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At The Burbine Law Firm, P. A., we provide our clients with quality legal counsel in a broad variety of legal matters from foreclosure defense and land use issues to estate planning and probate adminstration to divorces. We also offer representation from real estate transactions and insurance disputes to boundary disputes. Additionally, of counsel to our firm is Nicole R. Ramirez and Fabian R. Lokenauth.  Ms. Nicole R. Ramirez has been a practicing attorney for 15 years. She focuses her practice on sink hole litigation;  corporate /business formation; personal injury; emloyment law; wills and trust; copyright and tradmark law and guardianships. Mr. Lokenauth focuses his paractice on foreclosure defense; business transactions and aviation law. At The Burbine Law Firm, P. A. we can provide full service representation for our clients. Mr. Burbine has also created a full service Residential Property Management division within the Firm.

We strive to provide our clients the personal contact, experience and confidential advice you need to maneuver through the laws of Florida.

We are committed to assisting you in a timely manner, and communication is the key to serving our clients well. You will never be left in the dark about your case; we return calls, e-mails & faxes as promptly as possible, and we will never miss a legal deadline.  Our goal is to provide you with exceptional, courteous service in your time of need.

REAL ESTATE

FAMILY LAW / DIVORCE

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At The Burbine Law Firm, P.A., we are dedicated to providing you with comprehensive real estate representation that is tailored to suit the details of your individual situation. From purchase and sale agreements to issues related to mortgage foreclosures to tenant/landlord and boundary disputes, we can help. We apply our experience and knowledge to pursue the best possible resolution for your situation.

One of the most important investments you or your business will make is real property.  We can guide you through the entire process of your real estate transaction.  Whether a commercial or residential sale or purchase, whether the transaction involves a individual, business entity or land trusts, we can prepare and/or review your sale and purchase agreement, and your broker's agreements.  We can assist in clearing title, securing title insurance, closing on the sale and purchase, and perhaps most importantly, ensuring that you understand your rights, obligations and the costs associated with your real property transaction.  Buyers who paid earnest money deposits may find that a seller did not comply with contract terms, and may be entitled to a return of their deposit. After closing, a buyer may find defects in the property which were not adequately disclosed.  Our firm can help you determine whether there is a legal solution to your real estate matter.

Comprehensive legal service:

We are committed to providing cost-efficient legal services to our clients by offering every real estate service they need to successfully complete the transaction. We provide real estate buyers and sellers with full-service representation in transactional work and litigation. We offer more than legal advice; Mr. Burbine is a Member/Agent of Attorneys Title Insurance Fund and can help with title searches, title insurance, and title examinations. If you need someone to act as an escrow agent for your transaction, we can help.

The segment of the Firm’s Real Estate practice includes:

• Real Estate Litigation
• FORECLOSURE DEFENSE
• Preparation of Real Estate Contracts
• Drafting Leases
• Residential and Commercial Closings
• Preparation of Deeds, Notes, Assignments and Mortgages
• Builder Contract Review, Analysis and Negotiations
• Commercial and Residential Landlord/Tenant Disputes: Evictions
• Fraud in the Inducement or Performance
• Recovery of Deposits
• Title Insurance Review
• Removal of Lis Pendens Lien
• Boundary Disputes
• Adverse Possession
• Easement Disputes
• Broker’s Commission
• General Contract Disputes and Enforcement
• Residential Property Management

The Burbine Law Firm, P.A. provides both individuals and families with comprehensive probate, guardianship and estate planning services. The Firm also counsels clients in techniques for conserving, managing, and transferring wealth.  We listen to our clients’ goals, needs, and concerns and prepare cost-effective estate planning documents for them. Whether you need a will, simple trust agreement, living will, or durable power of attorney, we offer personal attention in all phases of probate, guardianship and estate planning, including will and trust litigation. The Firm recognizes that each client has specific and unique legal goals and we treat each client with the utmost respect as we assist them in administering their estates and trusts or formulating and implementing their estate plans. When our clients’ legal needs require advice in other non-legal areas, we work closely and consult with other advisors such as accountants, financial advisors, insurance agents, and bankers.

Florida Estate Planning

An estate plan is more than just a will. It is a carefully crafted set of documents that allows you to transfer your assets to others after your death. A sound estate plan also includes a living will, which describes your wishes regarding end-of-life care, and a power of attorney, which names the person you would like to make important decisions for you if you one day become unable to make them yourself.

Everyone needs a well thought out estate plan. The Burbine Law Firm, P.A. makes the estate planning process clear and understandable. We provide complete estate planning packages that are tailored to your needs.

It Starts With Listening to You

At our law firm, the estate planning process starts by carefully listening to our clients' needs then suggesting appropriate estate planning strategies to help them achieve their goals. If you have a child with severe disabilities, for example, we may suggest establishing a special needs trust that can provide for his or her care. A living trust is an appropriate solution for many clients. It can protect your assets during your life and offers tax advantages for the trust beneficiaries after your death. Wills and trusts help preserve your assets for your beneficiaries, whether they are your children, other relatives or a favorite charity. After a death, our law firm helps clients with probate and estate administration. We inventory and evaluate the estate, pay outstanding debts and transfer the remaining assets according to those named in the will.

Without a will, an estate will go through probate court, a process that can be lengthy and expensive. Don't put the assets you have worked so hard to accumulate at risk. We represent the designated probate representative or next of kin.

As your trusted, professional, and experienced attorney, Mr. Burbine can offer assistance with a large variety of your probate, estate planning and guardianship matters including:

• Probate
• Estate and Inheritance Dispute
• Guardianships
• Contested Determination of Incapacity
• Contested Appointment of Incapacity
• Contested Appointment of Guardians
• Estate Planning
• Last Wills and Testaments
• Revocable Living Trust Agreement
• Living Wills
• Health Care Surrogates
• HIPPA Releases
• Declarations of Pre-Need Guardian
• Durable Powers of Attorney
• Estate and Trust Administration
• Mental and/or Physical Incapacity
• Buy-Sell Agreements
• Declarations of Domicile
• Notices of Homestead Designation of Real Property before Levy

Landlord/Tenant Law is a very complicated and difficult area for someone who has not received proper training and experience. For the greatest possible result, it is strongly recommended that you have a professional assist you regarding your Landlord/Tenant situation. At The Burbine Law Firm, P.A. we can assist with any Landlord/Tenant matter. Our services include, but are not limited to:

• Landlord non-compliance
• Any Typical Dispute Between a Landlord and a Tenant Revolving Around Lease or Rental Agreement
• Non-payment of Rent
• Violation of Lease Provisions
• Noise Violations
• Fighting or Other Disruptive Behavior

The Burbine Law Firm, P. A. also provides consultation for the following landlord-tenant hot topics:

• Lease or Rental Agreement
• Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• Model Residential Landlord-Tenant Code
• "Repair and Deduct"
• Constructive Eviction
• The Eviction Process

Sometimes people find themselves, for a number of reasons, financially distressed or looking for a means to void a contract for the construction or purchase of a new home, condominium or a business. The playing field is not always level. With an attorney’s aide, you may be able to negotiate some or all of your deposit back and recover additional damages. The firm may be able to protect you against a builder’s attempt to declare you in default and claiming forfeiture of your deposit. In such situations, builders may improperly try to push their claimed superior position and threaten you with additional damages.

Looking to purchase a new home, condominium, or piece of land or other commercial or residential property? Each contract is generally different. We can review the contracts for a flat rate to advise you of any concerns and any potential sources of dispute before such disputes arise. Why wait until there is a dispute, or worse, a financially detrimentally situation or lawsuit when you should know going into the contract what is at stake. Questions as to when, if ever, you can get your deposit back, time frames for each party to perform, what rights you have when there are delays or when the project must be completed? What happens if you cannot obtain financing, or worse, must default? You owe it to yourself and your family to have an attorney review the contract before you sign.

Deposit and Investment Recovery:

Our firm has represented purchasers who, for various reasons, were either unable to close on the sale and sought recovery of their deposits. We have successfully negotiated favorable results on the recovery of deposits against builders.

The Burbine Law Firm, P.A. has been engaged by clients seeking the return of deposit monies and down payments used to secure pre-construction homes. Unfortunately, many buyers entered into contracts for real estate as investments: the practice of “flipping” when the real estate market in Florida was at its peak and find themselves in financial stress or even facing bankruptcy.

Our firm offers those buyers an opportunity to analyze all the contracts and agreements with the developers and recover their deposit monies on these pre-construction units – many times with interest on that money. Developers and Builders sometimes use contracts with language and terms that are inconsistent with both Florida and Federal law. Please contact The Burbine Law Firm, P.A. to review your contract and discuss your options including revocation of the agreement and complete recovery of all deposit monies.

If you are seeking a refund for your construction deposit or you believe there has been a violation of your new home or condominium purchase agreement, The Burbine Law Firm, P.A. can help you. There may be multiple options for you, but typically the Builder or Developer will not take you seriously without representation by an attorney. Your own actions can be deemed a waiver of your rights and claims against the builder or developer. Time is of the essence, so act now and contact The Burbine Law Firm, P. A.. Your commercial or residential real estate represents a major investment for your family or business. If a developer, builder or contractor has failed perform as obligated according to your contract or applicable State or Federal law, you can take action to recover your construction or building contract deposit.

We Explore All Options in Resolving Your Contract Dispute

At The Burbine Law Firm, P.A., we recognize that real estate contract disputes can stall a construction project of any size. We work hard to identify the dispute and resolve it between both parties through negotiations and proven legal strategies. With so much time and money at stake, you need to have the contract reviewed for enforceability and severability before filing a lawsuit. We can review all contracts and put them to the test under the law, allowing you with an educated decision on whether to take the dispute to the courts.

Experience in Contract Creation and Litigation

Our experience in drafting real estate contracts comes into play when resolving contract disputes. We know how to create and properly draft a contract. With that experience and knowledge, your rights receive maximum protection in a contract dispute.

REAL ESTATE

LANDLORD/TENANT DISPUTES

CONTRACT REVIEW SERVICES

GOVERNMENT LAW

ESTATE PLANNING

FAMILY LAW / DIVORCE

We provide representation in all aspects of governmental law including; regulatory compliance (nuisance abatement defense), enforcement actions, municipal law and administrative proceedings before local, state and federal agencies.

Development, Planning and Land Use Law:

At The Burbine Law Firm, P. A., we are experienced in negotiating with governmental agencies and officials who determine land use policies and determine land use zoning decisions.  Mr. Burbine has appeared before elected and appointed governmental boards regarding development and enforcement of local ordinances and regulations, as well as, other government issus that affect clients’ legal rights. 

We provide legal representation for clients in land use and zoning issues.  This includes due diligence on properties prior to purchase, municipal special exceptions, zoning requests and hearings, rezoning, permitting requests, variances, land use plan amendments, administrative and governmental appeals of land use decisions, and legal representation at all levels of the land use and planning process.  Our land use and zoning practice typically coordinates all aspects of the approval process for real estate developments including supervision of experts and technical consultants; presentations before governmental bodies; lobbying of elected officials; and serving as the main contact for the client so he or she may quickly learn the status of the land use and zoning process. 

It has been said that the three most important features of real estate are location, location, and location. The only problem is that in these days of urban planning your location, location, location may not permit your use, your use, your use. We have represented landowners before every local governmental agency on matters involving land use. We have the experience, expertise, and resources to handle your land use planning challenges. Challenge us with your problems.

At The Burbine Law Firm, P.A., we also represent clients in defending city and county code enforcement actions to enforce building codes and other local ordinances. We also specialize in nuisence abatement defense.  We work with local government officials to create solutions that will win approval by governmental authorities. Additionally, we are available to litigate and appeal adverse code enforcement decisions if negotiations eventually fail.

The Burbine Law Firm, P.A. has experience handling matters for property owners, commercial developers, and individuals, and we have experience working with local municipalities and county governments, on behalf of our clients, to ensure development sites are properly zoned. Since zoning follows each county's Comprehensive Land Use Plan, changes in land use and zoning typically require an alteration or amendment of the county's Future Land Use Map. These maps are drawn to anticipate land use changes related to growth, development, and infrastructure needs such as roads and sewers.
 
We routinely work with developers and counties to fit development into the Future Land Use Plan. By partnering with our clients, we can often work out developer agreements with planning and zoning boards, regional boards, County commissions, and the Department of Community Affairs in Tallahassee that allow for the commercial development of property.
 
When county zoning and land use maps are overly restrictive, we have the knowledge and resources to bring real estate litigation matters to court. In some cases, our firm pursues inverse condemnation actions when land use and zoning restrictions effectively result in the taking of property.

Permitting

We regularly assist clients in obtaining building and other administrative permits. These include environmental permits, local government building permits, permits and approvals required by accessibility laws, coastal permits, flood plain approvals and other development permits necessary to commence and complete projects. We have knowledge of the Uniform Florida Building Code, state and federal accessibility laws, and applicable life safety codes.

We have experience handling public hearings, quasi-judicial hearings, administrative proceedings and appeals. We evaluate both the legal and political aspects of the zoning process and we help clients navigate through difficult issues presented by project opponents.   Nearly every real estate development or commercial real estate venture is subject to governmental licensing, permits, supervision, and compliance requirements.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND REGULATORY

When you or your business is required to make an appearance before a governmental body, you have the right to legal representation. If an agency decision substantially interferes with a property or personal interest, you have the right to have that decision reviewed by an administrative law judge or within the administrative process. Contact our office for a complimentary telephone consultation.

The Burbine Law Firm, P.A. deals with issues that arise between our clients and federal, state and local governments, boards, agencies and commissions.  We are equipped to provide legal advice and legal representation to clients before administrative agencies. We provide representation in all aspects of administrative law including, regulatory compliance, enforcement actions, municipal law, and administrative proceedings before local, state and federal agencies. Often, we have the familiarity necessary to provide our clients with the opportunity to access state government in ways that permit resolution of concerns in an informal arena, without the need to resort to adversarial hearings or proceedings. When more formal actions are required, we have to traveled to Tallahassee for the purpose of obtaining the desired results for our clients.

The following are some areas in which we provide representation:

Working to Resolve your Divorce Promptly

Whenever your divorce involves complex issues that you do not fully understand, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced family law attorney. At The Burbine Law Firm, P. A., we guide families, including those serving in the military, through all aspects of the divorce process. We have advised many families about their legal options during marital dissolutions and military divorces.

If you are ready to file for a divorce contact us for a complimentary telephone consultation about your case. We also help active duty military personnel and military spouses who are stationed all over the world obtain divorces in Florida courts.