Easy Law Finder

Author: Elf

  • Why has my county Sheriff’s Office returned issued civil summons forms to me indicating that they cannot be served because they are copies?

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    The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of [State] utilizes electronic civil summons forms based on the summons form format guidelines found at Fed.R.Civ.P. Rule 4(a)(F) & (G) and rules regarding electronic signatures at Rule 5(d)(3). Electronic filing and signatures are provided for in Northern District of [State] Local Rule 5.1(A)(7). All county Sheriff’s…

  • What is ACORN?

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    Access to Court Online Records Network (ACORN) is an electronic public access service that allows users to obtain case and docket information from federal appellate, district and bankruptcy courts, and the ACORN Case Locator via the Internet. ACORN is provided by the federal Judiciary in keeping with its commitment to providing public access to court…

  • What if I am unable to afford the filing fee?

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    If you are unable to afford the filing fee when you submit your complaint or petition, you must request a fee waiver by filing a motion to proceed in forma pauperis, accompanied by a financial affidavit. You may request an in forma pauperis application from the Office of the Clerk of Court. The Judge assigned…

  • How should proposed orders be submitted to Judges in Florida?

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    For detailed information, please refer to the notice provided for proposed orders.

  • Where should I file my case (which Division)?

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    The Florida District Court splits into four divisions: Division A, Division B, Division C, and Division D. Each division caters to the surrounding counties. The division where your case should be filed depends on either the majority location of the defendants or where the events occurred.

  • How much does it cost to initiate a legal proceeding?

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    The charge to initiate a civil case and a comprehensive list of initiation fees can be found on the fee schedule. For the current fee for filing a civil case, please refer to this LINK. There are no additional charges associated with the act of lodging the case. If you are unable to pay the…

  • Why is there a significant amount of idle time before the commencement of the actual selection process?

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    This duration is utilized by the presiding judge and legal representatives to confer about unforeseen occurrences that necessitate communication outside the jury’s presence. While it may appear as unproductive time, it holds significance for the judge and parties involved to address these matters before the jurors assemble in the courtroom.

  • What should I bring with me when I report for jury duty?

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    Jurors should bring the completed Confidential Juror Questionnaire, and the upper section of the summons.? Please note that due to heightened security at all federal courthouse, a government-issued photo ID is required to enter the building. In addition, please note that jurors may not bring weapons of any kind or electronic devices of any kind…

  • What types of cases are eligible for federal court (subject matter jurisdiction)?

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    Which types of cases are dealt with in Federal Court? Federal court jurisdiction is restricted to specific categories of cases mentioned in the U.S. Constitution. Primarily, federal court jurisdiction covers cases where the United States is involved, cases related to Constitutional or federal law violations, crimes committed on federal property, and bankruptcy cases. Additionally, federal…

  • What if I simply don’t wish to fulfill my duty as a juror?

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    What are the consequences if I don’t report for jury duty? Individuals who fail to report as directed may receive a court order to appear and explain why they didn’t comply with the summons. Any person who disregards this order or fails to provide a valid reason for not complying with the summons under the…

  • How was I chosen to serve on a jury?

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    Pursuant to the Random Selection of Grand and Petit Jurors procedure, your name was randomly picked from the certified list of registered voters provided by the court from the Secretary of State of Florida. Additionally, you submitted a Juror Questionnaire to the court, indicating your eligibility to serve as a juror in accordance with court…

  • How long will it take for me to find out if I’m chosen?

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    The duration of jury selection can vary. Typically, you should have an answer within two to three hours after the selection process begins in the courtroom, indicating whether you have been selected to serve or not.

  • How can I ask to be excused if jury service will cause excessive hardship or extreme inconvenience?

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    Guidance and requirements for requesting a hardship excuse can be located on the jury duty information page.

  • What are the expenses involved in closing a real estate transaction?

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    Closing costs encompass all the expenses required to complete the real estate transaction. These expenses may consist of, but are not limited to, fees for conducting a survey, taxes related to the transfer of property ownership, insurance fees for protecting the title, charges for settlement services, fees for agents involved, fees for points, charges for…

  • How long will the closing/settlement process take?

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    Generally, a refinance will take around 20 to 50 minutes while a purchase and sale transaction will take between 45 minutes to an hour.

  • What documents do I need to bring to my real estate Closing?

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    What should I bring to the closing/settlement? All you need to bring is yourself, along with two valid government issued picture IDs like a Driver’s License, Passport, or Military ID. Moreover, if you plan to bring funds to the closing, these funds will need to be transferred electronically. In specific cases, there might be a…

  • How does AI impact the relevance and worth of your legal services to clients?

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    With the emergence of AI (Chat GPT, etc.), clients inquire about how our legal practice can bring value in this new setting, as they frequently face uncertainty regarding the future of their profession as well. Technology will never replace the role of a lawyer as a trusted advisor and advocate. AI will never substitute for…

  • What are the legal requirements for me to file for divorce in Florida?

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    In order to obtain a divorce in this state, you must have resided here for at least six months. If you have been here for a shorter period, you must wait. To initiate a divorce case in the State of Florida, you must have lived in the state for a minimum of six months. The…

  • What happens to our property in the absence of a Living Trust?

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    Upon an individual’s demise, any property solely owned by them will necessitate some sort of probate administration for the designated heir or heirs to inherit said property. In cases where a valid will exists, it will govern the allocation of assets. However, if no will exists, the Florida Statutes determine the rightful inheritors.

  • How long does it usually take for a probate matter to be resolved?

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    How much time does the probate process usually take? The duration of a probate administration depends on various factors. Summary Administrations, also known as expedited probate processes, can be completed within weeks to months. However, for a Formal Probate, the administration takes significantly longer. Generally, these processes take between six months and one year. Uncontested…

  • How should I handle a car accident scene?

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    Despite the challenge, try to stay composed. Contact the authorities and ask them to investigate the collision in order to prepare an official report. Avoid making any statements to the other driver and passengers, except for exchanging insurance information. Even if you feel fine, refrain from admitting it at the scene. It’s possible for injuries…

  • Can you explain the concept of “informed consent”?

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    Informed consent refers to a procedure involving communication between patients and their healthcare provider, resulting in an agreement or permission for medical care, treatment, or services. It grants patients the right to receive information and pose inquiries prior to undergoing any procedures or treatments. As long as mentally competent adult patients are capable of making…

  • What are exemplary damages?

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    Exemplary damages are awarded in addition to actual damages in certain circumstances. Exemplary damages are considered punishment and are typically awarded at the court’s discretion when the defendant’s behavior is found to be especially harmful. Exemplary damages are normally not awarded in the context of a breach of contract claim.

  • What are compensatory damages?

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    If you succeed in a legal case, you might be eligible for a monetary award referred to as “damages.” Damages, typically categorized as punitive and compensatory damages, serve different purposes. While punitive damages aim to penalize the responsible party for their misconduct, compensatory damages solely aim to provide financial compensation to the injured individual.