Donley Law Firm PLLC

Donley Law Firm PLLC Excellence in legal representation: Criminal, Corporate, Estate Planning, Guardianship, Probate law.

When someone passes away with a will in Florida, the court typically appoints the person named in that will as the Perso...
06/04/2026

When someone passes away with a will in Florida, the court typically appoints the person named in that will as the Personal Representative of the estate. This role carries real legal responsibilities: gathering and protecting the deceased's assets, notifying creditors, paying valid debts and expenses, filing final tax returns, and distributing what remains to the beneficiaries named in the will.

In Florida, the Personal Representative has a fiduciary duty, meaning they are legally obligated to act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries, not in their own. The probate process moves more smoothly when the Personal Representative understands their obligations from the start and has proper guidance throughout.

Donley Law works with Personal Representatives throughout the Jacksonville area to help them fulfill their duties correctly and close estates as efficiently as possible. Call our office if you have been named to this role and want to understand what comes next.

Summer break brings more free time and, for some families, unexpected contact with the juvenile justice system. In Flori...
06/03/2026

Summer break brings more free time and, for some families, unexpected contact with the juvenile justice system. In Florida, a juvenile who is charged with an offense faces a process that is separate from the adult criminal system, with different hearings, different terminology, and different possible outcomes.

An arrest does not automatically mean a record that follows your child everywhere, but how the case is handled in its earliest stages matters significantly. Florida offers diversion programs for first-time and lower-level offenders, and understanding whether your child qualifies is one of the first questions to ask.

If your family is navigating a juvenile matter in Duval, Clay, or surrounding counties, we can walk you through what the process looks like and what options may be available. Visit donleylawfirm.com to learn more about our juvenile defense practice.

Summer travel season is a good time to review your estate planning documents before you leave Florida. If you have a wil...
06/02/2026

Summer travel season is a good time to review your estate planning documents before you leave Florida.

If you have a will, power of attorney, or health care surrogate designation, confirm that they reflect your current wishes and that the people named are still the right choices.

Florida law requires specific ex*****on formalities for these documents, including proper witnesses and notarization, and a document that does not meet those requirements may not be honored when it matters most.

A plan that was right five years ago may not account for changes in your family, your assets, or your wishes today.

Reviewing your documents before a trip is one of the most practical steps you can take for your family's protection.

Call our office to schedule a review before you travel.

When a Will Is Contested in Florida Not every family agrees on a loved one's final wishes, and when that happens, the re...
05/28/2026

When a Will Is Contested in Florida

Not every family agrees on a loved one's final wishes, and when that happens, the result can be a will contest. In Florida, a will can be challenged on several grounds: the person lacked mental capacity when they signed it, they were under undue influence from someone else, the document wasn't properly executed, or a newer will exists.

Will contests can delay probate significantly and create lasting tension within families. At Donley Law Firm, we help families navigate these disputes with care, whether you're defending a valid will or raising legitimate concerns about one that doesn't reflect your loved one's true intentions.

If you're facing a dispute over a loved one's will, on either side, we're here to help you navigate it. 904-265-5422.

Ask A Lawyer: What are my rights if I'm being investigated for a crime? You have the right to remain silent and request ...
05/27/2026

Ask A Lawyer: What are my rights if I'm being investigated for a crime?

You have the right to remain silent and request an attorney. Avoid discussing the case with anyone except your legal representative to prevent complications.

If you've been contacted by investigators, the next steps you take matter. We're here to help. 904-265-5422.

Legal Tip Tuesday:  Understanding "Pretrial Release Conditions"After an arrest, the court may require you to follow spec...
05/26/2026

Legal Tip Tuesday: Understanding "Pretrial Release Conditions"

After an arrest, the court may require you to follow specific conditions, like curfews, travel restrictions, mandatory classes, or no-contact orders.

Missing even one can lead to a violation and additional consequences. Keep written copies of all instructions and ask questions early. Clarity now helps you avoid problems later.

Need help understanding your conditions? Call 904-265-5422.
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Today we pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country. Their sacrifice made possible...
05/25/2026

Today we pause to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to this country.

Their sacrifice made possible the freedoms we exercise every day, including the right to fair treatment, legal protection, and equal justice under the law.

From all of us at Donley Law Firm, we are grateful, and we remember.

Criminal Defense Strategies  A strong criminal defense strategy starts long before trial. From reviewing evidence and id...
05/21/2026

Criminal Defense Strategies

A strong criminal defense strategy starts long before trial. From reviewing evidence and identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case to negotiating when appropriate and preparing for court, every step matters.

At Donley Law Firm, we help clients understand their legal options and build defense strategies focused on protecting their rights and future.

Call 904-265-5422 to learn more.

Ask A Lawyer: Do I need to update my estate plan after a divorce?  "I just went through a divorce. Do I need to update m...
05/20/2026

Ask A Lawyer: Do I need to update my estate plan after a divorce?

"I just went through a divorce. Do I need to update my estate plan?"

Absolutely, and sooner rather than later. In Florida, divorce automatically revokes certain provisions that name a former spouse as a beneficiary in a will, but it does not update everything automatically.

Trusts, powers of attorney, health care surrogate designations, and beneficiary designations on life insurance or retirement accounts may still list an ex-spouse. Reviewing these documents after a major life change helps ensure your wishes and assets are protected.

Divorce changes some documents automatically, but not all. We're here to help you review what still needs updating.

Protecting Your Business When a Key Employee Leaves:Losing a key employee can be disruptive, but it becomes a legal conc...
05/14/2026

Protecting Your Business When a Key Employee Leaves:

Losing a key employee can be disruptive, but it becomes a legal concern when they take clients, trade secrets, or proprietary information with them.

In Florida, non-compete and non-solicitation agreements are enforceable when they're reasonable in time, geographic scope, and the interests they protect. But the enforceability depends heavily on how the agreement was drafted. If you don't have these protections in place, or if a departing employee is violating an existing agreement, acting quickly matters.

At Donley Law Firm, we help business owners both prevent these situations with strong contracts and respond effectively when they arise.

Whether you're trying to prevent a problem or already responding to one, we're here to help you protect your business. 904-265-5422.

Address

1700 Wells Road, Suite 27
Orange Park, FL
32073

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19042655422

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