Collins Brown Barkett, Attorneys At Law

12/20/2024

Did you know seller disclosures are not required on Florida? 🌴

BUt, if you're selling residential property and are aware of issues that aren't visible but could impact its value, you're legally required to disclose them? This stems from the landmark 1985 Florida Supreme Court case, Johnson v. Davis.

🔍 This means any underlying problems, like a leaky roof or foundation issues, must be shared with potential buyers. Not disclosing such defects can lead to legal consequences, especially if these issues are discovered after the sale process has begun.

📋 Realtors often use disclosure forms to ensure sellers share everything necessary. While this can protect both parties, be mindful! Incorrectly stating there are no issues could expose you to legal risks.

📊 Remember, transparency isn't just a good practice—it's your duty as a seller. Ensuring all material defects are disclosed not only protects you legally but also fosters trust and smoothens the transaction process.

12/12/2024

Meet Mrs. Lubas, an accomplished attorney, a Florida native, and a triple Stetson Hatter!

🎓📚 Mrs. Lubas graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2015. She then earned both her MBA and JD from Stetson University College of Law in 2019. During her studies, she interned with Food for the Poor, Inc., gaining invaluable legal experience and participating in a mission trip to Jamaica. Mrs. Lubas also served as the Sports Commissioner for the Calvin A. Kuenzel Student Bar Association and received several scholarships for her dedication and excellence.

In July 2017, she studied abroad in The Hague, Netherlands, where she completed four law courses and visited the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. After law school, she furthered her education and received a Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Florida Levin College of Law in 2020.

A proud member of The Florida Bar, Mrs. Lubas is involved in the Business Law Section, Real Property, Probate and Trust Section, Tax Section, and the Young Lawyers Division. Her practice focuses on estate planning and administration. With a strong educational background and diverse experience, Mrs. Lubas is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services.

10/29/2024

10/17/2024

Aaron Van Johnson, a Vero Beach resident for over 20 years and a dedicated attorney with extensive experience in jury and bench trials across various legal fields, including commercial litigation, family law, real estate, personal injury, construction, and criminal matters. In federal courts, Aaron has handled civil rights, multinational claims, FDIC issues, and adversarial bankruptcy cases.

Admitted to all Florida Federal District Courts and the 11th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals, Aaron is a proud member of the American Bar Association, the Florida Bar Association, the Florida Justice Association, and the Indian River County Bar Association. He has also served as Co-Chair of the Indian River County Young Lawyers Division and is currently the President of H.A.L.O., a local non-profit.

Aaron primarily focuses on litigation areas such as commercial/business law, family law/divorce, civil (including personal injury), and construction practice. For experienced and dedicated legal representation, Aaron Van Johnson is here to help.

10/01/2024

🌊 Curious about waterfront property rights in Florida? 🌴

Did you know that when Florida became a state in 1845, it took ownership of the land beneath navigable waters? This means the state holds these lands in trust for all citizens.

🏡 For those owning property by the water, riparian rights are key. These include:

🚤 Access to the water
🌊 Boating and fishing
🏊 Bathing and enjoying the view

One of the most important rights is building a dock. However, remember that this comes with certain regulations and you need permits, especially in protected areas.

Conflicts with neighbors? If you can't agree on dock placement, the courts might step in to help find a solution.

Planning a waterfront project? Make sure to get all the necessary permits from local, state, and federal agencies. Need guidance? Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the complexities and protect your rights. Contact us today! 🌟

09/26/2024

Navigating corporate law can be complex.

Whether you're starting a new business or managing an established one, understanding the legal landscape is crucial.

For expert guidance tailored to your needs, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Collins Brown Barkett.

Your business's future is our priority.

08/28/2024

Serving Vero Beach Since 1974 🌴

Collins Brown Barkett, Chartered has proudly served Vero Beach for half a century, providing expert legal representation to the community.

🔹Our Commitment:
From estate planning and family law to real estate and business law, our seasoned attorneys use tailored strategies to advance your cause and protect your assets and rights.

🔹Our History:
Since our inception in 1974, we've flourished alongside Vero Beach, guiding countless families and businesses through the legal landscape.

🔹Our Promise:
At Collins Brown Barkett, Chartered, we consider every client a friend and partner. Our mission is to provide top-tier legal services and deliver the results you deserve.

Thank you, Vero Beach, for trusting us for the past 50 years. We’re honored to have been a part of your lives and look forward to many more years of service to this wonderful community.

Here’s to a half-century of dedication and many more years of excellence! 🏆

08/22/2024

Megan Root is a Vero Beach native and a dedicated attorney at Collins Brown Barkett.

Megan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team, focusing on the areas of family law, guardianship law, probate litigation, and general civil litigation.

With her impressive background and commitment to excellence, Megan has successfully represented clients in complex legal matters. Her dedication to delivering tailored solutions ensures that each client's unique needs are met with the utmost professionalism and care. Megan's approach to legal practice is defined by her client-first philosophy. She is passionate about providing personalized legal counsel and is always ready to guide clients through the intricacies of their cases with clarity and confidence.💼✨

To learn more about how Megan and our team can assist you with your legal needs, visit VeroLaw.com or call us at (772) 231-4343.

08/12/2024

At Collins Brown Barkett, we offer a comprehensive range of legal services to meet the diverse needs of our clients. Our areas of practice include:

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰: Providing expert guidance in real estate transactions, condo and homeowners association law, property disputes, and planning and zoning approvals.

𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: Crafting personalized plans to secure your legacy and protect your family's future, including wills, trusts, and other essential documents.

𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐰: Supporting businesses with formation, contracts, and transactions.

Guardianship and Elder Law: Providing assistance when a family member suffers from incapacity issues and/or developmental disability and the need for a guardian is required to address legal, property and/or personal needs and care.

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐬: Assisting with the creation of wills, trusts, and other essential documents to ensure your wishes.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Offering compassionate and efficient assistance through the probate process.

𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐰: Addressing sensitive matters such as child custody, divorce, and support with care and expertise.

Our dedicated attorneys are here to provide you with the highest level of legal counsel and representation.

Discover how we can assist you at 🔗 VeroLaw.com.
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07/30/2024

Celebrating 50 Years of Integrity, Dedication, and Expertise on the Treasure Coast

At Collins Brown Barkett, we've proudly served our Treasure Coast clients for five decades, offering unparalleled legal assistance in real estate, estate planning, guardianship, commercial law, family law, and more. Count on our commitment to excellence for all your legal needs.

Contact us today and let us help you navigate your legal journey.

07/03/2024

🌟Meet Mr. George G. Collins, Jr., your trusted legal expert in Vero Beach, Florida, with over 50 years of dedication and service in the fields of real estate and estate planning.

Board Certified in Real Estate Law by the Florida Bar, Mr. Collins offers seasoned expertise and personalized legal solutions tailored to your needs.

📚 Education:
B.A. from Rollins College, 1965
Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law, 1968

🏛️ Professional Associations:
AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, active member of the American Bar Association, Florida Bar, and the Indian River County Bar Association (Past President), former municipal judge for Indian River County (1976-1981), long-standing affiliations with community and professional organizations including the Phi Delta Phi Legal Fraternity and the Indian River Lions Club (Past President).

🌐 Community Engagement:
30-year member and former Moderator at the Community Church of Vero Beach. Past roles include Secretary of Bent Pine Golf Club, member of the Advisory Council of Riverside Theatre, and leadership positions in numerous real estate and legal committees

📜 Has a Passion for:
Estate Planning
Probate
Real Estate Transactions

For a consultation with a distinguished expert in your community, contact George G. Collins, Jr. Your legal matters deserve the expertise and care that only decades of practice can provide.

06/25/2024

🔍 Understanding Guardianship: What You Need to Know 🔍

Guardianship is a legal process designed to provide care for individuals who are deemed incapacitated by the court, known as "wards." This critical role can involve making personal decisions for the ward, like healthcare and living arrangements, or managing their property and financial affairs.

📝 Proactive planning with life documents, like living wills and durable powers of attorney, can often prevent the need for a guardianship.

🏛️ The Process:
𝐅𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: A petition must be filed in court to evaluate an individual's capacity.
𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞: The court appoints a panel, typically including a medical doctor and other professionals, to assess the individual and recommend actions.
𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: An attorney will represent the incapacitated person, ensuring their rights are upheld throughout the proceedings.

👩‍⚖️ At the trial, the court reviews all evidence and, if the person is found incapacitated, appoints a guardian. The guardian is then responsible for submitting detailed reports on the ward's assets and a care plan.

🚫 Rights at Trial: The individual in question has the right to remain silent and is not compelled to testify against themselves.

🤔 Considering guardianship for a loved one or want to take steps to avoid it? It's essential to consult with an attorney who can guide you through the legal intricacies and advocate for the best interests of all involved.