs. We draw upon our own struggles to aid others.

How have you evolved and diversified to ensure you truly are a full-service law firm?
Once we discovered how helpful it was to have various experts in several types of law on staff, we began to assemble a team with diverse backgrounds and expertise. We never wanted to send clients away to other firms or counsel, as working together provides better results in all legal matters. We realized how thankful clients were to have such a wealth of legal help close to home, so we strategically positioned our offices close enough to one another so that we can still work as a team and remain close to large neighbor- hoods around Central Florida.

October 17, 2023/by The Orlando Law Group

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Three Reasons to Hire an Attorney

There are many factors you should consider before hiring a lawyer. The truth is that law is a complicated matter. Some legal matters such as fighting a speeding ticket do not necessarily require you to hire an attorney. However, if you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or other serious crimes, you should hire legal help as soon as possible. Legally binding contracts and agreements have a great deal of legal jargon that you might not understand. Hiring an attorney to assist you in these contracts can save you a lot of money and prevent future complications.

While legal situations vary from person to person, to follow are 3 reasons why you should seek legal representation:

It can save you money. Fees vary from lawyer to lawyer, but most of the time attorneys will provide you with a free initial consultation. During the first meeting, you can evaluate the potential benefit of hiring a lawyer and further discuss what it will take to reach the goal of that particular challenge or project.
A good attorney will negotiate your settlement. An experienced lawyer who truly comprehends the law and your situation can properly assess how the case might resolve at trial. However, sometimes attorneys can negotiate with the other party and come to a fair settlement and avoid it all together.
Lawyers know the procedures. If you are not a lawyer, you will lack the knowledge necessary to properly fill out or file the court documents. Failing to do this or meet the required deadlines will put your case in jeopardy as it can either be delayed or completely dismissed.

While there are many “legal” tasks you can tackle on your own, it’s best to consult a professional in-order-to ensure you do not have to worry about unexpected issues later.

January 23, 2018/by The Orlando Law Group

How to Manage Without a Formal Office

The new workplace isn’t really a place, it’s more a state of mind. You jump from meeting to meeting, talk over lunch, pitch over drinks, and create a “pop-up office” anywhere that has a place for your laptop or tablet, and of course Wi-Fi. For some who think smart logistically, you will manage to schedule full days to work solely at home, and other days where you move from meeting to meeting. Or, better yet, park yourself in a location, with coffee of course, and have your meetings come to you. We do suggest, however, that you purchase coffee or food, as those establishments have a business to run too.

If you want to succeed in this new frontier of business, being flexible in terms of time and space is vitally important. To follow are some key points that will help you steer in and around this territory:

Remain Charged
Is there an outlet you can plug into? Even if you’re at seventy percent – do it! The worst time to not have a fully-powered laptop is during a client meeting. And you can’t have your phone die when that unplanned conference call dial-in number gets texted to you. Whenever you have the chance to charge your devices, don’t miss it. You should also keep a portable charger in your bag for emergencies.

Do You Know the Hot Spots?
If you’ve already been practicing the impromptu office, you know the importance of free Wi-Fi and a calm place to work in-between meetings. Keep yourself organized by making a list of your favorite coffee shops, restaurants and hotel lobbies where you can tuck away in a corner and get 20-60 minutes of work done during downtime. This really helps when your local gathering place is too packed to be productive.

Create a Functional Work Bag
This is your office. You will want your laptop (or tablet), laptop plug, cell phone plug, headphones, toothpaste, toothbrush, lipstick (if it applies), cardigan (some places can be quite chilly), safety pin, hand cream, stain stick, Shout Wipes, breath mints, toothpicks, notebook, pen, pencil, mini deodorant — and that’s on a light day. Don’t go crazy, but just know that the day you don’t pack something is the day you will desperately need it.

Be Ready to Tackle AM and PM
There may be meeting-packed days that will go from scrambled eggs to cocktails, so you need to find outfits that can work all day long. If you’re a male, a solid suit. For women, this task is a bit more difficult. Great advice is that you can “always bet on black”. A little black dress lets you look professional during the day, and glamorous at night if you dress it up with sparkly jewelry.

Be Prepared to Pilot
Map out your day in advance. The worst feeling is to be crisscrossing town from one meeting to another, never knowing if you’ll make it on time. Having a solid plan of attack allows you to not get unnerved by those unexpected challenges and hurdles that tend to get thrown in your way. There are great apps to help with that. If you’re really organized, you will use the app as you actually plan the meetings so that it makes, even more, sense logistically.

These are just a few tips to help you be more prepared and less frazzled. As always, we’re here to help you navigate even the murkiest of waters so that you can focus on your business.

So, go forth business warriors! This is the way business moves. Find your best way to move along with it.

January 27, 2018/by The Orlando Law Group

Are Your Board Meetings Effective?

How to make your board meeting more productive

Many board meetings are actually “bored” meetings. Leadership brings together their board members only to quickly present the material so they can get back to their “real” work. Without realizing it, you’re doing the company a disservice as the value of your board, if you have the right people, can be a tremendous source of insight and solid advice. The board’s job is to review the company’s financial performance and strategy and help provide counsel to the executive team. It’s up to you to manage them effectively.

Some boards are highly functional, many are not. Sometimes dysfunctional boards are a result of having investors who don’t really understand their role on the board or have the right skills or experiences to be helpful. Sometimes poorly run boards are a function of the executive team not knowing how to get the most out their boards.

To follow are some thoughts on how to make your interactions with your board more productive.

Communicate Frequently and Proactively

Do you wait until the actual meeting to correspond with the board? We advise that you send the board short, to the point, update emails at least monthly, especially if you meet quarterly or even less frequently. This keeps the board in-the-loop and does not give them the opportunity to come to their own conclusions about what is going on. Plus, you will be top-of-mind to people that matter and they will feel comfortable advocating on your behalf. Discussions Versus Presentations Many board meetings become really long slideshow presentations where management takes the board through pages and pages of financial results and plans. Send the presentation ahead of the meeting and instead use the time to have an open discussion on the key points.

Do you wait until the actual meeting to correspond with the board?

We advise that you send the board short, to the point, update emails at least monthly, especially if you meet quarterly or even less frequently. This keeps the board in-the-loop and does not give them the opportunity to come to their own conclusions about what is going on. Plus, you will be top-of-mind to people that matter and they will feel comfortable advocating on your behalf. Discussions Versus Presentations Many board meetings become really long slideshow presentations where management takes the board through pages and pages of financial results and plans. Send the presentation ahead of the meeting and instead use the time to have an open discussion on the key points. Your goal should be to have open dialogue with your board and take advantage of their expertise and experience.

Distribute Financial Information Prior to the Meeting

Financial information should be sent out 72 hours before a board meeting. If you send it out the night before, you’re practically guaranteed that it will not be read before that morning’s meeting. Remember, these are busy people too. Focus on Solving Strategic Issues Instead of wasting your time walking the board through financial information they should already be familiar with it. Spend your time walking through a few key decisions you’re trying to make and get their input on the topic. Set this expectation up front and your meeting will be more targeted towards results. Boards will only discuss the information you provide them and will mostly get off track if your agenda or your management style allows them to.

A Call Before the Meeting

If possible, have a quick call a day or two prior to the meeting with key members who will be reporting. This ensures you are up-to-date and onboard with what they will be presenting. This also helps you to create the agenda. Never be surprised at a board meeting. If you’re surprised at a board meeting it’s on you.

They Talk the Talk, Are They Walking the Walk?

Many things get decided at board meetings. If you took away actions — follow up. If a board member agreed to do something, hold them accountable. As with most meetings, much progress is squandered by lack of follow up. Lack of follow-up could put a real damper on progress and the board members who are living up to their promise on a particular task will become frustrated.

Meet in Person When Possible

There are times when you need to offer some board members the option to call-in to a meeting. That’s fine every now and then, but that usually results in people falling off the call, or becoming distracted. There is no way they’re as productive when it’s just voice. Also, having a well-functioning team with a high degree of trust in each other and confidence in each other’s opinions is critical to a successful board. And you simply can’t build relationships on the phone.

No Cell Phones Please

Help them be their best selves by banning electronic devices if you want a productive meeting. Schedule a 15-minute break in the middle of your meeting and inform people that there will be sufficient time to check in on their email during the break. Obviously, there are exceptions if they have something mission critical going on that might pull them away. But this should be the exception, not the rule.

Be Realistic With the Time Needed for a Meeting

If you’re trying to “get through your deck” and get back to work, then an hour is plenty. If you truly want input, discussions and relationships, schedule accordingly. Build Social Relationships Amongst Your Board Members We’re all so busy, but at least once or twice a year, schedule something that is purely social. We find it’s effective to hold a board meeting prior to the “social event” as they’re already together as a group.

Boards take work. But the best boards are super critical to your success and you get out of them what you put in.

If you have any questions about forming a board, or making the one you have even better, please feel free to schedule a consultation with one of the outstanding attorney’s at The Orlando Law Group PL.

January 27, 2018/by The Orlando Law Group

State Orders Poinciana HOA to Throw Out Election – OLG Effects Positive Change Once Again