Adoption
From a legal perspective, adoption creates a relationship between an adult and child where one did not previously exist. Adoption is the process of legally terminating the child’s legal or biological parents’ rights and granting parental rights, responsibilities, and custody of the child to the new adoptive parents.
Appeals
The attorneys of Widerman Malek have a varied and extensive focus on appellate law. Our appellate experience includes the drafting of appellate briefs and presentation of oral argument in the federal courts, the Florida Supreme Court and the district courts of Florida.
Our attorneys handle appeals involving business and corporate law, and complex litigation cases which include breach of contract, real estate transactions, construction disputes and other property rights cases. In addition, WM also handles family law appeals, including equitable distribution, support and paternity issues, probate and guardianship appeals, as well as personal injury appeals.
Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy law is complicated, made even more so because there are several types of bankruptcy. Additionally, though there is a United States Bankruptcy Code (Title 11 of the United States Code), each state may have its own statutes, particularly for claims and exemptions. For individuals, businesses and other entities considering bankruptcy, these factors make an already difficult decision further challenging. The bankruptcy team at Widerman Malek helps clients navigate the complex process.
Business Litigation
Facing a lawsuit is a difficult situation for anyone. Business dealings put business owners in many situations that can lead to disputes which become lawsuits, both on the plaintiff (suing) or defendant (being sued) side.
Litigation is the process of resolving disputes through the court system. It involves drafting and filing lawsuits, engaging in discovery such as taking depositions, filing and responding to various motions, attending hearings, and ultimately conducting a trial.
Collections
At Widerman Malek, PL, we represent debtors and creditors, giving us the perspective to anticipate and prepare for what’s next. Whether you are a lender or a borrower, we have the experience you need to collect what you are owed — or to stop harassment from abusive creditors.
Do you have a judgment you can’t collect on? Accounts receivable gathering dust? Credit card companies hounding you day and night or even your wages being garnished? We can help.
Condo and HOA
Widerman Malek,PL is a leader in Florida community association (condominium and home owner’s association) law. We can handle the any of the diverse issues facing your condo or HOA.
More so than other areas of the law, community association law changes frequently — new laws and changes sometimes occur as often as every few months as new bills are passed and courts interpret laws differently.
Construction Law
Widerman Malek, PL’s substantial experience in construction law, including personal experience working for years in the construction and design industry, has given us the opportunity to represent a variety of industry professionals: property owners, developers, construction managers, architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, manufacturers, and government entities. We have also worked to resolve matters with each of these industry professionals, including all levels of government entities, such as water management districts, the Florida Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and many others.
Copyrights
Widerman Malek, PL provides their clients a full range of services involved in obtaining federal copyright protection. WM can also assist you in all facets of copyright law including copyright infringement and enforcement, as well as copyright licensing.
Corporate and Business Law
Widerman Malek, PL can handle all aspects of your business law needs. We create corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other business entities for our clients. We assist in holding shareholder and director meetings, issuing stock or membership certificates, and preparing documents such as articles of incorporation, bylaws, and meeting minutes. We help our clients with tax planning, employee and insurance issues, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. We also prepare all necessary agreements, including shareholder agreements, partnership agreements, employment agreements, non-compete agreements, and other agreements as needed.
Data Security
As the sharing of sensitive personal information increases, ensuring the protection of that information is a top priority. Having a thorough plan in place to address the collection, protection, and sharing of personal information is essential.
The Data Security law group at Widerman Malek, PL provides the assistance you need to carefully examine what sensitive personal information is used in your course of business, how that information is used, and design a plan that both enables you to make the most of that information while also protecting that information from unauthorized access.
Eminent Domain
Over the years, our team has represented owners of all types of properties. We have experience with a variety of condemning authorities, including the State of Florida, cities, counties, school boards, and transportation authorities. Our team members focus on two issues. First, we coordinate with the condemning authority to lessen the impact of the taking on our clients’ property and business. Second, where that is not possible, we work diligently to secure the highest amount allowable under the law to compensate our clients for the damages they are suffering. Our depth of knowledge and team approach ensures that Widerman Malek, PL is the right choice – whether the case involves trial advocacy, mediation, or negotiation. In addition, our attorneys are experienced in appellate advocacy, able to handle any type of appeal that would benefit our clients.
Employment
Widerman Malek, PL provides a full range of legal services for employers. The firm’s attorneys have substantial experience in the practice of employment law and litigation and have regularly advised employers in the following areas of state and federal employment law…
Estate Planning and Probate
Estate planning is one of the most important steps any person can take to make sure that their final property and health care wishes are honored, and that loved ones are provided for in their absence. Though often overlooked or put off in favor of more immediate concerns, a comprehensive estate plan can resolve a number of legal questions that arise whenever a person passes.
Family Law
Widerman Malek’s family law team focuses on several things: minimizing conflict, protecting children and protecting assets.
First and foremost, we listen to our clients and work as a team to identify the best approach based on their priorities.
We pride ourselves on developing personalized solutions to help clients navigate difficult family situations.
Foreclosure
If you’re facing foreclosure, you are NOT alone. Foreclosure filings are at an all time high. If a foreclosure lawsuit has recently been filed against you, this does NOT mean that you have to lose your home. You have more rights than you think, rights your creditors do not want you to know. If you have steady, regular income and the desire to keep your home, call us now for more information. Don’t delay – call us now. For a FREE Consultation call (321) 255-332 or (877) 868-7239
Franchise
At its most basic, franchising is a way of doing business where a party creates a business model and then makes that model available to others in exchange for royalty payments so they can replicate it. While it sounds simple, franchising is actually a legally complex and regulated field.
Whether you are considering taking your business to the next level by developing a franchise network or are considering starting a business as a franchisee, our Franchise Group can help guide you through the process.
Government Agencies
Widerman Malek, PL has long served as general counsel and/or special counsel to numerous municipalities, special districts, public boards, and public agencies.
Government Contracts
Widerman Malek, PL represents clients with government contract disputes and bid protests as well as clients with issues involving contract formation, interpreting terms and conditions, preparing and submitting claims and litigating complex disputes before Federal and State Courts, Boards of Contact Appeals and the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Guardianships
Guardianships are legal proceedings involving the appointment of a guardian to exercise the legal rights of an incapacitated individual, whether an adult or minor child. Less restrictive means of intervention and other options are also available for those in need of additional care. We offer comprehensive legal services which allow us to counsel clients who believe a guardianship may be necessary for an individual, clients who wish to contest an appointment of a guardian for themselves or others, and clients who believe a guardian is acting improperly.
Health Care
More than ever before, the health care industry is among the most highly regulated and complex industries, with extraordinary legal risks and opportunities for health care providers. Our firm offers providers with a broad range of legal services, including provider contracting; compliance with federal and state health care laws and regulations, including Stark Anti-Kickback legislation; risk management; facility construction issues; the acquisition and sale of health care facilities and practices; HIPAA and EMTALA compliance; medical records issues; billing and collection issues, including hospital liens; exclusive professional service agreements; clinical trial and research issues; Joint Commission compliance and many others.
Immigration
Immigrating to the U.S. is complex and challenging in this time of heightened border security and strict enforcement of immigration laws. Our compassionate and experienced Widerman Malek immigration team is dedicated to providing you with caring and personalized legal representation and services for achieving your U.S. immigration goals. With offices in Celebration (near Disney World) and Melbourne, Florida, we assist immigration clients locally, nationally and worldwide. Our team is at your service.
Insurance Law
The attorneys at Widerman Malek, PL are experienced in the areas of Insurance Defense/Subrogation and the rules, regulations and statutes that govern causes of actions in these areas, specifically claims of negligence and breach of contract. We can help your company recover monies paid out for genuine claims and defend you against claims of negligence and breach of contract
Intellectual Property Law
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.
Intellectual property can be the name or logo goods are sold under, a design, invention, or writing in which the creator can protect their rights by applying for a trademark, patent or copyright.
Land Use And Zoning
In today’s complex market, land use, land development, and zoning issues can be a complex and in depth endeavor for any land owner or developer. At the Law Firm of Widerman Malek, PL, our experience with regard to development and land use issues will provide the legal guidance necessary for property owners, developers, design professionals, contractors, lenders, and borrowers to help in accomplishing their development goals. As a small growing firm, assurance to the details and individual attention to your land use project is not only promised, but guaranteed.
Landlord/Tenant
The lease agreement is the foundation of all landlord/tenant interaction. Entering into a strong, well-written agreement can prevent hassle later on for both landlords and tenants. For landlords, we offer drafting services to increase the likelihood that your lease agreement will withhold under legal challenges and litigation. For tenants, we offer consultation services to ensure that you are informed of your rights as a tenant and that the agreement you may be considering is fair.
Licensing
A licensing agreement is generally a contract between an intellectual property owner (licensor) and another (licensee) desiring to use the rights owned by the intellectual property owner in exchange for a payment, or other form of consideration. An intellectual property license is just one potential avenue for an intellectual property owner to profit from their intellectual property rights.
Local Counsel
Widerman Malek, PL proudly serves as local counsel for attorneys representing clients with legal issues in the various jurisdictions of Florida. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in the State of Florida, admitted before all three of Florida’s Federal Districts, the United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and the Federal Circuit. WM’s home office is conveniently located in the Middle District of Florida, and only a short distance from Florida’s Southern and Northern Federal Districts.
Maritime Law
Our team is well-versed in admiralty/maritime law and has extensive experience working with marinas and marina owners to assist in legal matters which help them run their business. Our maritime lawyers have knowledge in both litigation and transactional matters such as ship financing and sales, environmental incidents and regulatory matters, machinery claims, land use, mechanic liens and liens for necessities, and business advice related to tax and succession planning.
Mediation
When there is a disagreement on how to resolve an issue, mediation provides a cost effective method for the parties to reach a resolution. Often even the most complex disputes can be resolved by good faith discussions assisted by a neutral mediator. While a court will always order mediation before trial, many disputes can be resolved without filing suit through the use of an experienced mediator.
Outside General Counsel Services
At Widerman Malek, we recognize that business owners and entrepreneurs are often confronted with legal matters as part of their daily operations. They need a trusted advisor to navigate through these challenges while avoiding the substantial costs that typically come with hiring a full-time legal team. To bridge this gap, we offer Outside General Counsel Services designed for privately-held businesses.
Patents
Widerman Malek, PL assists inventors in obtaining patent protection in many different technologies in both the United States and overseas. The attorneys of WM are licensed to practice before the United States Patent & Trademark Office. WM attorneys also assist their clients in negotiating patent licensing agreements. For more information on patents, please refer to the Patents FAQ.
Private Client Services
At Widerman Malek, our Private Client Services group is committed to providing a white-glove approach to serving high net-worth individuals, their families, C-Suite executives, entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers, as well as other people with complicated tax and financial structures. We listen to our client’s individual needs, as each person is different. This allows us to assist our clients in reaching their unique goals, creating a strategic plan tailored to each person or family’s specific needs and objectives.
Real Estate
The attorneys at Widerman Malek, PL assist clients with a wide range of real estate services. We review and prepare real estate and construction contracts, issue title insurance as an agent for Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, act as an escrow agent and conduct real estate closings, litigate and defend real estate litigation claims, represent homeowners’ and condominium associations, and represent property owners in a wide variety of real estate, land use, zoning, building, permitting, use, and compliance matters.
Tax
Widerman Malek has extensive experience in advising the owners and operators of small to middle-market companies about tax law matters, including entity selection and tax structuring. Through our membership with Primerus, we have access to nearly 200 member firms in more than 40 countries to assist with your domestic and international operations. Our approach to tax planning is driven by your business operations, not vice versa.
Trade Secrets
A trade secret has three parts pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1839(3) (A), (B) (1996). They are (1) information; (2) reasonable measures taken to protect the information; and (3) which derives independent economic value from not being publicly known”.
Trademark
Widerman Malek, PL provides their clients a full range of services involved in obtaining federal, state and foreign trademarks. WM can also assist you with negotiating trademark licensing agreements, trademark oppositions, trademark cancellation proceedings, and domain name disputes. For more information, please refer to the Trademarks FAQ.
