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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
High on the List of Fastest Growing Law Firms in the United States CLICK HERE for the official release. 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
By Beth Kassab, The Orlando Sentinel A state arbitrator on Friday sided with a homeowner who challenged the way Poinciana’s homeowners association, one of the largest in the state, held its election of board members. The arbitrator threw out the Association of Poinciana Villages’ results from a February election and ordered the group to hold a […]
The qualifications necessary for an individual to be able to obtain a concealed carry license in the state of Florida are found in Fla. Stat. 790.06. For purposes of obtaining a concealed carry license, Fla. Stat. 790.06 defines concealed firearms and/or weapons as handguns, electronic weapon or devise, tear gas gun, knife or billie club […]
Recently, as Hurricane Irma was closing in on Florida, Governor Scott issued a proclamation (not to be confused with “states of emergency” that are declared by local authorities under F. S. 870.044) and ordered the evacuation of certain areas of the state. As we are all now accustomed to scenes of rioting and looting during […]
Worried About Selling a Firearm Legally in Florida? You’re not alone—Florida gun laws are complex, and one wrong move can carry serious legal consequences. If you’re unsure about how to sell a gun legally or just want peace of mind, our attorneys can help. 📞 Call (407) 512-4394 or [contact us here] before you make […]
One of the most important choices a new military member can make upon enlistment is enrolling in the Montgomery GI Bill Educational Assistance Program. Active duty members who enroll and pay $100 per month for 12 months are then entitled to receive a monthly education benefit once they have completed a minimum service obligation of […]
Most owners in Florida know that when they want to buy or sell their unit or house that they need to contact the community association, or its attorney, to get an estoppel letter. Both the Florida Condominium Act and Florida Chapter 720 regarding homeowners associations specifically devote sections to estoppel letters a/k/a certificates of assessments. […]
Some years back UCLA did a survey of 1300 executives around the country and they asked for five traits that were keys to hiring and advancement for employees. All 1300 of them included INTEGRITY somewhere in the list. Here’s the real kicker. 71% of them rated INTEGRITY NUMBER ONE! Being TRUSTWORTHY is an integral part […]
It is during difficult times that a person or a community’s character is tested. Orlando rose to the occasion and took a difficult and painful tragedy and turned into more love and tolerance for its community. The LGBTQ community in Orlando is strong and cohesive. While it may have taken a tragedy such as the […]
There are multiple occupations and opportunities for employment in the United States in several industries and categories that may qualify a person for a Visa in the U.S. including cultural exchange participants, agricultural workers, technology specialists, engineers, scientists, athletes and much more. All workers must obtain permission to work legally in the United States. It […]
Congratulations! You’ve succeeded in being elected as a member to the prestigious world of your Homeowner’s Association Board of Directors! But are you aware of the certification requirements of Fla. Stat. 720.3033 that could suspend or even end your newly “elected official” career before it’s even begun? As a newly elected Homeowner’s Association Board Member […]
This Monday, Americans will honor the fallen soldiers of the United States Armed Forces on Memorial Day. Many see this holiday, and the weekend surrounding it as a time to take off from work, go to the beach and have bar-b-ques with friends and family. But Memorial Day is about so much more than that. […]
Social Security Disability benefits are a vital resource, yet most applicants are initially rejected. So, what does this mean? Should you just give up? Absolutely not! An initial denial is not the end of the road, it is the beginning of the process. An application for Social Security Disability benefits should start with a conversation […]
Updated: June 2020 You’ve been in an automobile accident. Many emotions can run through your head during such a difficult moment. Shock, anxiety, even rage can occur following the sudden jarring impact of a vehicular collision. But your actions immediately following an accident can have a huge effect on what comes next, from a legal […]
If you watch any court show, you’ve surely heard the word “contempt” tossed around. But do you know what it means? Contempt of Court is a provision that allows a judge to deincentivize and even punish individuals who are hindering the administration of justice. In cases of family law, contempt is particularly relevant. Often times, […]
If you feel that you have been given an unjust violation, you can do more than just stew in anger over it. By pleading not guilty in traffic court, you can fight the violation and move to have the charges dropped. Once you receive a traffic violation, Florida
When the mother and alleged father are in agreement as to the child’s parentage, they can sign what is known as a “Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity” form. When you sign this form, you are stating, under oath, that the man listed is the child’s legal father. Once signed, it takes 60 days for the acknowledgement to become final.
Spring has officially sprung. This season of warming weather is seen by many as a time of rebirth. Flowers bloom, the winter melts away, trees blossom, and the days become longer. One common springtime ritual is that of spring cleaning. Many see this period of rebirth as a time to clean out their lives, get rid of excess trash from the home, and make their possessions sparkle like new. At The Orlando Law Group, we invite you to extend this concept into your personal and professional worlds and take this opportunity to clean out your life from a legal standpoint. 
Spring is the perfect time to shed the chains that bind you and embark upon a new adventure. Whether it’s filing for bankruptcy, moving forward with your divorce, or starting the process of forming your own business, The Orlando Law Group has got you covered.
It’s tax season once again! While many are seeing some nice hefty checks arrive in their mailbox from the federal and state levels of government, too few use that money to help aid their financial future. Investing in a bankruptcy attorney could help you escape the shackles of debt and give you a second chance in the financial world!Debt continues to haunt the lives of Americans, with a 2015 study stating that a whopping 80% of the American population are in debt.
Couples fight about money. It happens in almost every relationship. Fighting over financial matters can lead couples to enter into the divorce process. Subsequent to a divorce, alimony and/or child support payments may be mandated by the court. But what happens to those domestic support obligations when the ex-spouse charged with paying them files for bankruptcy?When someone files for bankruptcy, they might believe that all financial obligations will be wiped away. While bankruptcy is a powerful tool that aids in debt relief from creditors, this process does NOT apply to obligations of alimony and child support. This was well defined in a 2005 law, titled “The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act” (BAPCPA). This law altered the relationships between debtors and creditors and changed many aspects of bankruptcy law, including how a domestic support obligation is the be handled.
When one thinks of guardianship, it is often associated with minors whose parents have died or become incapacitated. However, adult guardianship does exist and it is an important process in which to safeguard the assets and quality of life in an individual who has lost the ability to care for themselves.
When the court finds an individual’s ability to make informed decisions regarding their finances or personal care to be impaired, the right to make such decisions can be granted to another person. When this occurs, the individual whose affairs are being managed is known as the “Ward” and the person handling them is deemed the “Guardian.”
Probate, the process of obtaining the court’s approval to pass property as instructed in a Will, is often misunderstood. Many people toss the term as though it is something to be feared and avoided at all costs. As such, there are many unsubstantiated rumors regarding the probate process. Many of them are like any other myth: a shred of truth that has been expounded upon until it’s false.Here are some of the top myths and rumors concerning Probate, and the truth of them:
By Mitchell Gordon – President of Gordon Insurance Group
Medical insurance is a large expense for employers who provide that benefit. However, if you have older employees then employers can save money on their medical insurance, which seems counterintuitive.
Employers can save $5,000-$11,000 per employee (65 or older) on health insurance just by making a few simple changes.
Guest Blog By Rogan Marketing and Communications
You’ve likely heard of Search Engine Optimization, commonly referred to as SEO. The term is tossed around modern day marketing meetings on a fairly consistent basis, but with little understanding for the commitment and work required to mount a successful campaign. Misinformation about SEO runs rampant throughout the marketing world. But, despite this, SEO remains one of the most important, successful, returnable marketing tools available today!
SEO is the process of altering the content of your website, using a variety of strategically chosen key terms, to raise your result standing on popular search engine platforms, such as Google.
A company’s employee handbook is a vital document that helps welcome new employees into the fold, while explaining the key expectations of their new employer. But when constructing such a significant tool that serves as the backbone of the onboarding process, it is important to watch your wording, so as not to unintentionally create a binding legal employment contract.
As a business owner, it is very easy to be caught up in the here and now. These papers must be filed NOW. These spreadsheets must be completed NOW. Deadlines rule all. But life’s greatest deadline comes at the end of the road, and if a business owner suddenly becomes incapacitated or dies, decades of hard work could be undermined. All the undue strife that can befall the associates and loved ones of an ill-prepared business owner can be prevented easily with the presence of a strong estate plan.While many believe estate plans to be contributed to an individual’s personal wealth, they also apply to business holdings and assets. The creation of an estate plan which includes entrepreneurial interests can be composed of a great many documents, all of which require years of careful planning.
One of the most important decisions a person can make in regards to their estate plan is the choosing of an executor to carry out their wishes after they are gone. Choosing the right executor for your estate will help to make the transition seamless for your loved ones, and ensure that your wishes are met. So, what should one look for when assigning this vital role? What are the qualities that make an executor great? How can you select someone with full confidence, knowing that they will uphold your orders when you are not there to enforce them?An executor is the person or institution selected by you, that will carry out your final wishes and administer your estate after you have died. Some of the duties that fall to this important position include: filing court papers, beginning the process of probate, utilizing the funds of your estate to settle outstanding debts and funeral costs, putting together an inventory of your estate, seeing to outstanding details like notifying government agencies of your death and terminating credit cards, preparing and filing income tax returns, and distributing your assets to the beneficiaries you’ve named in your will.
By Jeffrey W. Smith – The Orlando Law Group
“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except for death and taxes.”
–Benjamin Franklin, Letter circa 1789.
Looking at our calendars, almost all of us can mark our birthdays, anniversaries, and important holidays but, as much as we prefer to lock this thought back in the furthest recesses of our minds, what about the day you’re going to die? All too often people roll the dice regarding their date with the Grim Reaper and all too often people lose to the house, leaving their families to deal with the consequences. Getting your estate in order by having your Will drafted and executed is one of the most beneficial responsibilities one can enact for their family in this most grievous time of need. Planning your estate can also assist you in keeping money out of your probatable estate, leaving more for your family and protecting those funds from creditors.
Divorce is not an easy process. Cleaving yourself from an unhealthy marriage can be costly, emotionally draining, and long. But the old adage states that a journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step, and in terms of divorce, the first step is making a decision that it is time for a change. Ending your marriage ranks up there as one of the most difficult decisions a person can make. Many couples struggle with the decision for months and years before finally making the move. If you are at this crossroad, ask yourself if any of these five signs of a failing marriage are present in your life.
Guest Blog By Wanda Talley Schebel, CPA
Often, your CPA and your attorney are the ones most involved with handling your confidential financial information. Your attorney can help you draw up plans, establish trust accounts and delegate beneficiaries. Since your accountant regularly has access to your financial information, they can help guide you through following the plans as they are put into place. Your CPA typically advises on how to minimize tax liabilities through gift giving, insurance policies, trust accounts, and handling after death financial responsibilities.
Estate planning does not have to be expensive. Your plan will develop and change as your needs and financial situations change. Most people don’t give it much thought and most people have good intentions, but an innocent mistake can create problems for your family.
Another year is coming to a close, and 2016 has been an eventful climate to say the least! The Orlando Law Group encourages all of you to look beyond the things you cannot change, and focus in on yourselves. Make resolutions for the new year, and resolve to actually keep them. Many people look upon the changing of a calendar as a fresh start, so make the most of it! Instead of focusing on the negative, think upon the positive. What good has 2016 brought into your life? What can you do in 2017 to spin your hardships into a positive? Make your resolutions manageable and achievable. Set realistic goals and celebrate when you accomplish them! 
Bad times fall upon us all. Whether we’re embroiled in a messy divorce, custody hearing, criminal or civil suit, or just planning a will and estate plan, the question always comes up: “Do I really need a lawyer?” The presence of skilled and experienced counsel is vital to a successful legal process. Attorneys help their clients save money, avoid jail time, manage plea bargains, and dodge the headaches often caused by improperly filed paperwork. Here are the Top Five Reasons to Hire an Attorney to assist in your legal matters. Maytel Sorondo and Jeffrey W. Smith, attorneys for The Orlando Law Group, shared their personal stories from middle school to law school at a recent Teach-In event which took place at Lake Nona Middle School. They connected 7th-grade Civics, from King John’s Magna Carta to the U.S. Constitution and following the Rule of Law, to what they do everyday.
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At The Orlando Law Group, we aid our clients in various situations ranging from estate planning to business law, family issues, elder law, veteran law and more. Sometimes, events such as these can seem daunting and overwhelming, but on days like today, when Americans gather to give thanks, it’s important to focus on the positive and look to the future with thankful optimism.Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Winston Churchill once said, “a pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” In fact, there are many studies that associate optimism with improvements to the immune system, preventing chronic diseases and helping people to cope with unfortunate news.
